James and Catherine
Our mom Catherine, a country girl was she
Always hard working, busy as a bee
Moved to Chicago, making it her home,
She met dad James, no more to be alone.
Father is now in heaven with mother
No longer will they long for each other
Mom and dad are now together once more
Much the same as they were before
Our dad is reunited with his life's love
Both looking down upon us from above
Their life was good, don't cry or be forlorn
For of their union, three children were born
James F. Gajniak
James F. Gajniak, 91, died peacefully in his sleep Saturday evening, October 4, 2008, at the Hospice Care Center at McKee Medical Center.
He was born Dec. 17, 1916, in Chicago, Ill, the son of Charles and Anna (Bugajsky) Gajniak who had emigrated from Jablonka Orava, Slovakia to America in the early 1900s. James grew up with his three sisters, Mary, Helen (Sister M. Geraldine, O.S.B.), and Anne and two brothers, twin brother Aloysius and John. James met Catherine Mikel and were married in 1938 in a Catholic Church in Sawyer, Mich., then settled in Chicago where they lived and raised their three children. About 21 years ago, James and Catherine Gajniak moved to Loveland, Colo.
James' dear wife, Catherine, died less than a year ago, on Dec. 16, 2007.
Of the things that mattered most to James was his devoted love for his wife and their children. He was a good provider, hard worker, and enjoyed life to its fullest. Raising dogs were his and Catherine's hobbies.
Survivors include their three children: James C. (Dorothy) Gajniak, of Santa Clarita, Calif.; Joan, of Loveland; and Kathleen (Joel) residing in Lisle, Ill. Granddaughters are Terri (Rick) of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; Leah (Andrew) of Batavia, Ill.; and Sara and Sandra, both of Loveland. Great-grandchildren include Chad, Heather, and Brooke Lynn, all living in Port St. Lucie, Fla.; sisters, Helen (Sister M. Geraldine, O.S.B.) in Covington, Ky., Anne Labay-Cook (Gene) in Chicago, Ill.; and a brother, John, in Chicago, Ill. James was predeceased by his brother, Aloysius Gajniak, and his sister Mary.
At his request, he will be cremated and memorial services will be private.
Sister M. Geraldine, O.S.B. wrote this note:
Oct. 5, 2008
"Dear Jim and Dee,
I do want to offer my condolence on the death of your Dad.
No doubt you shared a special bond to your Dad
and therefore will miss him all the more!
We have to look beyond our earthly existence and be aware of the
eternal life that is ours after death.
I know Sister Joan Chittester will explain it better than I
could, so I'm enclosing her article.
God Bless,
Sister Geraldine"
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More writings by Sister Geraldine:
"The Little Flower wrote:
'You know my God, to love you -- I only have today!'
Because Catherine preceded you in death, you knew you
would surely follow her.
May your re-union now in eternity allow the rest of us to realize
how fleeting life is and how forever eternity is! May we pray to be
with you in Heaven."
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John W. sent a card with these words on it:
As you keep your father's love
in your heart,
remember, too,
you're surrounded by thoughts
of support and caring ---
today and in all the days
to come.
With Deepest Sympathy
Your friends
Phyllis and John
John added these following words:
"Dear Jim,
You are in my prayers dear friend.
Your Dad left you with memories that you
always will have with you. Our Dads live
on in our hearts and minds.
Sincerely,
John"
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A card from Ron and Connie K. had these words:
To let you know that others
Share the sorrow
in your heart
And extend
much deeper sympathy
Than any words impart.
Ron and Connie
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Bert and Shari L. sent us a card that read as follows:
"Dear Jim,
Your father...
you'll see his reflection
and hear his voice echo
in the things he left behind....
in the memories that will touch you
when you least expect them...
in the stories he shared....
the family traits he passed down....
in the love that will keep him
close to your heart forever.
With Sympathy
At This Sad Time
Love
Bert and Shari"
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Lou and Terri M. 's card had these words in it:
In the Loss of Your
Father
What you will always remember
is the way he laughed, the stories he told,
the guuidance he gave......
What you will always know
is the friendship shared, the sacrifices he made,
the example he was. What you will always feel...
is his love.
As you are remembering your father, know that
you are being thought of with sympathy and love.
Love,
Lou and Terry
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From Leo and Marsha B.,
"Dear Jim,
Leo and I were so sad to learn of the loss of your father.
Our thoughts are with you as you mourn the life of your Poppa.
Our heartfelt condolences go to you both.
Love,
Leo and Marsha"
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From John and Corky W., we received this card:
"Dear Jim,
We want you to know we appreciate the sense of loss
you are going through and we send you our love and support.
Wishing you strength for today
and comfort in the days ahead, knowing how much
your loved one meant
to so many.
We both appreciate your strength in these tough times. Peace and
comfort be yours.
Warmest regards,
John and Corky"
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