My Great Grandma Bea passed away on August 13th at the age of 94. She lived a wonderful life and was an amazing woman who helped build a strong foundation that led to a fabulous family. That was very apparent as 60+ family members and many friends gathered to celebrate her life. Here are some excerpts from the eulogy read at her funeral: "Grandma Bea lived her beliefs. She worked hard, took every opportunity to help a friend or neighbor, was unfailingly kind in her words and always saw the best in people." "Grandma was also very classy in every sense of the word. Her hair was always beautifully coiffed and she never left the house unless she looked her best. She treated doctor, attorney, grocery clerk or gas station attendant with equal courtesy and attention. She never passed up the opportunity to give a compliment and make someone feel good about them self." I will always remember her kindness, sharp mind, and "tell it how it is" attitude! She will be missed, but always remembered. Though Larkyn will not be able to remember the few times she was able to spend with her Great Great Grandma Bea, we have captured those moments in photos that we will cherish forever! Here is one of my favorites...
Friday, August 13th I saw a rainbow around 6:20 p.m. and said to Shea "That is Gram Bea looking down on us!" Around 7:00 p.m. I got the phone call saying my Great Grandma had passed away around 6:20 that evening. (Instant goose bumps!) Everytime I see a rainbow it is just another reminder of how blessed I feel to have known such an amazing woman!
Beatrice Louise Tryphena Sheedy, 94, whose ancestors came to Austin in covered wagons, died Friday, Aug. 13, surrounded by loved ones. She had lived at home independently until shortly before her death.
Beatrice SheedyBeatrice was born at Silver Springs Farm outside Austin, Sept. 24, 1915, to Raymond and Leah Furtney. She graduated at 17 from Teachers’ College and taught in a one room school house. Her first class was composed of nine “big” farm boys. She married Richard Sheedy on June 30, 1937 and helped him and his brothers, Robert and Edward, farm and operate Sheedy Brothers Dairy. They had five daughters.
She was a life long member of St. Augustine and St. Edwards Catholic churches and a Red Cross volunteer. Throughout her life, Beatrice brightened the lives of all who came in contact with her. She was an extraordinary mother, a wife whose husband referred to her as “my angel,” a faithful, funny friend and a neighbor who created a sense of community and inclusion. Her kindness was legendary.
Survivors include five daughters: Barbara (Ralph) Majerus of Cedar Falls, IA; Kathleen (Michael) Kurz of San Antonio, TX; Helen (Thomas) Kennedy of North Port, FL; Suzanne (Mark) Nelson of Apple Valley, MN; Mary (Joseph) Kurcinka of Eagan, MN; sixteen grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren (with two on the way); one great great granddaughter; many loving nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard; parents, Raymond and Leah Furtney; brother, Raymond Edward Furtney.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Joe Fogal officiating. There will be a 6:30 pm wake service on Tuesday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4-7 pm and also one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Arrangements are handled by Mayer Funeral Home.
"Here I am!"
How cute is this? Best friends already!
Larkyn Kate and Mr. Giraffe
"Oh Mr. Giraffe, you look so yummy!"
"Let me eat me you!"
*It is getting more interesting each month trying to capture these photos!
