|
|
Susan Lynn Kastelic |
|
July 9, 1962 ~ June 30, 2015 |
|
July 29, 2015 |
A private, solemn Requiem Mass in the Latin-Rite
was celebrated for the repose of Susan's soul by
Fr. Dennis Gordon, FSSP, on July 14, 2015 (Feast
of St. Kateri Tekakwitha) at St. Joan of Arc
Roman Catholic Chapel in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
Among those in attendance were Fr. Mariusz
Majewski (Pastor, St. Thomas Apostle Catholic
Church , Coeur d'Alene) and, Fr. David Riffle,
(former Pastor, St. Ann's Catholic Church,
Bonners Ferry).
Susan is survived and lovingly remembered by her
parents, Donald and Carol Cyphert, maternal
grandmother Margaret, younger sister Debra,
devoted son Michael "Mak" (Kamrie), and her
forever friend and husband, John. Susan also
leaves behind 23 Godchildren and many nieces and
nephews; all of whom, she was so very fond.
Born and raised in the "Land of Enchantment"
(New Mexico) on July 9, 1962, Susan will always
be known and remembered for her beautiful smile,
quiet demeanor, gentle nature, loyalty, and
infinite patience, Susan will also be
well-remembered for her creativity and artistic
talent. She was an accomplished weaver and
quilter who appreciated the complex designs and
rich colors of her native Southwest. She also
was quite skilled in needlepoint, crochet and
macrame.
In addition to these inspiring abilities, Susan
loved, enjoyed, and pursued over the years with
great enthusiasm a wide variety of interests,
hobbies and pastimes that included: many, many
cats and dogs (all favorites); attending
musicals, opera, ballet and a wide-variety of
stage productions and choral events; serving as
a Den Mother; sponsoring and supporting youth
athletics and activities; volunteering at
Church; watching pre-1950 movies; teaching
calligraphy; reading novels; adoring all things
purple and violet; star-gazing; solving math and
logic puzzles; planning long,
historically-themed road-trips and vacations;
listening to all genres of music (especially
classical and her beloved Mozart); camping;
fishing; vegetable and flower gardening; and
being a loving, supportive wife and mother.
Susan was passionate about our natural world and
she kept meticulous records of her animal
sightings on road-trips, most-especially birds.
An avid (fanatic) bird watcher was Susan, and
she could easily identify many dozens of species
as well as share fun and interesting facts about
the uniqueness of their traits or habitats. When
camping, fishing or hiking, Susan sought the
most-secluded sites, hidden lakes,
long-forgotten streams, and the trails least
traveled, always preferring to cook over an open
fire and sleep under the stars. And after each
trip, it was only Susan's humility that
prevented her from reminding John, that it was
she who always caught the most, and biggest
fish.
In the kitchen, Susan served up the "truth" in
the form of her old-fashioned style of cooking
that she developed from the German, Irish and
Mexican traditions. Her efforts at the stove or
oven were always enhanced by the welcoming
ambiance she created for anyone who sat at her
table. She loved to prepare special family
feasts for each holiday, especially during the
Advent and Christmas Season when she would
decorate the house with garland and luminarias.
Depending on the time of year, Susan could be
found selecting chiles for roasting, berries for
her special preserves, meats for her stews, or
fruits for her pies. Although she always readily
shared her "secret" baking recipes, few could
replicate her biscochitos, apple pies, rum
cakes, cheesecakes, soda breads, and her
incomparable, signature, "Snookie Cookie." And
from time-to-time, generous portions of healthy
advice were also served up; and when needed,
consoling words mixed with her recipe for
kindness. Indeed, all were welcome in Susan's
kitchen where the truth was always spoken.
Quietly rising before sunup each morning to
simply sit outside and listen to the birds,
Susan always managed to meet the day with an
optimistic attitude and cheerful smile. She
diligently worked in the medical field for over
20 years as a hospital ward clerk and unit
secretary in the surgical, labor and delivery,
intensive care, and oncology wards. She was
highly-regarded as a model employee who received
numerous merit awards. But never being one to
enjoy the spotlight during the occasional
employee function, Susan would seize with
embarrassment while being recognized for her
value, expertise, and dedication.
Susan went peacefully into the loving arms of
her Savior on the morning of June 30, 2015. Her
beautiful, grateful smile is sincerely extended
to the following individuals who offered their
love, support and kindness to Susan and her
family during her final days: Fr. Dan Nolan,
FSSP (St. Joan of Arc); Karen Noble and all dear
friends at Current Medical Services;
kindred-spirit Marcia Clark; the staff of North
Idaho Hospice House at Hummingbird Fields; Jerry
and Kathy Parker and the parishioners of St.
Thomas Apostle; and to Debbie, who lovingly
nursed and cared for her sister throughout that
time.
Please remember Susan and her family in your
good prayers. To some, it may be of interest to
know that Susan held a special devotion to
Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of
Guadalupe), and to St. Therese of Lisieux, the
"Little Flower" (Susan's Confirmation name).
Rosaries and Masses may also be said for the
intention held most-dearly in Susan's heart,
"All Unborn Children." Mass requests can be made
to: St. Joan of Arc Chapel (Coeur d'Alene), St.
Thomas Apostle (Coeur d'Alene), St. Ann's
(Bonners Ferry), and, Fr. David Riffle, Retired
(P.O. Box 277, Santa, Idaho 83866).
O Lord, grant eternal rest unto thy humble
servant Susan, and let your perpetual light
shine upon her, and all the souls of your
faithful departed. Amen. |
|
|
|
|
