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Geryl-Jo Ciccarelli posted a condolence
Dear Marlene,
The world is a lesser place for not having you in it. You have been a source of inspiration and love to all who have been priviliged to spend time with you. My heart sings to know my grandchildren are a part of you. I know you are in heaven with those who you have missed and love too. God bless you, Marlene, a lady I have been blessed to know.</b></font><br><br>
T
The Pegel Children posted a condolence
Our Mother's Eulogy
“She speaks with a quiet wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.�
We chose this proverb for our mother’s prayer card because it perfectly describes her in her role as teacher to so many people in so many ways throughout her life.
She taught kindergarten in our hometown, and is remembered by more than a few of her former students as their all–time favorite teacher. In fact, she often received letters, phone calls, and even visits from forty-something year olds reliving the days they played farmer in the dell, marched around the classroom, read books, sang songs, played dress up, and generally had a fabulous five-year-old time with Mrs. Pegel. Her ability to recall these visitors faces and names amazed us. But her interest in their lives came as no surprise. She enjoyed her students as much as they did her.
And they weren’t the only ones who learned from our mother. Because she not only taught by profession, but also by example. Through the unassuming and self-sacrificing way she led her life, she taught those who knew her the most important lessons of all. How to give generously. How to work hard. How to have faith. How to refrain from judgment. How to put others first. How to hold our tongues. Though we haven’t mastered most of these subjects yet, passing them on is one of our mother’s greatest legacies.
Another is her love of music.
Our mother played piano from the time she was a little girl, scrimping and saving to buy the sheet music to the popular songs she listened to on the radio. When she married our father, she traded her new dining room set for her aunt’s clunky old piano, which she brought with her when she moved to New Jersey. She eventually added a second upright to her home and moved the old one to the basement where she gave piano lessons after teaching all day.
Our house was always full of music. And we weren’t the only ones with whom our mother shared her passion. She brought music to her friends, her kindergarten students, the elderly in nursing homes, and the St. Gerard’s parish, where she spent every Sunday for seven years playing the organ and piano for mass. There was no place in the world she would rather be.
Books were also a big part of our mother’s life. Although she had very little time for them while raising the seven of us, she was such a quick reader and learner that she skipped a grade as a child, entering the University of Nebraska when she was just 16 at a time when most women didn’t pursue higher education. When our father died, she enrolled in graduate school, attending classes after work to earn the master’s degree that would help her provide for her big family in his absence. When we were grown and she finally had some time to herself, she read voraciously, catching up on the great books she was too busy to enjoy earlier in life.
If books nurtured our mothers mind, her love of nature fed her soul. She had a green thumb -- her home is filled almost to the ceiling with gorgeous plants that visitors are shocked to learn are real. She loved her dog Pearl, the spoiled, “assertive� springer spaniel, and until she was very sick, neither nor rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor stifling summer humidity could deter her from her daily walks in the park with her canine baby. Truth be known, she loved all animals – dogs, cats, birds, even the spiders that she picked up with bare fingers and carried back outside to, as she called them, their spider families. We were scared of them, but she wasn’t. In fact, as far as we know, she wasn’t afraid of anything. Well, except for mice. If she found one of those in her house, she said, she’d just have to move.
That would have been hard for her to do. She loved her home and filled it with found treasures that made it uniquely her own. She had a creative vision that way, and it extended to all areas of her life. She loved fashion, for instance, and even on her tight budget, she had a wardrobe that was bigger and better than her daughters’. Don’t even get us started on her shoes. When we were young, she drew us paper dolls and their entire clothing lines with such flair and detail that it’s possible she could have been a fashion designer had her life taken a different direction.
She was happy, though, with life as it was. She found contentment in the small things. She wasn’t materialistic and though she loved her friends, she wasn’t concerned with her social standing. She identified with the little people, treating everyone from the sick, to the poor, to the disabled, to the elderly with the same kindness and respect as those who were more privileged. Moreover, she looked out for them whenever she could -- as a nursing home volunteer, a Eucharistic minister, and a friend. In fact, when we were young and she learned that our brother John’s paper route customer was a nearly blind woman in her mid 80’s who lived all alone, she devoted herself to helping Margaret... making sure her lawn was mowed, her walk was shoveled, her groceries were bought and her errands were run all while caring for the seven of us and teaching school and piano. When “the little old lady� (as we called her) was moved into a nursing home, our mother visited her regularly. When she died, our mother was one of two or three people at her funeral.
Our mother was sad that the little old lady had no relatives who loved her, because her own family was the center of her life. Besides her faith, there was nothing she valued more. She was a loyal wife to our father, a supportive, nurturing mother to all of us and a loving grandmother to our children. She was never happier than when her house was filled with her family, and never missed a chance to get us all together. Ground hog day? First day of spring? It’s a party at grandma’s.
She was an extraordinary person, our mother. And she had every excuse not to be. She was born into a life of loss -- her mother died from complications of childbirth just two weeks after she was born. This meant she was raised by her aunt and uncle and never had a traditional family, yet she created the most loving, wonderful one for all of us. She lost her husband, her sons John and David, her grandson Jack, and her only sister Jeannine and grieved enormously, yet she was never bitter, never self-pitying. She endured a long battle with cancer and suffered terribly, yet she never, ever complained. She just did what she always did, what she always told us do: Take one day at a time, put one foot in front of the other and walk on.
In her life, our mother made the most of every opportunity and the best of any circumstance. And she died the same way she lived. In fact, even in the very last difficult days when it was a terrible struggle just to talk, she worried not about herself but about us. And even then, when asked how she was feeling, she answered “perfect.� And meant it.
We knew otherwise. While she would never say so, we knew she was hurting terribly. But that’s all changed now. Now she’s free of pain and suffering. Now she’s home in heaven with her husband, her sons, her grandson, her sister, her mother, her friends, and her God. And if we were to ask her now and she could answer, we know she’d say it’s perfect. And for once, we’d know it’s true.</b></font><br><br>
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Grandson Mark E. Welhorsky posted a condolence
Eulogy from Grandchild:
I am my grandmother’s oldest grandson, and in the 20
years I’ve had the privilege of knowing her, I’ve
observed a thing or two…or a million…that I’ve loved
about her. As a young boy, I remember my grandmother
living up the street from me. Every morning, my mother
would drop me off there before she went to work. And
every morning, my grandmother would have my breakfast of bagels and apple juice ready and waiting. She also had Barney on the TV for me, so I could get my daily lesson in caring and sharing. My sister, Mariel,
remembers her slipping a little bit of ice cream in
that sequence too, but shhh… that’s a secret.
I also remember her giving the best Christmas
presents, Easter presents, Valentine’s Day presents,
and “any-day-of-the-week� presents which was always
money. She was always quick to open her purse because
she knew there was some $20 plastic toy that you just
couldn’t wait to get your hands on. My sister
treasures a 20 year collection of Christmas ornaments that grandma started buying for her when she was born. A sign on her door said it perfectly: "Grandkids Spoiled Here".
I also remember summers being very exciting for me because my Aunt Mary, Uncle Greg and my 3 cousins would come and visit form Colorado for 3-4 weeks. That meant that the rest of the family would come over to visit grandma’s house until late at night. Although,her birthday was July 9th, she wanted to have a party every day. All the grandkids were welcome to run through every room on every floor of the house. It was like the invasion of the 13 grandkids. Grandma always
kept a stocked refrigerator too, just in case one of
her grandkids was looking for a little treat that
grandma was more than willing to give to us. And
grandma wouldn’t hesitate to ask everyone all the
time, “Is there anything YOU want?� Not only did
grandma not care that they took over her television,
her computer, her refrigerator, and her entire house, she welcomed it with open arms and always offered
more.
I also recall my grandmother being a very musical person. When I was young, she tried teaching me the piano, but I wasn’t catching on. I walked out of that experience, through no fault of my grandmother, only making it as far as “Old McDonald.� She did, however,inspire me to learn guitar. After a few months of guitar lessons, I had some pretty basic guitar
knowledge. So I sat down with a pen, paper, and my
guitar and wrote a song for my grandmother entitled
“My Hero�. I also know that she wasn’t just a heroine
in my eyes. Throughout her years in school, my sister
was asked many times to write about who her role-model was or who she most admired – her response was always “my grandmother.�
Now that I’m older, I wanted to stop taking from my grandmother, and show her that she meant as much to me
as I knew we meant to her. So, I would often call her
on the telephone, and see how she was doing with her
illness. But as I’m sure all of you know, she wasn’t
concerned with herself. She was only concerned with YOU, and how YOU were doing. The conversation was always a little something like this:
I would say, “Hey grandma! What’s up? How are you
doing? And her reply was always the same thing: “Wonderful.� But then she would change the conversation. “How’s
school?� she’d ask. “How’s work? How’s you girlfriend? How is EVERYTHING? My grandmother was the most unselfish person I’ve ever met.
Now that my grandmother is gone, I have a ton of fond memories of her. But most of my younger cousins won’t ever know her like my sister & I did. They won’t know how incredibly fun she was, how she always had a smile and how many laughs we shared. But this is for sure: I will tell them my memories of her, how truly wonderful she was, and how much she meant to me and to everyone else. And I’ll be able to say how she was and WILL ALWAYS BE “My Hero.�</b></font><br><br>
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Jo-Anne (Caruso) Mitchell posted a condolence
To the Pegel Family,
I hope you will still get this. I just found out about Mrs, Pegel's passing. My first grade teacher at school #1 will always hold a special place in my heart. I used to LOVE piano time and making green Jello for St Patrick's Day (a tradition I've passed down to my children) and until this day, still think of her when my children sing "over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go...." You are so lucky to have a Mother and Grandmother like Marlene Pegel. I can remember being very upset when my parents we going to switch me to St. Bonaventure's Grammer School; she explained to me that my parents were looking out for my best interest and not to worry--her children went there and her son Tommy would be in my class. That was such a comfort to a third grader. I hope you feel great comfort in knowing that she is now where she truly feels "perfect." My heart felt sympathies go out to your entire family.</b></font><br><br>
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Lucille Girlando posted a condolence
My two children had Mrs. Pegel in kindergarten, Danny and Crystal and will always have fond memories of her. She was a great lady.</b></font><br><br>
R
Regina Cullen posted a condolence
My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Your Mom was a terrific person and she touched many lives. Always remember and cherish the special times you had. Regina Cullen</b></font><br><br>
K
Kristy Mitchell posted a condolence
Mary & family - Your mother was a truly amazing woman. She gave you her strength and grace. Hold onto that, along with your memories, as you move through these hard days. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
In sympathy,
Charles & Kris</b></font><br><br>
M
Marlenes Grandkids- Gemma, Cole, Taylor Chokran, a posted a condolence
Our family wrote this for Marlene's 70th Birthday:
70 reason's why we love you
1. Because you treat us to a house at the beach.
2. You let us sleep at your house.
3. You invite all the cousins, aunts, and uncles for barbecues.
4. You pick us up at the airport.
5. You cheer me up when I am feeling sad.
6. You pack us lunches when we go to the lake.
7. You have such nice flowers on your deck.
8. You care for us, and you make me laugh.
9. You're a good piano player.
10. Because you look so young and you're so fun to be with.
11. You aren't afraid of spiders.
12. You're so brave and special.
13. You like shoes, and you take me to look at them.
14. You are afraid of mice.
*Written By Gemma Chokran*
15. Because you scratch my back.
16. You know how hard it was for me at SHJ.
17. Because you love us.
18. You let me watch Sportscenter whenever I want.
19. You took us to FAO Schwarz.
20. Because you let us wrestle with Markie in you living room.
21. Because you don't care if we get the house messy.
22. Because you love us the way we are.
23. Because your dog is as crazy as ours.
24. You're cooler than other grandma's.
25. Becase you're good with animals,
26. You never get upset when we are there.
27. You let me listen to your radio.
28. Because you never lose your temper.
*Written By Taylor Chokran*
29. Because you are strong when times are tough.
30. Because you never think of yourself.
31. Because you love animals
32. Because you had 7 kids.
33. Because you never forget out birthdays.
34. Because you put air conditioning in the rooms for us.
35. Because you're always the nicest one.
36. Because you like it when the whole family's together.
37. Because you used your talent towards God.
38. Because you take great care of your flowers.
39. Because you give us money to spend at the boardwalk.
40. Because you love music.
41. Because you take us to the park to play.
42. Because you've always loved us.
*Written By Cole Chokran*
43. Because you have perfect legs.
44. Because you left Iowa.
45. Because you're a great dancer.
46. Because you know when to bite your tongue.
47. Because you root for the underdog.
48. Because you're as bad a driver as I am.
49. Because you thought Daddy was so good looking.
50. Because you liked the album "Tommy: by the Who.
51. Because you're self-reliant.
52. Because you discovered your ideal haircut.
53. Because you sing so beautifully.
54. Because you were a sun worshipper and know the dangerous allure of a tan.
55. Because you can't speak Italian, but sang the Italian mass anway.
56. Because you're generous.
57. Because you made us peperdolls.
58. Because you look over the wrong shoulder when your parrallel park.
59. Because you stayed fit and active long after the age of other moms.
60. Because you have a very distinctive fashion style.
61. Because you've never smoked.
62. Because you've always used good grammer.
63. Because you loved your sister.
64. Because stragers mistake you for my sister.
65. Because you're open minded.
66. Because you set the table and made a big fancy Christmas breakfast.
67. Because you trusted us even when you probably shouldn't have.
68. Because you overlooked a lot of our transgressions.
69. Because you raised seven kids, gave piano lessons, taught kindergarten, went to graduate school, started a second post-retirement career in music, and coped with both day-to-day crisis and life-changing tragedies, all without losing your mind or your sense of humor.
70. Because there is no one else on the planet that compares to you.
*Written By Mary Chokran, Marlene's Daughter*
Happy Birthday Grandma!
We all love you!</b></font><br><br>
M
Marlenes Grandkids- Gemma, Cole, Taylor Chokran, a posted a condolence
Our family wrote this for Marlene's 70th Birthday:
70 reason's why we love you
1. Because you treat us to a house at the beach.
2. You let us sleep at your house.
3. You invite all the cousins, aunts, and uncles for barbecues.
4. You pick us up at the airport.
5. You cheer me up when I am feeling sad.
6. You pack us lunches when we go to the lake.
7. You have such nice flowers on your deck.
8. You care for us, and you make me laugh.
9. You're a good piano player.
10. Because you look so young and you're so fun to be with.
11. You aren't afraid of spiders.
12. You're so brave and special.
13. You like shoes, and you take me to look at them.
14. You are afraid of mice.
*Written By Gemma Chokran*
15. Because you scratch my back.
16. You know how hard it was for me at SHJ.
17. Because you love us.
18. You let me watch Sportscenter whenever I want.
19. You took us to FAO Schwarz.
20. Because you let us wrestle with Markie in you living room.
21. Because you don't care if we get the house messy.
22. Because you love us the way we are.
23. Because your dog is as crazy as ours.
24. You're cooler than other grandma's.
25. Becase you're good with animals,
26. You never get upset when we are there.
27. You let me listen to your radio.
28. Because you never lose your temper.
*Written By Taylor Chokran*
29. Because you are strong when times are tough.
30. Because you never think of yourself.
31. Because you love animals
32. Because you had 7 kids.
33. Because you never forget out birthdays.
34. Because you put air conditioning in the rooms for us.
35. Because you're always the nicest one.
36. Because you like it when the whole family's together.
37. Because you used your talent towards God.
38. Because you take great care of your flowers.
39. Because you give us money to spend at the boardwalk.
40. Because you love music.
41. Because you take us to the park to play.
42. Because you've always loved us.
*Written By Cole Chokran*
43. Because you have perfect legs.
44. Because you left Iowa.
45. Because you're a great dancer.
46. Because you know when to bite your tongue.
47. Because you root for the underdog.
48. Because you're as bad a driver as I am.
49. Because you thought Daddy was so good looking.
50. Because you liked the album "Tommy: by the Who.
51. Because you're self-reliant.
52. Because you discovered your ideal haircut.
53. Because you sing so beautifully.
54. Because you were a sun worshipper and know the dangerous allure of a tan.
55. Because you can't speak Italian, but sang the Italian mass anway.
56. Because you're generous.
57. Because you made us peperdolls.
58. Because you look over the wrong shoulder when your parrallel park.
59. Because you stayed fit and active long after the age of other moms.
60. Because you have a very distinctive fashion style.
61. Because you've never smoked.
62. Because you've always used good grammer.
63. Because you loved your sister.
64. Because stragers mistake you for my sister.
65. Because you're open minded.
66. Because you set the table and made a big fancy Christmas breakfast.
67. Because you trusted us even when you probably shouldn't have.
68. Because you overlooked a lot of our transgressions.
69. Because you raised seven kids, gave piano lessons, taught kindergarten, went to graduate school, started a second post-retirement career in music, and coped with both day-to-day crisis and life-changing tragedies, all without losing your mind or your sense of humor.
70. Because there is no one else on the planet that compares to you.
*Written By Mary Chokran, Marlene's Daughter*
Happy Birthday Grandma!
We all love you!</b></font><br><br>
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Thursday, August 10, 2017
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