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Note: September 21, 2001 Prayer Service at Rehkemp Funeral Home
EULOGY FOR LOUISE FONTEYN DOYLE Written & read by Ben E Fellows Louise Grew up in Minneota with four sisters and three brothers. Like many others who grew up during the Great Depression, Louise developed a strong moral and ethical value system. Louise married Bernie in 1939. After the war, they settled in Marshall to raise their family -- Jan, Cecil, Carol, Peggy and Bob. Louise and Bernie made substantial sacrafices to meet their goal of sending all five children to Catholic School.
Sometimes we are able to better define people on the basis of their "Likes" and their "Traits".
* Louise loved to cook, and everyone who ever sat at her Dining Room Table can testify to her cooking skills. Three generations have enjoyed her famous brownies and chocolate chip cookies. Personally, I was never able to "sneak" away from a Doyle gathering without taking the "traditional" bag of leftovers, carefully packed by Louise. During the last week of her life, Louise was having great difficulty taking food. One afternoon, she requested some watermelon. When Carol brought in the requested meal, Louise, apparently forgetting that she had ordered watermelon, looked up at Carol and said "Doesn't anyone cook anymore?"
* Even though Louise loved to cook, she also liked to eat out. We all remember the heated discussions about who would pay the bill!
* Louise enjoyed playing cards. While she insisted on fair play --- she was also very competitive.
* Louise loved to dance. Bernie always commented that her dance card was always filled first. She also liked to fish. Catching and cooking bullheads were always precious times for Louise.
* Most of all, Louise loved her family. She always placed the family ahead of everything else. This was true for her extended family, as well as her biologic family. Not only did Louise provide emotional support for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was always available to listen and to play with them. * Cleanliness and hygiene were traits that were very important to Louise. When the hcildren were young, the family would travel to California to visit relatives. Each night on the road, they would stay at a motel. Bernie was allowed to select the motel, but everyone was required to stay in the car while Louise first inspected and then cleaned the motel room.
* Louise was very smart when it came to her family and to dealing with issues within the family. In addition to her formal education, Louise also taught herself through studying the encyclopedia and dictionary.
* All of us who knew her would probably agree - - - At times, Louise could be a bit stubborn. About forty years ago, Bernie had not consulted with Louise before he purchased "another" large car. Further, Louise could not see over the steering wheel. Louise announced to Bernie that she would simply not drive anymore. Fort the next thirty years, Bernie learned his lesson by driving Louise to wherever she needed to go.
Earlier this week, I asked Janet, Cec, Carol, Peggy and Bob to describe the specific qualities which they felt defined Louise as a mother and as a person.
* Fairness - Louise believed that everyone should be treated equally.
* Humility - Louise as the epitome of humility. When visitiing Louise a few weeks ago, a granddaughter commented "as sick as she was, she remained polite, humble and sincere."
* Strong work ethic - Louise worked extremely hard all of her life. When her children were young, she often drove Bernie's milk truck, while weraring her high-spike heeled shoes. The night before she died, Louise insited she still had work to do.
* Pride in her children - Family was always the most important element in Louises's life. She loved her children and was very proud of each of them. From the time Louise was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I personally witnessed the enormous amount of love that each of the siblings had for their mother. Janet, Cecil, Carol, Peggy and Bob stayed and cared for their mother to the very end. No greater love can one find.
* Faith - Louise's faith in God was an inspiration to all of us. She had a strong devotion to Mary and the Rosary, and to St. Jude. She believed strongly that a family that prays together stays together. When told she had terminal cancer, she explained to her children that, while she would prefer a different ending, it was God's will to choose the time. "We are not supposed to have wings on earth", she said.
Louise, you were a great, great lady. We love you - - - and we will all miss you. Heaven will now be a much better place.
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