Linlin Shih

What I remember about Mrs. Shih was each time I would come over, she would have some kind of food thing that she would offer me, usually something baked or maybe chocolate that she had hidden away. It was like she kept stores of sweets hidden away just for these occasions, and it always made me feel welcome (and also wonder how big their pantry was).

Or sometimes Connie and I would be at the movies, and Connie would open her bag and it would be full of treats her mom had sent for us to enjoy. Basically Mrs. Shih wanted to make sure we were never without (*note* we never were).

The other thing I will always remember is how cheerful Mrs. Shih was and her conspiratorial laugh as she ushered us out the door. It´s as if she was saying - "kids, go forth and have fun".

When I read the obituary, I never knew that Connie´s mom had gone to Cornell. She was always Mrs. Shih to me and I guess as a kid, you never think of "moms" as people who have separate lives to their kids. But I was floored to see she had studied accounting and statistics in college and held a prestigious Masters in Business Admin from Cornell. I take it she stepped away from her career to raise Connie, and looking at Connie, I´d say she did a stellar job!

Mrs. Shih taught us a lot about grace; grace in living with early dementia, a debilitating disease. And with the same grace that her mother had, without hesitation, Connie swapped roles with her mom in recent years, selflessly stepping into the role of caregiver, exhibiting the same patience and grace her mom (and dad - yes, you too Mr. Shih) have always exhibited.

Connie has grown up to be whip smart and an all around kind human being who can do anything she puts her mind to. And looking at Connie, I can see she has definitely grown into the same kind of exceptional person as her mom with that same grace, though of course, she is very much her own person too.

We will miss your smile and warm laugh, Mrs. Shih, but in some ways, it will continue to shine on through your daughter, Connie. May you rest peacefully now.

With love and condolences to Connie and the Shih family,

Patricia Vettori

I loved Linlin so much! She was a great neighbor and friend to our Hiawatha neighborhood, and dear to my heart. My condolences to CC and Connie. Love from Fran Dotterweich