Mamie Catherine Shaheen, 10 Dec 1925 - 18 Dec 2014

SHAHEEN, OBERTHIEN, NEWTON, ABODEELY, BOWLER, BOWEN, OVERLAND, BOWLER-PETERSEN, EPP, HIDDER, HADDY

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 5/8/2015 at 16:04:05

Mamie Shaheen
Cedar Rapids

Mamie Catherine Shaheen, 89, of Cedar Rapids, fell asleep in Christ on Dec. 18, 2014. Mamie's steadfast faith in Christ sustained and comforted her through years of poor health. She died of complications from Parkinson's disease. Visitation will take place from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, at St. George Orthodox Church, with a Trisagion service at 7 p.m. A private family funeral service will take place.

Mamie Catherine was the devoted daughter of Albert and Ethel (Newton) Oberthien. She was born in Marengo, Iowa, and spent her early years enjoying rural life in Blairstown, Iowa. Mamie cherished her Benton County family and roots, often sharing fond memories with her daughters and grand-children.

The Oberthien family moved to Cedar Rapids when Mamie entered the eighth grade. This move introduced her to Doug Shaheen, her future husband. Mamie graduated from Roosevelt High School, where she was active in many student activities. Following Doug's military service in World War II, they married in an Antiochian Orthodox Christian ceremony. They had the pleasure and honor of having their marriage officiated by Doug's maternal uncle, the Rev. Father Thomas Abodeely.

Mamie was an outstanding homemaker who selflessly cared for her husband, three daughters, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She gave them precious gifts of her time, constant love and care. Mamie was always there for her loved ones in whatever way needed. Spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and celebrating their accomplishments were her greatest joys.

Mamie was a humble, kind, gentle and gracious child of God. She always sought the person in the group who needed a friendly smile and uplifting words. She truly understood the need for and importance of kindness. Even during her days of discomfort and pain, Mamie kept a grateful heart, never failing to express her gratitude. God-given empathy and genuine interest in others made Mamie a true friend to many.

Mamie is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Douglas C. Shaheen; three daughters: Connie Bowler, Cedar Rapids, Cathy A. (Gary) Bowen, Littleton, Colo., formerly of Cedar Rapids, and Jan (W. Scott) Overland, Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren: Jill Bowler-Petersen, Cedar Rapids, Briana Bowen (Lynndell) Epp, Littleton, Colo., Jamie (Tara) Bowler, Alburnett, and Andrea Parker and Abbey Overland, Cedar Rapids; and five great-grand-children: Taylor Petersen, Cedar Rapids, Bracken and Braylee Epp, Littleton, Colo., Kaden and Katelynn Bowler, Alburnett. In addition, her maternal aunt, Neoma Newton, Blairstown; special cousins, Donna Mae, Sioux City, and Marilyn Stander, Vinton; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joe and Yvonne Hidder, Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law, Dolores Haddy, Scottsdale, Ariz., survive. Mamie leaves behind many wonderful nephews, nieces and cousins.

Mamie was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, John D. and Jean Oberthien; special maternal uncle and aunt, Lester and Eunice Newton; maternal uncle, Donald Newton; maternal uncle and aunt, Glenn and Verneta Newton; maternal aunt, Pearl Newton; paternal aunt, Nettie; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas and Sophia Shaheen; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, DeLane and Elaine Shaheen; brother-in-law, Albert Haddy; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Donald and Delores Shaheen; brother-in-law, Tommy Shaheen; sister-in-law, Patricia Shaheen; brother-in-law, Dennis Shaheen; and sister-in-law, Susan Shaheen.

Mamie was a longtime member of St. George Orthodox Church, where she enjoyed the fellowship of worship, the women's club, Agape senior group, and serving as a kitchen worker for many church bake sales. She was a member of American Business Women's Association (ABWA) and served as chapter secretary for several years

Following high school, she moved to Detroit, Mich., to attend telegrapher school and was a Western Union telegrapher during World War II. Mamie was proud to be a military spouse for over 20 years and liked the camaraderie of military family life.

Along with her husband, Doug, she owned and operated Shaheen Sundries, a grocery store and food counter on Ellis Boulevard. Combining her love for children and cooking, she served as a friendly "lunch lady" at Fillmore Elementary School. In later years, Mamie worked as an office clerk at D&E Distributing, a family business.
Mamie was an avid reader, a theater and music lover, a Hawkeye sports fan, a dog lover, and an extraor-dinary dessert baker. Mamie honored and remembered her English heritage by observing daily tea time. She loved her school days and fellow classmates and organized numerous Roosevelt High School reunions.

Our thanks and gratitude to the Rev. Father Fred Shaheen of St. George Orthodox Church for his comforting pastoral visits, the Sunday school children of St. George for their heart-warming cards, the outstanding staff of Hallmar Residental Care Mercy Medical Center, Sister Mary Brian, Sisters of Mercy, for her loving presence, Dr. Melanie Stahlberg and Dr. George Hanna, DDS, for their years of compassionate care. Mamie was blessed by the words and deeds of many relatives, friends and caregivers – far too many to name here.

"Give rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants who have fallen asleep."
Per Mamie's wishes, please direct memorials to: St. George Orthodox Church, 3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403; ARC of East Central Iowa, 680 Second St. SE No. 200, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401; or Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center, 8845 Wagner St., Westminster, CO 80031.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedar memorial.com.

The Gazette Posted on Sunday, 21 December 2014, 10a, and 27 Dec 2015, 10a

Born on Dec 10, 1925
Departed on Dec 18, 2014 per Cedar Memorial