Birth date: Sep 5, 1930 Death date: Jul 6, 2019
Mary Lou Lema, 88, of The Villages, passed away Saturday, July 6, 2019. Mrs. Lema was born September 5, 1930 in LaPlata, MO to James Tye and Minta (Wilson) Collins. Up until May 7, she was enjoying an active life that included a f Read Obituary
Eulogy Part 2:
to home.
The depth of your love for our mom has been one of the bright spots for us as we navigated this frustrating journey over the past few months. She never quit on you and you never quit on her and we thank you. The friendship that you extended to each of us blessed our lives and gave us a glimpse into the joy she found here. Thank you for blessing her life.
I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you, she did not fear death. She spoke of that several times over the past few years. She believed in God’s promise of eternal life voiced through his son, Jesus, in the book of John 11:25 & 26. “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” She knew her salvation did not rest in good deeds, or being Catholic, or being sinless….she knew all it took was accepting His grace….saying Yes…..trusting him…..and she had a place at His table. She had recently been working on turning her worries to prayers and therefore spent a lot of time praying as she grappled with the fact that worry and faith were complete opposites. On my last visit as she was telling me, she just couldn’t do all this…mainly the therapy…..I asked if she wanted me to call Father Ed for last rites. She gritted her teeth as only lil Mary Lou can do and said, “I don’t need a priest. I’m talking to God all the time and we’re working this out.” She was obsessed about playing the song, “I Can Only Imagine”, at this service. I imagine it had everything to do with the hope she placed in God’s promise of eternity.
Mary Lou was a dear friend and neighbor for 9 years; not a long time in the grand scheme of things but my husband & I fell in love with her instantly. We always enjoyed spending time with her & will miss her tremendously. Cathy, Debbie & Jim, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this heartbreaking time. Bob & Carol Oswald
I played golf with Mary Lou and found a friend on the first 9 holes. She spoke of her dear husband Tony often and I enjoyed every caring word about her relatives. I met her loving family at her birthday party and felt I needed no introduction with Mary's special description of each one of you. I know she and Tony will be in peace forever more. As you know God's comfort will be there for you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Barbara Lovett
I remember caring for Mrs. Lema at The Club, she was so sweet and soft spoken, and that's how I'm going to remember her, I'm sure those traits must have been passed down to her children. So sorry for your loss.
Will Hogan PTA
YOUR MOTHER WAS VERY SPECIAL, WE ALWAYS HAD FUN. I KNEW HER OVER 20YEARS AND I WILL MISS HER VERY MUCH. SHE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED IN MY PRAYERS. CAROLYN REINIKKA
