Until We Meet Again….

The last week in February and the month of March were bittersweet.  In less than a week apart I lost both of my lovely grandmothers.  On February 27th, my mom’s mom, Marie Agnes Baum Colley, 93 years young, passed away from this world.  She had suffered so much the last few years from dementia and anxiety that we were glad to no longer see her fierce spirit and independent soul suffer any longer.  She  loved animals, music, nature, loved gardening, writing poetry, enjoyed wildlife and sacrificed immensely for her children.  She gave unconditionally many years to others and I can only hope that my love for nature and nurturing others was because of her.  She used to call me her lovely lavender lady….until we met again MAC…I love you.

A week later, on March 4th, I lost my father’s mom unexpectedly.  Church Lady known to us, but Donna Jean Davis, known to everyone else, passed at 84 following a brief illness.  My grandparents had been high school sweethearts and this journey for my grandfather will not be easy, as he no longer has his partner by his side.  In September, I was able to see them both, for what would become the very last time.  Church Lady loved to laugh and she may have had that stern look on her face, but we usually found a way to turn it into a smile.  Her hands were always so soft and I would love it when she would take my hand into hers and just hold it.  I know her life wasn’t always easy, but she cared for her 4 children and made sure their needs and wants were always taken care of.  In the last couple of years we were able to really connect and enjoy each others company and for that….I am truly blessed and grateful. I wish that we would have had more time to make more memories….but as they saying goes…you are never guaranteed today or tomorrow….so live life to the fullest and enjoy the perfect present…and open the two gifts you were given every morning….your eyes!  I’ll see you again Church Lady!

 

Marie Agnes Colley – Cremation Society of Georgia

Marie Agnes Baum Colley passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 27th following a brief illness that followed many years of decline from dementia. Marie, a long time resident of Ohio, was born November 15, 1925 in Canton, Ohio to Mary A. and Albert C. Baum. She was proceeded in death by her parents, her brother Donald E. Baum and two spouses, James A. Schlarb and Richard A. Colley, all Ohio residents. She graduated from Zanesville High School in Zanesville, Ohio in 1943 and attended Bethesda School of Nursing also in Zanesville, Ohio on a scholarship from 1943 – 1946. She had a long and diverse career in nursing which included many years in psychiatric nursing and teaching at Cambridge and Massillon State Hospitals in Ohio. In her last nursing position prior to retirement she was with Timken Roller Bearing in Canton, Ohio as an Industrial Nurse. She retired from this position in 1992. For a brief time, she took a break from nursing and sold real estate in Northern Ohio. But nursing and caring for others was her calling and she ultimately returned to her field. Following retirement, Marie, an avid gardener, spent her time gardening, writing poetry for friends and family, contributing to her garden club and spending time with friends and family on her pontoon boat enjoying the scenery and fishing on Leesville Lake, Leesville, Ohio. As a young woman Marie played the piano, organ and trumpet, sang on the radio with a local trio and in the choir at Grace Methodist Church in Zanesville, Ohio where she was an active member. She continued playing the piano and organ well into retirement. She was an independent spirit who spent her life in love with nature, music and literature and provided comfort and care for those around her in need. For a number of years, she was a simultaneous caregiver for her mother Mary and spouse Richard who were both seriously ill prior to their deaths in early 1980. In 2007, she relocated from Justus, Ohio to Lawrenceville, Georgia to be closer to family. In Georgia, she continued to spend her time gardening, reading and writing poetry and caring for her new dog who she aptly named Peaches after The Peach State, her new home. She had a delightful sense of humor and quick wit that remained with her long after dementia compromised her memory. She touched many, many lives over the years and will be sorely missed.

Marie leaves 3 daughters, Merry Lou Schlarb (her primary caregiver) of Lawrenceville, GA, Sally Sue Ames of Wilmington, NC and Beth Ann Davis of Buckeye, AZ, 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 4 great, great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date when all her family will be able to attend, however, Memorial Donations may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association at (alz.org) or Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at (alzfdn.org).

 

Donna Davis Obituary – Beach City, OH | IndeOnline

Donna J. Davis

84 of Beach City went to be with her Lord, March 4, 2018 following a brief illness. She was born at Alliance, Ohio, the daughter of the late George and Gladys Vaughn McClellan. She retired from Fairless Local School in 1995 where she was the food service director. Donna was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Beach City, Atwood Yacht Club and Wilmot Study Club.

She is survived by her husband, Charles (Chuck) Davis of the residence; one son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Beth Davis, Buckeye, Ariz.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl (Steve) Siciliano, of Litchfield Park, Ariz., Katherine (Jim) Neininger of Goose Creek, S. Car., Laurie (Don) Artzner of Bolivar; one brother George McClellan Jr. of Strasburg; one sister, Mary Jane Widder of Beach City; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A private family service will be held. To offer

condolence and sign guest book www.lantzerfuneralhome.com