Lenna Hathaway's Obituary
LENNA MARIE HATHAWAY
Waupaca, WI A woman of keen intellect, deep compassion, quick wit, and strong will, Lenna Marie Hathaway (nee Remmel) died of lung cancer on Dec. 21, 2005. She was born in Waupaca, WI on January 7, 1935, attended Waupaca schools, and graduated from Marquette University in 1957. A gifted and natural teacher, she taught high school English in Fond du Lac, WI, New London, WI and Houston, TX until she became a wife and mom, roles she embraced with both pride and celebration. On December 29, 1960, she married her high school sweetheart, David S. Hathaway, in Waupaca. As a wife and mother, she was a sympathetic listener, an honest and candid counselor, and a constant source of encouragement and support. She took delight in many things, most notably her family, but she was also an avid reader, a wonderful cook, a bird lover, and an excellent Scrabble player. She accepted her illness with remarkable grace. As many of her friends observed, Lenna provided an inspirational model of how to go on living in the midst of dying. She lived the past two years as fully as possible, making the most of every moment with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Lenna's spirit will live on through her husband; her son George and his daughters, Hannah and Sophie (Wisconsin Rapids, WI); her son Bill, daughter-in-law Sharon, and their children, Sarah, Meghan, and Will (Asheville, NC); her daughter, Heather, former son-in-law Nigel Rothfels, and their son, David; her brother, Fr. Bill Remmel (Tucson, AZ); her cousin, Thomas Ziebell, (Appleton, WI); and many friends. Lenna was preceded in death by her parents: Dr. Harold and Esther Remmel, and her aunt: Genevieve Remmel. Although a woman of small stature, she made a huge impact on those she touched. This became clear during the past two years when so many people-from childhood friends to former students to more recent acquaintances-unexpectedly wrote to her to tell her how much she had influenced their lives. We sincerely thank all those who did so. We also wish to extend deepest gratitude to Krista Bilgo, Vicki Wolfe, Megan Karth, and Kathy Schweitzer from Theda Care Hospice who both cared for and became good friends with Lenna during her illness. Please join us in celebrating her life on December 27, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Waupaca, WI. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday morning from 10 AM until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
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