Mary C. (Schmitt) Lahey 1918-2005

LAHEY, MULLER, SCHMITT, GREEN, KEPPLER, FOSTER, LINKLETTER, PFOHL, ELLIOTT

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 10/19/2015 at 21:44:24

FARLEY, Iowa - Mary C. Lahey, 87, of Epworth, formerly of Farley, was taken to paradise on Wednesday, June 29, 2005. She went quietly from her home in the arms of Jesus.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Clement's Catholic Church, Bankston. She will be laid to rest beside the man she loved in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 9 p.m. today at Reiff Funeral Home, Farley, where there will be a parish rosary at 3 p.m., and a wake service at 5:30 p.m.

She was born on May 15, 1918, in Bankston, and was the proud daughter of Nick and Christina (Muller) Schmitt. She married the man of her dreams, Robert R.R. Lahey, on Nov. 23, 1948; he preceded her to paradise on July 3, 1983.

Mary attended Bankston school, where she earned a full scholarship to college, but chose to stay and work on her parents' farm. She worked in health care at St. Joseph's Sanitarium in Dubuque, and Mount Mercy Sanitarium in Dyer, Ind. She loved the work and the friends she made.

After marrying R.R. Lahey, she became his not so silent partner in farming, and in later years, his used machinery business. He worked for Standard Oil, which took Mary and their family to many different places. They made an incredible team and wonderful parents.

Mary was a devoted mother who was always there for her children in every way, and she will remain with us in memory, spirit and love. We can never thank her for all she has done for us.

Mary was a very special lady who touched the lives of every person she met. Her gentle, loving nature, and her devout love of Jesus left you not unchanged by your encounter with her. She lived a life of prayer and loved it when you prayed with her. She will live on in so many hearts because she was an easy lady to love, because she loved so easily. She always saw the good in others and helped them find it in themselves. She was a friend and mother to many who needed her.

She spent her life devoted to family and friends and gave to everyone the gifts she had. Her generosity and goodness served as an example for everyone, especially her family. Her sense of humor and her love of life brought so much joy.

Mary has gone to paradise, leaving on earth many loved ones who feel so blessed to have shared their life with her. Her sister, Margaret Heisler, would deserve first mention. She has been her little sister and best friend for 84 years and has always been loving and devoted to Mary. She took care of her, as did her husband, John, who left this world two years ago. Margaret and Mary, they loved each other so much. Love such as theirs is without end.

Mary also has a loving son, Robert "Sparkles" (Deb) Lahey, of Farley; four devoted daughters, Anne Lahey, of Iowa City, Chris (Dave) Green, of North Liberty, Gerarda (Tony) Keppler, of Epworth, and Rita (Johnny), of Austin Texas. They were their mother's pride and joy and she was theirs. She was their best friend. Mary also loved her children's spouses, who became her children too.

Mary was blessed with 12 grandchildren who thought she was the greatest! John Green, of Mesa, Ariz., Elissa and Jessica Green, of Iowa City, Nick, Abby, Livy, Robby and Sophie Keppler, of Epworth, Justin, Eric and Rachel Lahey, of Farley, and Jonah Foster, of Austin; and a great-grandchild, who brought her so much joy, Eva Linkletter, of North Liberty. Grandma loved their hugs and they loved everything about grandma.

She also leaves behind a brother-in-law, Mark Lahey, of Epworth; five sisters-in-law, Eileen Pfohl, of Dubuque, Alberta (Babe) Lahey, of Sherrill, Theresa Lahey, of McGregor, Dorothy Lahey, of Dyersville, and LouAnn Elliott, of Genoe, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews that brightened her life; as well as many special friends.

Many of Mary's loved ones who have also gone before her and welcomed her home to paradise are her parents; a son, Michael Richard, who has been with Jesus since his birth and is now being held with love by his momma; and two infant grandchildren, Jerimie Lahey and Kristin Keppler, who are loving their special grandma. She also was given a hug entering paradise by a special niece and nephew, Mary Beth Heisler and brother, Peregrine Heisler. Mary is now with many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and friends who have preceded her in death.

In lieu of flowers, we ask you say a prayer for someone in need. Mom would love that. It will take a multitude of us praying on earth to make up for the prayers of the one who now lives in Heaven.

In all things, our mother trusted in the Lord. For her to see her God face to face, we can only imagine the depths of her joy. But we remain here with all our tears to cry, because this incredible little lady meant the world to us. We will trust in God as taught us and we will find comfort in knowing, "Those that believe in the Lord never see each other for the last time." Mom, we're counting on it. We love you so much and will forever. Eternal rest grant unto her.

Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Friday, July 1, 2005