We celebrated a funeral today for a woman who has lived in this community for many decades and who has influenced more individuals than she may ever know.
We have gathered in this place this morning to surround Fern and his three children, as well as the other members of their family with our prayer and concern at a moment that has arrived far before its time (cf Wis 4:7). In the reflection which he prepared for today, Fern remembered some of the happier times: when both he and Darlene were younger, when they met each other and got to know one another. Within those words, we can perhaps picture the dreams they entertained about their future together, and the hopes they looked forward to sharing. Life has a way of running away with us. Over the years that have come and gone, you have treasured each experience, every opportunity, and created precious memories together.
Last evening, many of those who have shared a part of Darlene's journey gathered here in the church to share their own memories; today, we join you in offering our humble prayers for the salvation of her eternal soul. As we do, we look back over the years that have come and gone, and we echo the words of the Book of Wisdom: Length of days is not what makes age honourable (Wis 4:8). Instead, what we remember most fondly about Darlene was the gift of understanding that she so freely shared with so many (cf Wis 4:9). She began to hone this gift when she was called upon to leave school and to take care of her siblings, and she continued to deepen and strengthen this gift as she shared such deep concern for her husband, her children and the many others who she sought to serve.
Darlene has been an integral part of this parish since the day she arrived in Elliot Lake. She was always here, praying at Mass, enjoying the fraternity and spirituality of the Catholic Women's League, helping to coordinate funeral luncheons, volunteering at the hospital where she cared for palliative patients and working with children and adults with special needs. She truly embodied the spirit of a disciple: one who listens to the word of God (cf Jn 5:24) and believes in Him.
Over the past two years, Darlene experienced increasing difficulty with her breathing, but she didn't let that stop her from coming to the church as often as she could, or from living life as she always had, including the annual visits to Boyne and to the local ski hill, and of course taking care of all the visitors who would knock at her door. When it became increasingly difficult for her to set foot in the church, Fern made sure to take the Eucharist to her so that she would always have the assurance of that special food that we receive whenever we gather around this table.
This gathering is an opportunity for us to pray Darlene home, into her eternal reward, but it is also an occasion for us to look forward in hope. Saint Paul tells us that we can be quite certain ... about those who have died (1 Thes 4:13), including Darlene. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that it will be the same for those who have died in Jesus ... God will bring us to himself and we shall stay with the Lord forever (1 Thes 4:17). Today, we commend Darlene's eternal soul into the loving arms of our God. Even though our hearts are saddened because we are now parted from her, we believe that she is with Jesus in heaven, watching over us and waiting for us.
Funeral homily for Darlene Ann Houle
We have gathered in this place this morning to surround Fern and his three children, as well as the other members of their family with our prayer and concern at a moment that has arrived far before its time (cf Wis 4:7). In the reflection which he prepared for today, Fern remembered some of the happier times: when both he and Darlene were younger, when they met each other and got to know one another. Within those words, we can perhaps picture the dreams they entertained about their future together, and the hopes they looked forward to sharing. Life has a way of running away with us. Over the years that have come and gone, you have treasured each experience, every opportunity, and created precious memories together.
Last evening, many of those who have shared a part of Darlene's journey gathered here in the church to share their own memories; today, we join you in offering our humble prayers for the salvation of her eternal soul. As we do, we look back over the years that have come and gone, and we echo the words of the Book of Wisdom: Length of days is not what makes age honourable (Wis 4:8). Instead, what we remember most fondly about Darlene was the gift of understanding that she so freely shared with so many (cf Wis 4:9). She began to hone this gift when she was called upon to leave school and to take care of her siblings, and she continued to deepen and strengthen this gift as she shared such deep concern for her husband, her children and the many others who she sought to serve.
Darlene has been an integral part of this parish since the day she arrived in Elliot Lake. She was always here, praying at Mass, enjoying the fraternity and spirituality of the Catholic Women's League, helping to coordinate funeral luncheons, volunteering at the hospital where she cared for palliative patients and working with children and adults with special needs. She truly embodied the spirit of a disciple: one who listens to the word of God (cf Jn 5:24) and believes in Him.
Over the past two years, Darlene experienced increasing difficulty with her breathing, but she didn't let that stop her from coming to the church as often as she could, or from living life as she always had, including the annual visits to Boyne and to the local ski hill, and of course taking care of all the visitors who would knock at her door. When it became increasingly difficult for her to set foot in the church, Fern made sure to take the Eucharist to her so that she would always have the assurance of that special food that we receive whenever we gather around this table.
This gathering is an opportunity for us to pray Darlene home, into her eternal reward, but it is also an occasion for us to look forward in hope. Saint Paul tells us that we can be quite certain ... about those who have died (1 Thes 4:13), including Darlene. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that it will be the same for those who have died in Jesus ... God will bring us to himself and we shall stay with the Lord forever (1 Thes 4:17). Today, we commend Darlene's eternal soul into the loving arms of our God. Even though our hearts are saddened because we are now parted from her, we believe that she is with Jesus in heaven, watching over us and waiting for us.
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