Leona Shaw

Surrounded by the love of her three children, 11 grandchildren and 16 greatgrandchildren, Leona Elizabeth Shaw of Cape Girardeau passed from this Earth on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau and was granted one of her greatest wishes: to meet her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. She was born March 4, 1923.

The sadness the family feels for the loss of Leona is equaled only by the joy it feels with her being reunited with her husband of 49 years, Dewey; her daughter, Suzanne; her son, Timothy; and her grandson, Daniel.

Leona was a woman of unwavering faith and love in her family, her friends and, certainly, her religion. A devout Catholic her entire life, she always knew a better life awaited those who put their faith in Jesus Christ, and she lived that faith every day.

Leona did her best to teach her family to live a life of happiness and that happiness did not come from possessions, but from religion, family and work.

"Set goals for yourself," Leona said, "and with the grace of God and the love of your family, you could accomplish anything you want." She truly believed that, and her family prays it can embody her spirit and love of life.

The family takes comfort in knowing the sadness it feels will weaken over time, although never completely going away, hopefully to be replaced by thoughts of Leona running through the fields by Apple Creek with her siblings, Leo, Herman, Rudy, Daria, Wilma, Mary Lou and, someday, Raymond. Stirring the orange soda with Grandpa at the brewery. Praying a rosary with Grandma or rocking a new grandchild to sleep.

Leona lived a simple life, but mostly a happy one. Who could ask for more? So, as her loved ones say goodbye to their mom, friend and role model, they just want to tell her not to worry about them, as she did their entire lives, because "it will all work out," and her children -- Janice, Mary and John -- love her.

For anyone wishing to say goodbye to Leona, visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau, with parish prayers at 7 p.m.

A funeral Mass will be at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Bobby Manso officiating. Interment will be at St. Michael's Cemetery in Apple Creek, Missouri.

Memorial donations are requested to Vincent's Vittles at St. Vincent de Paul Parish.

Online condolences can be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.