Ladies Club honor eight of their own

By Maurice Emery
Editor

Nineteen years ago one woman conceived of a memorial garden. That first year they planted one tree and a couple of bushes.    Lynn Frongillo is probably looking down on what has become one of the most scenic places off the lake.

Last week the ladies gathered in what has become an annual tradition, the Lake Gaston Ladies Club Memorial Service.  This is a time when the ladies take time out pay tribute to those have gone before them and who’s memory still lives on in the gardens.

“Today we have gathered to pay tribute to those eight members who we lost this year. This is the time to show our love and affection and share our friendship,” Vickie Evans, President Lake Gaston Ladies Club (LGLC) told the gathering of over 110 club members’ families and friends. 

The service was held at Lakeside Lutheran Church right next to the gardens.  It was a beautiful spring day, much like many of the days the ladies had spent in the gardens. 

They honored mentioned Holly Tetterton and Beth Stockley, who Jan Tomlinson, former Chairman of Memorial Garden Service apologized for not being on the program list. It was then time for selected members and friends to pay tribute to those who died since the last service.  They were  Ellen Poteat    remembered by Dolly Robins with contributions by Mary Luck; Nell Hall remembered by Bernice Jiano; Pat Brown remembered by Patricia Ball; Joyce Sabock remembered by Mert Ross; Pat Smalfelt remembered by Sherry Hannen; Jean Van Petten remembered by Moira Underwood;  Jean Bunch remembered by Ann Nelson Written by Hank Ann Richardson; and Pat Pingarelli remembered by Nina Mathew.

In his invocation Reverend Ken Thrasher, Prospect United Methodist Church told the gathering, “Each day we have is a gift from God.”  They then sang ‘In the Garden.’

Chairman of the Memorial Garden Service, Suellen Amsler, stated that today is the day we celebrate the lives of those who have gone, everyone here is touched in some way by those who have gone.  She said that members were like Peter Pan, “They refuse to grow up, they refuse to grow old.”

Pastor Lakeside Lutheran Church, Reverend Frederick Eichner of was the speaker for the service.  He commented on uniqueness of the service being held on May1, known in the church as Ascension Day.  He added that Lutherans are not known for attending services during the week, so this was one of those rare occasions when there were a few Lutherans in church on a Thursday. 

“That garden speaks about life it is filled with living things,” Rev. Eichner stated.  “When you remember it means that somehow these eight people have lived beyond their days,” he added. 

“These ladies will indeed live in our hearts,” Jan stated when she introduced the first lady.

Thirty-five members of the Gastonettes, lead by Sue Beazley sang ‘One Song Many Voices’ Kathy Bowen signed the song; Carol Seidelon the Piano Janet Schinitz, played the Guitar and

Marilyn Cockey played Piano.  They followed that up with ‘Let there be peace on earth’.

Dolly Robins talked about her friend Ellen Poteat who passed away in 2007.   Ellen was on of the eleventh charter member of the Ladies Club.  She is remembered with one of the cornerstone bricks in the Gardens.  Ellen was very involved with many volunteer projects around the lake. 

Bernice Jiano remembered Nell Hall.  She talked about Nells love of traveling.  She also brought out that a friend used to say, Nell, Nell the southern bell.

Patricia Ball remembered Pat Brown.  “We laughed about a lot of things we cried about a lot of things,” Patricia said.  She commented on she would miss her a great deal, and already missed her a lot.

Mert Ross remembered the grand times with Joyce Sabock.  She brought out a laughter from everyone when she talked about the quilting clubs Stach Enhancement experience trips.  They were known as S.E.X. trips.  Joyce was never shy about telling everyone on the road that they were on a sex trip. 

Sherry Hannen remembered Patricia Smalfelt.  Pat was always busy and involved.  She was the queen of the random act of kindness.  “When you were with her she made you feel you were her only friend,” stated Sherry.  In reality she had many friends. 

Moira Underwood remembered Jean Van Petten.  She talked about Jean’s love of hunting for arrowheads especially on Goat Island.  She was Navy wife who had ten children. One thing Moira was surprised to learn was that Jean was a postulate in the convent and left to join the navy where she met here husband.   She also noted that Jean was very observant and loved all of God’s creatures. 

Ann Nelson read a remembrance from Hank Ann Richardson reminiscing about Jean Bunch.  A past president of the LGLC, Jean appreciated and loved her husband Ray.  She loved the lake and hated to leave after twenty years here.  The statement closed by honoring Jean as a gracious lady. 

Nina Mathews reminisced about Pat Pingarelli.  Patty was Irish and loved it.  She took nothing for granted and celebrated life.  Nina’s face lit up when she told the story of when Patty played football with Nina’s grandson and then later he went over and asked her if she could come out and play.  Patty relished the hard work in the memorial gardens.

Before the closing remarks The Hand Bell Ensemble from Lakeside Lutheran Church played for the ladies and guests.  In her closing remarks Suellen commented on how many people it took put the bring the annual event together. 

In what appeared to be an effort to make sure the ladies and guest would move over to the Memorial Gardens for refreshments, she read the menu.  After Pastor Thrasher bave the benediction they did make the short journey to the Gardens. 

The following was written on the back of the program:

The Memorial Garden, which honors the deceased members of the Ladies Club, is the outward symbol of LGLC. It expresses the love and beauty of our membership and reminds us of the loving dedication it takes to make the Ladies Club and its garden a success. A special thanks is given to all the volunteers who work in the garden and to those who help with the Memorial Service. Your loving dedication is truly appreciated.