Mary Elizabeth Frenzel

Jane,

thanks for sharing the detailed information about the "Trappists" - it is interesting and beautiful. May she now rest in peace.

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."  ~Kahlil Gibran

my sympathies to you and your family ~

JoAnne

MOM CHOSE HOW SHE LIVED AND DIED  

Our Mom's casket was specially made for her by the Monks of The New Melleray Abbey, (est. 1849) known as "Trappists”, located in rural Iowa.

 Simple living is the hallmark of these monks' lives with casket making providing them with both meaningful work and vital financial support. 

A steward of the environment, Mom was drawn to the simplistic design and sustainable practices used in making a Trappist casket. Each casket is harvested from the Abbey's own 1200 acre forest, handmade with care and loving intentions.

 As a living memorial to every person who uses a Trappist casket or urn, a tree is planted in their name.  Our father, Jack, is also buried in a Trappist casket.

 One of Mom's most endearing qualities was finding beauty in the most ordinary things. Thus, Mom chose this beautiful casket as her final resting place, and the Monks as one of her choices for donations in her name.

Mary planned much of her own funeral. The song "What a Wonderful Life" she chose to be sung as it was the way she saw, and lived her life. 

WHAT A WONDERFUL LIFE

“ I see trees of green, red roses too 
I see them bloom for me and you 
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world 

I see skies of blue and clouds of white 
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night 
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

The colours of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky 
Are also on the faces of people going by 
I see friends shakin' hands, sayin' "How do you do?" 
They're really saying "I love you" 

I hear babies cryin', I watch them grow 
They'll learn much more than I'll ever know 
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world 
Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world 
Oh yeah!”

Lived by Mary E Frenzel    Sung by Louis Armstrong

Dear Anne,

Thanks for your note and  kind words. We'll always cherish the times we shared with your family, your  Mom and Dad, along with our parents, especially at the cabin. Your family was so important to Mom. I remember fondly your Dad making baked cannelloni  for us in the cabin kitchen and you all staying at the farmhouse - good times! Love Jane 

Dear Mary Pat, Beth, John, Jane, Julie and Binker,

I was so sorry to hear about Aunt Mary and to know of the sadness you must all be feeling.  And then again, I was happy because she has gone home.  I understand that she passed peacefully with your love around her.  How wonderful for all of you.  I had the pleasure of talking with Aunt Mary while my mom (Aunt Jeanne) was making her way home last year.  It was so great to hear Aunt Mary's voice and to speak with her for a little while.  She was full of the spark and enthusiasm that I remember from all those trips to the lake.  And I know it meant so much to my mom - she just glowed for a while after they spoke.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers this week and after.  Be good to each other.