Memorial
Mamie Catherine Shaheen, 89, of Cedar Rapids fell asleep in Christ on December 18, 2014. Mamie's steadfast faith in Christ sustained and comforted her through years of poor health. She died of complications from Parkinson's disease.
Visitation will take place from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Monday, December 29, 2014 at St. George Orthodox Church, with a Trisagion service at 7:00 PM. A private family funeral service will be held.
Mamie Catherine was the devoted daughter of Albert and Ethel (Newton) Oberthien. She was born in Marengo, Iowa, and spent her early years enjoying rural life in Blairstown, Iowa. Mamie cherished her Benton County family and roots; often sharing fond memories with her daughters and grandchildren.
The Oberthien family moved to Cedar Rapids when Mamie entered the 8th grade. This move introduced her to Doug Shaheen, her future husband. Mamie graduated from Roosevelt High School where she was active in many student activities. Following Doug's military service in World War II, they married in an Antiochian Orthodox Christian ceremony. They had the pleasure and honor of having their marriage officiated by Doug's maternal uncle, The Rev. Fr. Thomas Abodeely.
Mamie was an outstanding homemaker who selflessly cared for her husband, three daughters, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She gave them precious gifts of her time, constant love, and care. Mamie was always there for her loved ones in whatever way needed. Spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and celebrating their accomplishments, were her greatest joys.
Mamie was a humble, kind, gentle, and gracious child of God. She always sought the person in the group who needed a friendly smile and uplifting words. She truly understood the need for and importance of kindness. Even during her days of discomfort and pain, Mamie kept a grateful heart; never failing to express her gratitude. God-given empathy and genuine interest in others, made Mamie a true friend to many.
Mamie is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Douglas C. Shaheen. Three daughters: Connie Bowler, Cedar Rapids; Cathy A. (Gary) Bowen, Littleton, CO, formerly of Cedar Rapids; Jan (W. Scott) Overland, Cedar Rapids. Five grandchildren: Jill Bowler-Petersen, Cedar Rapids; Briana Bowen (Lynndell) Epp, Littleton, CO; Jamie (Tara) Bowler, Alburnett; Andrea Parker and Abbey Overland, Cedar Rapids. Five great-grandchildren: Taylor Petersen, Cedar Rapids; Bracken and Braylee Epp, Littleton, CO; Kaden and Katelynn Bowler, Alburnett. In addition, her maternal aunt, Neoma Newton, Blairstown; special cousins, Donna Mae, Sioux City and Marilyn Stander, Vinton; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Joe and Yvonne Hidder, Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law Dolores Haddy, Scottsdale, AZ. Mamie leaves behind many wonderful nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Mamie is preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, John D. and Jean Oberthien; special maternal uncle and aunt Lester and Eunice Newton; maternal uncle Donald Newton; maternal uncle and aunt Glenn and Verneta Newton; maternal aunt Pearl Newton; and paternal aunt Nettie; father-in-law and mother-in-law Thomas and Sophia Shaheen; brother-in-law and sister-in-law DeLane and Elaine Shaheen; brother-in-law Albert Haddy; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Donald and Delores Shaheen; brother-in-law Tommy Shaheen; sister-in-law Patricia Shaheen; brother-in-law Dennis Shaheen; and sister-in-law Susan Shaheen.
Mamie was a long-time member of St. George Orthodox Church where she enjoyed the fellowship of worship, the women's club, Agape senior group, and serving as a kitchen worker for many church bake sales. She was a member of American Business Women's Association (ABWA) and served as chapter secretary for several years. Following high school, she moved to Detroit, MI, to attend telegrapher school and was a Western Union telegrapher during World War II. Mamie was proud to be a military spouse for over twenty years and liked the camaraderie of military family life. Along with her husband Doug, she owned and operated Shaheen Sundries, a grocery store and food counter on Ellis Boulevard. Combining her love for children and cooking, she served as a friendly "lunch lady" at Fillmore Elementary School. In later years, Mamie worked as an office clerk at D&E Distributing, a family business.
Mamie was an avid reader, a theater and music lover, a Hawkeye sports fan, a dog lover, and an extraordinary dessert baker. Mamie honored and remembered her English heritage by observing daily tea time. She loved her school days and fellow classmates and organized numerous Roosevelt High School reunions.
Our thanks and gratitude to The Rev. Fr. Fred Shaheen of St. George Orthodox Church for his comforting pastoral visits, the Sunday School children of St. George for their heart-warming cards, the outstanding staff of Hallmar Residental Care Mercy Medical Center, Sister Mary Brian, Sisters of Mercy, for her loving presence, Dr. Melanie Stahlberg and Dr. George Hanna, DDS for their years of compassionate care. Mamie was blessed by the words and deeds of many relatives, friends, and caregivers - far too many to name here.
"Give rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants who have fallen asleep."
Per Mamie's wishes, please direct memorials to: St. George Orthodox Church, 3650 Cottage Grove Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403; ARC of East Central Iowa, 680 Second Street SE #200, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401; or Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center, 8845 Wagner Street, Westminster, CO 80031.