Lucy Helen Cahill Shene - 8/19/1926 - 9/17/2004, died of brain cancer
Lucy Helen - devoted sister, beloved wife, selfless mother, doting grandmother, adoring great grandmother, compassionate aunt, awesome mother-in-law, inspiring sister-in-law, wonderful friend and neighbor. All who knew you were amazed and inspired by you. How could one person organize and execute a lifetime agenda that encompassed so much?!!
At the tender age of thirteen, you were left without your father but with a strong sense for nurturing your siblings. You set the example and expected them to follow, never letting them forget what your father had taught you. Always the overachiever, you were out of high school and business school, and on to the work world while still a teenager. At nineteen, you became a young bride anxious to start your family. Wow, what a family!
For nearly fifty-nine years, you lived with your mate through thick and thin. Together you gave the world sixteen wonderful children. We, your children, saw how you loved, honored and usually obeyed your mate. Once again you set the example and expected us to follow. Although your children didn't realize until we were out in the world, that not all families have mothers who were as nurturing, caring, and selflessly giving as you, we soon came to appreciate you as a mother and a friend. You were a source of information about things too numerous to mention. "Go ask Ma!" is a phrase we heard so often from Dad. Your mind was like a steel trap. It is so ironic that God chose to allow that brain to be the source of your life's end.
God reclaimed two of your children before He came for you, but you never lost your faith in Him. Your faith has sustained you through the years. The power of prayer was obvious to you. You prayed for more people for whom God interceded. Many of these same people have prayed to God for you. Your soul is safe in heaven now with all those who had to leave your life prematurely - your father and mother, your sons, your sisters.
We who are left behind will grieve for you, for our loss of your presence. You have left us so many wonderful memories. As long as we have them, we will always have you in our lives. We love you dearly, we will miss you daily, and we all await the awesome family reunion we'll have in heaven. Love you, Mom - God bless.
-- Jean Thiessen and Teri Hoen, 9/20/2004