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Shirley Cudihy Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Cudihy
Karen Rich
October 30, 2008
I was outside the hotel sitting on a bench. Moms funeral was just yesterday and it still didn't seem real to me. I should be calling her, letting her know how the day went. She wouldn't be there to answer the phone. Looking up at the telephone wires I see 3 cow birds (that's what mom used to call them) and it brings to mind that I so wanted to have doves released at her funeral. We all decided against it since the weather was supposed to be rainy with thunderstorms - but as usual - the weatherman was wrong and it was just dreary --- we could have done it. I so regretted not getting the doves --- we were going to release 3 - just like those cow birds on the wire but I really wanted a flock of birds released -- but mom would have had a fit if she knew what it cost. As soon as the thought crossed my mind, over my head white doves flew to the field directly across the street from my bench. At first about 12 --then behind them another 20, then 50, then another 100. They kept coming ...flying over my head and landing in from of me until the entire field was white with doves. I don't know if my tears were from grief or perhaps they were from joy because I knew something miraculous was happening. There were hundreds of doves. Then the entire field lifted up and flew inches above the ground, landed and flew in circles around the field again and again. I had no doublt my mom was there. I watched this spectacle for about 10 minutes. Then... as a last show of proof... the entire field rose in unison and circled one last time around one single bird still standing in the middle of the field. They all left in the same direction they came -- directly over my head --- the single dove stayed on the field alone. She was still for another few minutes, looking at me across from her on the hotel bench. With tears running down my face I watched her...and then finally... very gracefully... she lifted off and flew into the morning sun --- I watched her fly away on her own until she was just a dot in the sky. I then thanked God for his kindness in sending his angels to escort my mother to give me some comfort and to prove to me she is with You and content and will still watch over her children when they need her --- with Your blessing. I Believe
Grandma's Garden Friend
October 29, 2008
One of Grandma's Christmas Flowers
October 29, 2008
Grandma Had Every Kind of Daisy
October 29, 2008
A Favorite Flower
October 29, 2008
Gradma's Love of Birdhouses
October 29, 2008
Loving Life
October 29, 2008
You've Got The Green Thumb
October 29, 2008
Loving Memories
October 29, 2008
The Happy Couple
October 29, 2008
A Favorite Flower!
October 28, 2008
Fruit of Your Labor!
October 28, 2008
Grandma, Mom, Wife
October 28, 2008
Grandma's Garden
October 28, 2008
A Summer Day
October 28, 2008
Grandma in her garden
Tommy and Hailey
October 28, 2008
Gramma we love you dearly and will miss you a lot, we hope your watching out for us. Love you.
Love Tommy and Hailey
Lisa Cavanagh
October 28, 2008
Mom, we will always think of you as a great mom. You were the mom during a snow storm that would help us finish our paper route. The mom who would toboggan us down the street with the dog biting at your pants the whole way. The mom who would spend Saturday night on the family room floor with a big bowl of popcorn watching Carol Burnett, and how about those Pennsylvania hikes through the scary mountainous terrain with the snakes and the bears that sent us running back to the car. Tess you can vouch for this! How about those trips where our vacation wasn’t at Disney World but at Orange Bridge, with a picnic basket on the back of the station wagon and all of us kids went cray fishing all day. It was the best! Your sense of humor and your knack for always making time! The way you just sparkled drew people to you. You taught us to love all animals, and planting flowers and vegetables was a must. You recycled always, even before it became sheek. Every time you spent time with grandchildren you had a funny story to tell. At my house it was the game of trouble you played, feeling no need to let those kids win. You were the non traditional grandma, the grandma that had two kinds of apple tree and two kinds of pear tree. Grapes, currents, red raspberries, black berries, “kids get a cup and go pickin’” she’d say. You were a great sibling to Tess, Butch, and Renie caring every minute about what happened in their lives. Each one was special and unique in their own way, and you always kept in touch, that’s a must she’d say. In the way you lived your life taught us lots, Love your husband and kids first and don’t sweat the small stuff. We thank you for your humor, we use it in our own daily lives. Your love for nature from the deer to the birds to the bugs. The way you would spend your average day with Dad weeding the garden, walking at the park, doing errands, and cooking supper, You had a blast everyday. We thank you for this, it has made us good people, good parents, good spouses, and good friends. We love you lots, we will miss you more then you’ll ever know. We hope you will be looking out for us because we will miss your helpful ways.
Love always,
Your Kids
Matt Smith
October 6, 2008
Dear Cudihy family,
I was saddened and heartbroken to hear that Shirley had passed. She was an absolutley amazing person and loved very much. I'm very thankful for knowing her and for the time that I spent living with her while the house was being built. She was never anything short of loving and caring. I love how she always made me laugh, and I know she is around watching over us all. I wish the entire family my best.
Mike and Donna Koester
October 5, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all through this time of sorrow. I know you are wondering how you will get through this but you will find a way. It is never easy but her love and memories will live on forever in your hearts. She was a wonderful person. She will be missed by all
Amy Smith
October 4, 2008
Dear Cudihy Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. There are no words strong enough to describe the shock, pain and greif of losing someone who was so wonderful, full of life, and loving toward all those around her. Although we were not lucky enough to grow up with Shirley as our grandmother, she accepted us into her family when my mom and Jim married and always made us feel loved and at home in her presence. My mom always told me how Grandma Shirley asked how I was doing after I moved away. That made me feel so special and I couldn't wait to visit for the holidays and catch up. Shirley was such a special woman who touched all of those around her. It seems so unfair that she was taken away so early, but we keep her in our thoughts always and pray she's in a wonderful place. The holidays and visits home will never be the same. She will be greatly missed. The entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Amy, Clinton, and Kira
Doug & Lori DiMillo
October 4, 2008
Judy, Jim, and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss...our thoughts and prayers are with you
jeanie McManigal
October 3, 2008
Stop by for a Reeses peanut buttercup on Halloween night it was my Mon and Dad tradition
jeanie mcmanigal
October 3, 2008
To all that came , written a note,senta card,and sent flowers to my mom , I thank you. Its been very hard the past week but seeing familiar faces and meeting friends of my mom ,my brother and my sisters and dad it made it a little easier . we will continue her legacy on Walnut st planting flowers, tomatoes,family gatherings sharing with others. Her memory must go on not only for you but my dear Dad and family.
I Love you all, and I thank you,God Bless
jeanie mcmanigal
October 3, 2008
To all that came , written a note,senta card,and sent flowers to my mom , I thank you. Its been very hard the past week but seeing familiar faces and meeting friends of my mom ,my brother and my sisters and dad ,it made it a little easier . we will continue her legacy on Walnut st planting flowers, tomatoes,family gatherings sharing with others. Her memory must go on not only for you but my dear Dad and family.
I Love you all, and I thank you,God Bless
mike ward
October 3, 2008
jim:
so sorry to hear about Shirley. my prayers are with you and your family.
Ryan Mcmanigal
October 3, 2008
i always loved you grandma, you where the one who gave me interest in animals, i still remeber taking nature walks with you and see the birds singing. I still remember the day you gave me the hamster, he was so cute and little, he was kind and loving just like you, even today i have him. You would always tell me the storys of the animals that take a visit in your garden. I would always here the birds singing in your garden and i can tell they are singing to you in the heavens above.
RIP grandma <3
Pasquale LoVullo
October 2, 2008
Caitlin,Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Donna Foucha (Nagle)
October 2, 2008
I was so sorry to hear that we lost Shirley, she was such a warm and wonderful woman, I'll never forget the first time she gave my mother duck and goose eggs which looked at that time like dinosaur eggs! I will always remember the "girls" (her ducks)proudly strutting up and down Walnut!
Condolences to the whole family -
Donna Lea
Martie and Tony Anibaldi
October 1, 2008
Gina, Lisa, Jim and Karen It is hard to know just what to say at a time like this. I hope you all know how very loved you all are Just as your mother loved all of you. Everyone who got to know your mom couldn't help but fall in love with her. Her smile her Laughter and yes even some old jokes. Lisa you have so much of her in you. Our prayers are with you all.
John & Joann Maddigan (Sees)
October 1, 2008
Jim & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. The town (and the world) was made brighter by Shirley and her gardens. She will always be fondly remembered by us. You will be in our prayers.
Jackie Kaminski
October 1, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of the Cudihy family. Shirley was such a wonderful woman in so many ways. I will always remember her as having the most beautiful garden of anyone I have ever known. I will miss her dearly.
Shawntell Kandefer
October 1, 2008
Jim & Family,
Our condlolences go out to u & your family,We are Very sorry to hear about your loss
From all of us @
Kandefer Plumbing & Heating
Debbie Murphy (Kaminski)
October 1, 2008
Dear Jim, Karen, Jimmy, Jeanie & Lisa, I am so saddended to hear of Shirley's passing. She was a wonderful, caring and loving person. God bless her soul.
Diane Shaver
October 1, 2008
Gina and Family,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Diane Shaver
October 1, 2008
Caitlin and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Matthew Shaver
October 1, 2008
Caitlin, Iam so sorry to hear about your Grandma, I lost my Grandma to a year ago, I know how you feel. Always remember the great times you had with her, now you have your own angel like I do. Be strong and take care of Grandpa.Love, Your little friend Matt.
Danielle McManigal
October 1, 2008
Grandma i will never forget you. You always believed in your grandchildren you thought i could do anything if i put my mind to it. Im going to miss your laugh, your jokes. Holidays,birthdays will not be the same with out you. You were the rock of the family Look out for your family grandma your my guardian angel I LOVE YOU!
Sonny Choops
October 1, 2008
Jim & Family,
So sorry about your loss, you have my Deepest Sympathy.
Marge Twiss-Lavery
October 1, 2008
Jim & Family-
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Walnut Rd. will not be the same without her. She was a kind, generous and special lady. I will miss seeing her puttering in the garden and our "fence chats". Her smile and wave everytime I saw her always brightened my day. Can you imagine the garden she has now? - No deer, no weeds, no bugs! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
janine paget
October 1, 2008
my deepest sympathy for your loss. heaven will be even a better spot now with another mom there. my heart and soul are with you .
Kelly Gras
October 1, 2008
Judy, Jim and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your lost. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Remember the good times and laughter to help ease your pain.
Deepest sympathies,
Sharon Flynn
October 1, 2008
Dear Cudihy Family: I am so sorry about Shirley's passing. She was like my second mother, and the rest of you feel like family (even though we are so far apart). My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all. Its so hard not to be with you during this difficult time.
Amanda Rich
September 30, 2008
RIP gramma <3
i love you so much. i never thought this day would come. i will always be thinking of you around birthdays and holidays expecially, and everyday inbetween. it will never be the same without you. you had a such special place in my heart, you will be loved and missed.. always & forever <3
christina rich
September 30, 2008
-you never realize what you have until its gone, i love you grandma.
<3
Denise Argen
September 30, 2008
Our deepest sympathies in the loss of your dear mother. She will be deeply missed. Keeping all of you in our prayers.
Denise, Nick and Amanda Argen
chris smith
September 30, 2008
Dear Gina and entire family,
Our thughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.We are so sorry for the loss of your mom.Shirley will never be forgotten.May God's peace be with you all and remember all the fun times you had. Love Randy,Chris and family
Robyn Davies
September 30, 2008
Regina and Family,
My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your mother.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
God Bless
Robyn Davies
mancuso family
September 30, 2008
another good one gone with our tony
marty nagle
September 30, 2008
Shirl,
Thank-you for everything you have ever done for me from childhood to adulthood. your quick humor and even quicker smile has made my and everybody elses life that much better.
Heavens garden just got a whole lot greener.
Rosemary Fantaske
September 30, 2008
Dear Jim and Family
Shirley was a very special person - always so friendly and kind. Glad we got a chance to see both of you at the St. Joe reunion last year. Our sincere sympathy.
George (Junie) and Rosemary Fantaske
Jim & Debi DiMartino
September 30, 2008
Our condolences go out to Mr Cudihy and his family. Mrs. C was a kind and lovely lady . She will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family
Deborah Ellsworth
September 30, 2008
There are no words that I can say to help ease the pain and sorrow that you are all going through. I know from experience, time is the only healer. It is so hard to say "good-bye" to the ones we love.
We loved Shirley too. She was a great person to all who knew her. She would always ask how we all were when I would see her at birthday parties or family gatherings. Just a few weeks ago at my nephew Bradley's birthday (her grandson) she told me she made my husbands favorite tomato salad. That is just how she was. Caring and remembering what someone liked.
I remember her excitement as she would talk about her garden or some flower she bought and was waiting to plant. She loved her gardening. Garage saling was another of her favorite things to do. Sometimes we would pass each other at sales and just laugh as to what we were doing there in the first place. As if we needed more "stuff".
We will miss her and it will be hard at family gatherings, but she will be there always in our hearts and mind.
Deb, Roy and Michelle Ellsworth
Tanya Huebner
September 30, 2008
Oh heart, if one should say to you that the soul perishes like the body, answer that the flower withers, but the seed remains. ~Kahlil Gibran
My deepest sympathy to the Cudihy family. Shirley was an admirable woman who lived into the autumn of her life. May the seeds she sowed flourish and continue to grow in honor of her memory. She will be deeply missed by many.
Bill Flury
September 30, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Caitlin Cudihy
September 30, 2008
I love you so much grandma, I dont know how Im going to live without your hugs, your jokes, your smile that always came with a laugh. I'll never forget you, you were my best friend, I'll miss our talks and coming to see you all the time, our holidays, birthdays, and eating out with you. You'll never have a dirty lip stick stained glass again! It hurts gram.. I never thought I'd be writing my farewell for my gramda's funeral before wedding vows for my wedding. I wanted you there, you were so excited for me and gary, but I know you'll keep a good eye on us. My birthday will never be the same. I love you grandma... love your little "katy" - caity
Elaine Evans
September 30, 2008
Extending deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time.
Elaine Evans
Gary Bradley
September 30, 2008
Lisa, Tom, and family:
My deepest sympathy to you and your family in your loss.
May you take comfort in the knowledge that she will always be with you in your heart and your mind.
Again my Sympathies.
Lynn Pizzarelli
September 30, 2008
Dear Cudihy Family,
My condolences go out to you and all your families during this time of sorrow. She was a lovely woman both inside and out and will be deeply missed. I hope your memories of what she meant to each of you will help you get through this time. I'm grateful I had the chance to spend some quality time with her recently while she visited me in the hospital.
All our Love to all of you, The Pizzarelli's
George Ryan
September 30, 2008
I'm very sorry for your loss. She was always so nice and had a smile when I've seen her over the years.
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