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Merle Mahowald Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Merle Mahowald
Sponsored by George F Mahowald and Maureen R Mahowald.
Patrick Mahowald
April 28, 2019
A big thanks to George for thinking ahead, and sponsoring Mom's obituary page.
I think of Mom, especially in the Spring. It has been 15 years since her passing. Jean & I moved, and planted Mom's rhubarb into our new yard.
Patrick Mahowald
April 28, 2019
Jean Pociengel
July 7, 2018
Thinking of Mom today. We are so fortunate to have a large family and lots of memories.
Jean
April 12, 2008
I was talking with Pat this morning about family lineage as we work on the information to be sent to the Luxembourg American Cultural Society for the Mahowald Leaf. It's so illuminating to read our family history and how fortunate to have Pat's research and organizational skills to pull everything together. I'm glad we have a chance to meet at the farm today to celebrate Parnell's 46th (!!) birthday. I'll swing by and say hi to you, Mom, and all those other Mahowald relatives!
Patrick
September 11, 2005
I read the poem on the back cover of mom's funeral program, and was struck by the familar outdoor images of the seasons around us.
- - - - - - - - -
"Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond that glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die."
- - - - - - - - -
Pat
July 3, 2005
Our picnic at "The Farm" brought back a lot of memories about the big feasts that mom hosted there!
Yesterday was delicious with the picnic food of grilled chicken, tuna salad, fruit salads, watermellon, etc, and the Red-White-Blueberry desserts, and mom's famous brownies. Mmmm!
Jean
June 12, 2005
More than a year and Mom still feels close when I'm in the garden. Bridal wreath is done blooming - how Mom loved the large bush on the corner of the house. Irises are in full bloom, the patch along the driveweay would be full of blossoms. Liz split off part of a chive plant Mom had at the farm. She has the plants all around her Princeton home. I split it into three plants and love the purple flowers. I'm so glad Elaine will be here this week, it gives us a chance to get together. I miss our Sunday gatherings at the nursing home.
Patrick Mahowald
May 16, 2004
I have a rhubarb story that is in season too. Mom bought some rhubarb plants at the Farmers Seed & Nursery in Faribault back in the early 1970's. She planted them South of the corncrib, near Thalhuber's. Every time I ground ear corn over there, I'd pull weeds around those 2 plants.
In 1981, I bought my own house, and transplanted part of those 2 rhubarb plants. In 1987, we divided 1/3 of the plant, and put down new roots in our hobby farm in Farmington. (And sub-divided mom's rhubarb plants still grow in MY stepping points of St. Paul, Cottage Grove, Goodhue, and now in Farmington).
7 bountiful rhubarb plants keep us nourished with delicious dessert recipes which my wife Jean bakes.
Thanks mom!
Patrick Mahowald
May 16, 2004
We think alike! The lilacs are in full bloom. Jean, John & I picked a bunch last night for Laura's Confirmation party today. Many of you will see & smell them today.
I told John how grandma Sullivan picked bouquets of Lilacs from neighbors' hedges in the back alley of 1265 Lafond. I can see how mom up surrounded by flowers in St. Paul.
Jean Pociengel
May 15, 2004
The lilacs are in bloom! Mom loved the scent of lilacs, when we lived in the little house, the lilacs on the north side were full of white and lavendar blossoms in May. We played under the large bushes and Mom would pick flowers to bring in the house (until she realized we had folks with allergies and we couldn't have flowers in the house!). In more recent years, we watched the Persian lilacs grow and become large bushes by the house. Mom's love of flowers and the outdoors affected all of us. I dug a few of the shoots off these bushes and have two lilac bushes in my yard from the farm. Go find some lilacs and pick a bouquet for your family!
George Francis Mahowald
May 8, 2004
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to Thy protection, implored Thy help, or sought Thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto Thee, O Virgin of Virgins, my mother. To Thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate despise not my petition, but, in Thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.
=========================== =========
The prayer card at moms wake included a traditional picture of the Virgin Mary (on the front of the card) and with this traditional prayer the “Memorare” on the back of the card.
========================== ==========
The history of the Memorare:
The Memorare, from the Latin 'remember' which is the first word in the Latin translation, was traditionally thought to have been composed by the Cisterian St. Bernard of Clairvaux. It was popularized in the 15th century by a French priest, Claude Bernard (who some also attribute its origin). It emphasizes Mary's role as intercessor and her unbroken history of answering the prayer of those who call to her.
*
George Francis Mahowald
April 28, 2004
George:
I called Ebenezer today to find out the best way to send in a memorial for your Mom. Here's what I found out:
Checks should be made out to: The Ebenezer Foundation
Donations to the Ebenezer Foundation are tax deductible. (Checks to Ebenzer Ridges are NOT tax deductible.)
Checks should be mailed to:
Ebenezer Ridges Care Center
Attn: Erin Hilligan
13820 Community Drive
Burnsville, MN 55337
You can pass this along to anyone else who might like the information.
Maureen
George Francis Mahowald
April 24, 2004
The following e-mail is being shared with permisson from my daughter, Kathleen Merle Mahowald
Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004
Subject: Grandma Memories
Hi Dad,
Here are some of my favorie memories of Grandma Merle. Obviously, if told in person they would be much more funny. Anyway, do with them as you wish. I know Mom asked me, but if they need any readers or anything at all for either service I'd be more than happy to participate.
1) Grandma would always stand on the driveway and wave goodbye to the car until you couldn't see her anymore.
2) When I would get sick in elementary school it was faster for Grandma to come pick me up than my parents. She would put me into the front seat of the old farm truck (at least that's what I think she drove) and I would doze all the way back to the farm. Once I was there she would tuck me in on the couch in the t.v. room and put in a Shirley Temple video. If I was up for it she would also fix me a bowl of sherbert. She would always peek her head in from the kitchen and check on how I was doing until Mom came to pick me up.
3) You couldn't go visit the farm without eating something while you were there. Grandma was always cooking something. One time I told my family as we were driving out to the farm that I was going to try and not eat anything. It was one of the hardest things I've ever tried to do! After spending the entire afternoon trying to convince Grandma and Ann that I wasn't sick I thought I was in the clear. But, right as we were pulling out of the driveway Ann ran out of the house with a vanilla ice cream cone. I took it because she and Grandma were so worried that I hadn't eaten yet. Lesson learned: Don't try to visit the farm without eating.
4) I can still remember the sound of Grandma walking down the stairs to the cellar (that I always thought smelled to good) to get the Schwan's vanilla ice cream. This was back in the day when you could still buy the 4 quart metal tin. When she reached the top coming back up, you only saw one giant bucket of ice cream and legs until she set it on the table. I always thought she was the strongest person in the world because she could lift it.
5) Every Halloween Mom and Dad would take us out to the farm to show Grandma our costumes. She always had individual brown bags, full of candy, for each of us.
Well, that's all I've got for now. The best part of this, to me anyways, is knowing that now Grandma can see me at Marquette and she can see what my apartment and friends look like. Her body always chained her down to the nursing home, but now she is free and can see all the things she's missed in the last 10 years. That thought comforts me, maybe it will help you.
I love you dad, and I'll see you Thursday.
Katie
^
George Mahowald
April 24, 2004
A Eulogy for Merle Catherine Mahowald - A Mother of Faith, Hope, and Love
What made mom special was her love of God, her devotion to family, and her enduring care for everyone she knew.
[Her Love of God]
Looking back at her life here on earth, the number of times she prayed now seems endless. Prayers before meal were standard for mom. We know, for every time mom fed one of us, she prayed; that is a lot of prayers. Her love of God guided her, and her example of faith through prayer was constant.
Mom always kept reminders of her faith all around her, the rosary, the crucifix, the statues of the saints. She would listen to the rosary on the radio. She was also devoted to Mary, mother of God.
Church attendance was important to mom. She was determined to always attend mass. As a father with 3 children of my own, I can now look back and realize how extremely difficult it was to get an entire family, of eleven children, to attend mass with her. One such memory I have, is the family - all eleven children - with mom and dad, here at Saint Nicholas Church, lined up in one row, well behaved, (of course).
[Her Devotion to Family]
Family was important for mom. For the grandchildren, Grandma Merle was very special. For Merle's extended family, we remember her devotion to family:
When I needed a smile,
When I was lonely, missing you,
When I was afraid,
When I was sick,
When I needed a friend,
When I was poor,
When I needed a drink,
When I could not speak, the courage to speak up for others.
When I wanted to shout for joy,
When I wanted to cry,
When I made a mistake, helping me to determine right from wrong.
When I needed some help,
When I prayed,
When I was tired,
When I was proud,
When I lost someone of my own,
When I needed to find peace.
[Her Love and Care for Everyone]
Mother's devotion to family required endless energy that added up to long days. Having the farm here in New Market, was one of the real joys in her life. Having a large family was an expression of her joy. Having so many friends from New Market, made it so much easier and enjoyable.
Whoever among this community ever stopped to visit with Merle stayed to enjoy her company. She was always ready with a smile, took time to listen, and had a real concern for what was important to others. You did not leave without having a meal, something to eat, or nourishment for the journey.
Merle's connection to community included a great love of neighbor. She embodied the thought to put others before herself. Mom's concern for others, came ahead of any need for self. She could outlast the day with her care of neighbor, and never let you lose site of her smile. When you needed encouragement, she always knew when to give support.
As a neighbor, you returned the generosity to Merle. The constant support this community gave to the Mahowald family will always be remembered.
In conclusion, what we all remember most:
The long goodbye,
Her special wave,
Her generous and gentle smile.
As a small child, what I will remember about mom is summed up as follows:
"When I walked to the get the mail with you, my legs where short but you must have walked slowly, because we arrived back at the house at the same time. I did not have to race when you were by my side."
Written by: George F Mahowald
(your son)
April 24, 2004
Joel and Cindy
April 23, 2004
Our sympathy to all of the Mahowald family for the loss of Merle.
From a comment read in this guest book, it seems like she loved things outdoors. When we do our spring flower planting, we will plant one in memory of Merle.
From neighbors, Cindy and Joel
Liz Milesko
April 23, 2004
Dear Family and Friends, 4-23-04
Mom (Merle Sullivan Mahowald) is all around today! I planted 25 "earth day" trees into the sandy soil surrounding our house. Wow! She was there! with me as I plant trees, tomatoes, flowers. As I water the garden, pray for rain, as I teach my children about life, and meaning, and values as she taught me.
My jouney on earth started with the love of two beautiful parents, full of life and love. We all were raised with happy memories and life full of God, work, and service to community. I learned to love nature, gardens and children. God gives us gifts. God gave me, my mother. Mom was a strong woman of great character. My first teacher and through to her last breath, the greatest teacher. Thank you. I love you Mom!
Always, Liz
Patrick Mahowald
April 22, 2004
Today is "Earth Day" 2004. Mom loved plants and gardening. I thought of her while I planted a tree in our yard today.
Rosanne Halloran
April 22, 2004
My heartfelt sympathy to your family. I look forward to seeing all of you this weekend.
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