My mom, Frances Louise Lenard Stoviak has been gone from us for six years now. She died peacefully in her sleep at home on March 3, 2005. My sister Janie was with her - I had just gone back to the parish. Mom was an uncomplicated lady. She was born and raised four houses down the street from where we lived. In her younger days she worked in retail, and then when Janie and I came along, she became a full time wife and mother. She was not a joiner, but she did become involved in PTG when we were in school, and joined the Christian Mothers after I was ordained. They came to her and said that now that she was the mother of a priest, she should be a Christian Mother - she said that she was already a "christian" mother. She joined anyway, and enjoyed the fellowship.
Mom did not handle difficulties and emergencies well. She would often wait "till dad got home". This was not because she did not care, but because she was afraid. She was also very afraid of doctors and hospitals (aren't we all?). In the few times that she was hospitalized, she greatly disliked being away from home and family and being in the care of others. That is why in her last days and weeks, we found it important to bring her home to her place of comfort. She celebrated her eighty-sixth birthday at home with her family and friends. She died a month later in her own bedroom.
Mom was not the strength of our family (dad was). But mom was the heart and soul of our family. Her wisdom and love described who she truly was and is. My sister, Janie and I love her, but miss her. On this Mothers' Day, we salute this "christian" mother and wife and friend. The picture above was taken for our church directory some years back. The photographer did a great job in taking away her nervousness and bringing on a smile. For that, Janie and I are forever grateful.
To all of our Moms out there, HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY.
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