- Date Of Birth: June 7, 1919
- Date Of Death: July 8, 2010
- State: Louisiana
When the last of a generation passes we should pause and give attention to that which they have left to us. Today,my brothers and I share with you the essence of our mom and some of her special wisdom.
She was the eternal optimist, forever looking only at the good in the moment. She immediately recognized pessimistic traits in people and felt that they suffered far too much worry and stress with their pessimism. She never took offense at what others may have said or did. She never got her feelings hurt and she suggested others do the same.
Mother was practical and the ultimate organizer. She felt that if you had organization in the small details of the day, it would save you time and energy that you would need for the larger challenges in life. Whether she was working on incredibly complicated and lengthy projects or something as mundane as loading the dishwasher, she considered every task to be done with detail and reflection. Organization would keep life simpler.
To improvise was part of life’s fun. She relished the challenges of designing, sewing, fixing and constructing anything not easily found to buy in the store. It was her way of exercising her personal independence in living.
On the problems in life she would say that if you can solve a problem, do so, if not, move away from the problem and let it not distract you from doing other productive activities. Her motto was that you only have today and tomorrow.
She lived an unselfish life, although she never considered this when you look back on the untold time and energies given to others. She believed she was so much better off in life if she was the one taking care of others, rather than the other way around. Caring for others was not a chore but God’s reminder of how lucky she was.
She embraced the differences in people and strengths of our family genes. She took immense delight in watching the gifts and talents of her seven unique grandsons emerge. Whether is was music, authoring, scientific study and research, corporate life or the talent to follow in the steps her father, the Judge, she was ever amazed at watching them find their careers in life.
She loved the challenge to change with the times. Whether it was the computer, the cell phone, the scanner or her new digital camera, she loved it all. She diligently learned and studied how it all worked. She saw their value above the frustrations.
On the topic of conversation, she would say if you don’t have anything nice to say it is better not to speak at all.
On the topic of marriage, she would say it was a partnership, equitably arranged, where each spouse would allow their gifts and talents to work for the success of the family.
To the single people, she would say marriage is not for everyone. She knew a great many bachelors and unmarried women who were incredibly successful and very happy. She never wondered why they were not married, to her it was just right for them.
For the ladies here today, she would remind you of the value of an organized purse and to always refresh your lipstick. An organized purse would support a lady well when away from home for the day or a week. Lipstick will remind everyone you would meet of your great smile and wonderful words. Tears would only serve to increase your eye wrinkles.
She never stop swimming.
She ever continued to make new friends in life. The ones you have today may not always be with you so she embraced meeting new people.
We hope these words of our mother will find root in your heart. May they grow in your life. May you find the blessing and rich rewards of a long and happy life. Thank you all so much for coming and we thank you, Father T, for your blessings of comfort and closure.
Shirley Mathilde Viosca Stakelum, aged 91, died peacefully on July 8, 2010 in New Orleans after a brief illness. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of fifty-seven years, Piercy Joseph Stakelum, Jr., parents Judge Rene Adams Viosca and Gladys Arnoult Viosca, sisters Gladys Viosca Miller, Dorothy Viosca Bertram, Lysle Sylvia Viosca, and Renee Ann Viosca.
continued…
1
2
Next
…continued
by three great-grandchildren, Reid Parker Stakelum, Drew Christopher Stakelum, Piercy Joseph Stakelum V, and a host of loving nephews and nieces. Shirley was born on June 7, 1919 in New Orleans and resided in Metairie for the past 16 years. She graduated from Tulane University with a degree in journalism in 1940. Her wedding on July 4, 1942 marked the beginning a long life together with Piercy. After raising a family, she joined Piercy in the advertising business. In later years, she devoted time to genealogy and historical research, authoring several books on the early years of New Orleans history. She was an eternal optimist and encouraged all she knew to remain hopeful and always concentrate on the good in life. Shirley was presented as a maid in the courts of Osiris, Hermes, and Olympians in 1937. She was an original member of the Sprig and Twig Garden Club, serving several terms as president. She also fondly embraced her memberships in many other associationswe , such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, Louisiana Colonials, Founder’s of the City of New Orleans, Daughters of 1812, Freedoms Foundation, and the Jefferson Genealogical Society.
Previous
1
2
