Sue Ackert

Honored by her husband, Richard Ackert

Sue Ackert is a graduate of the University of Tampa and retired from a successful career in banking in 1999. Sue is past President of the Zonta Club of Fort Myers; member of the Advisory Board of Royal Palm Ministries Christian Counseling. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Lee Mental Health, the current Corresponding Secretary for the Green Thumb Garden Club, and a member of Town and Gown for FGCU.

She is a proud Christian member of McGregor Baptist Church and has served on the Women’s Council and has been a facilitator for the Women’s Ministry classes.

Sue believes passionately in the sanctity of marriage and family and for the past several years has been the Coordinator for McGregor Baptist Apples of Gold Ministry. The program equips older women to lovingly and supportively train younger women through biblical lessons and a weekly sharing of time together. Apples of Gold preserve traditional values. It rebuilds marriage relationships, offers insight on overwhelming parent-child relationships, and emphasizes the importance of spiritual development. Apples of Gold is building up mothers, marriages, and lives.

Sue gives back to our community, is reverent in the way she lives, loves her husband and family, and practices kindness and purity.

My Mother, Rachael, once said to me, “Son, you have married an Angel.” Mom was right.

Maureen Bashaw

Honored by Rusty Brown

Maureen Bashaw led a prominent role in Fort Myers theatre for three decades. She also prodded the community and the school system to meet the needs of autistic children. For these reasons, she was nominated as a Women’s Legacy Fund Angel.

Maureen came to Fort Myers as a British war bride. She had met U.S. Air Force Lt. Richard Bashaw at a ballroom dance in London. Romance blossomed and they were wed in 1956 before he took his final post at the Air Force Base in Blytheville, Ark.

The cultural shock was traumatic. “Nobody could understand my accent, and I cried a lot,” she recalled.

Life got better when Richard accepted a job offer in Fort Myers and she became active in the Fort Myers Little Theatre. “I had parts in many plays and also did publicity for the theatre.” That led to a job at the News-Press where she became the respected drama critic, a position she thrived on for the next 31 years before retiring in 2001. She also is a founder of the Lee County Alliance of the Arts.

Meanwhile, she had three children, and Richard opened an insurance office and was elected to Fort Myers’ City Council. “He really pushed the city to back Florida Repertory Theatre downtown,” said Maureen.

A “surprise” fourth child, Ian, was born when she was 42. He was diagnosed with autism at age six. “There was little being done for these children,” says Maureen, “so we, and other parents fought to have the Lee County school system create special classes for autistic kids, first, in elementary school, then, in middle school and high school.”

In her soft-spoken manner, she confessed, “The challenges of autism consumed our lives.” Richard died of heart problems at age 72 in 2001. Ian is now 32 and lives in a group home. Now, Maureen‘s daughter, Beth Bashaw Cameron, is involved as president of the Adonis Autism Center of Southwest Florida. “Our current mission,” says Maureen, “is to give grants to families or organizations working with autistic adults.” For this tireless Angel, the crusade goes on.

Maureen Cull

Honored by her daughter, Carolyn Rogers

Today I honor my mother.

The one who has always been there for me--through the joyful times, and the times of sorrow. She’s always been there with encouragement, a listening ear, a shoulder, a hand.

She has been a big part in helping Bill and I to raise our two sons, especially when they were young, taking them two days a week so I didn’t have to put them in day care full-time while I worked.

She reminds me to celebrate and enjoy the goodness in life…to have no regrets.

She has always been there, too, for my three brothers. She was always at our games, our plays, our practices, our graduations--there to cheer us on.

I watched her look at us with a mother’s pride.
I watched her feel our pain and enjoy our accomplishments.
I watched her help my dad to succeed, and be the supportive wife playing her role with such class.

At one point, I also watched her world fall apart--but then most importantly, I watched how she put it back together again and with such Grace.

I was watching, and today, I am so proud to honor my mother who has showed me how to live and taught me how to give….with her special light of love.

Marcella Joy Driscoll

Honored by Dawn-Marie Driscoll

Marcella Joy Driscoll--wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, is honored by her sister Dawn-Marie Driscoll and her family. Marcella is generous and kind, always remembering others with exactly the right sentiments. She is a powerful role model for everyone who comes in contact with her, demonstrating by her own life her deep belief and trust in God, prayer and spirituality. Marcella is smart, funny and a joy, and her family loves her very much.

Cynthia Fetterhoff

Honored by Lalai Hamric

My daughter, Cynthia Fetterhoff is my special Angel. I admire her very much. She is a good daughter, a good mother, a good wife, a good teacher, and a good community volunteer, following the trails blazed by her grandparents.

Cynthia’s grandparents, Chet and Janet Perry, and James and Sara Sapp, were pioneer families of Fort Myers, coming here as children. Chet Perry served as President on Goodwill Industries Board of Directors, was a District Governor of the Rotary Club of Fort Myers, and Commander and charter member of the Royal Palm Yacht Club. His full time profession was publisher of the local News-Press newspaper.

Janet Perry was President of the Woman’s Relief Society, President of the Rotary AnnClub, and a member of the Woman’s Community Club, Collector’s Club and Garden Club. She was the Social Secretary for Mrs. Thomas (Mina) Edison. The Perrys were always community servants and were members of the Edison Pageant of Light.

My parents, James and Sara Sapp, were also active in the community, especially with the First Baptist Church. James was the Sunday School Superintendant and Chairman of the Board of Deacons. Sara belonged to the Lydia Sunday School Class and was the Cradle Roll and Nursery Director. James became the owner of the family grocery business, which began on Guava and Cranford Streets in the Dunbar Community as J.C. Sapp and Sons, and later became Tice Foodway. He was active in the Kiwanis Club of Fort Myers and was President of the Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and served on the SAL Army Board for many years.

Sara taught 3rd grade at Andrew D. Gwyne Institute. It was short lived, however, as she became a stay-at-home mother and grandmother until Cynthia was about ten. Sara was also a charter member of the Periwinkle Garden Club and was active in the Women’s Community Club. She and James also were members of the Royal Palm Yacht Club and Cypress Lake Country Club and remained faithful members of the First Baptist Church.

Cynthia married Charles B. Fetterhoff 27 years ago. Both his grandmother, Beth Burgess, and mother, Betty Fetterhoff, were active in St. Luke’s and St. Hilary’s churches as well as in community service.

Cynthia completed college and obtained her BA degree after her first son Steven was born. She also has a daughter, Molly, and another son, Benjamin. She taught at Gateway and now teaches at Allen Park School and has earned her Master’s Degree along the way. She has been nominated for a Golden Apple Teach Award and made it to the semi-final selection group. Their family is very active in Boy Scouts. Charlie has been a Scout leader for years, Cynthia for the Cub Scouts ,and their eldest son, Steven, became an Eagle Scout.

Cynthia is active in the Women’s Community Club. She is an officer on the Edison Pageant of Light board and still excels in all she undertakes. Every year--as one, two, or three of her children were eligible--she thought of the theme, designed costumes, made costumes, and entered the kiddos in the Edison Pageant Children’s Parade. I am very proud of all she does and of their family.

From the time Cynthia was 2 to age 9, I was a single mother and all that went with that. We faced some difficult financial times and I had to work days and a couple of nights a week. From my very first day of work, I did not want to leave her. Providentially, God provided us with neighbors across the street who loved and cared for Cynthia and became part of our extended family while I had to work. When Cynthia was 6 years old, I began the job that I still hold today--41 years later.

Curt Hamric and I married when Cynthia was 9 years old and we moved across the river from North Fort Myers to Fort Myers to be closer to family, but we kept in touch with our extended family. Cynthia was a “latch key kid.” She always behaved, did her chores and homework, and graduated from Fort Myers High School with honors.

In the last 10 years, my job made it possible for me to do less traveling and become more involved in the local and community service clubs. So, now I am following family tradition and following in Cynthia’s footsteps!

Aline Flynn

Honored by Johnny Sheppard

Aline was born and raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Aline married Paul B. Flynn on February 11, 1961 and they had four children: Bonnie Flynn Lombardi, Laureen Flynn Smith, Elizabeth Flynn Namm, and Bernadette Flynn McFarland. Paul and Aline made a number of moves over their married life, following Paul's career in newspaper and publishing. Paul was Publisher of the Fort Myers News-Press newspaper, and rose to President of USA TODAY. Aline felt her first calling was that of wife of Paul, mother of her children, and grandmother of her grandchildren, who are 12 in number.

Aline is not one to hog the spotlight. In fact, she is the one who lights it for her loved ones, friends, and community. She is not one to set expectations, yet she always surpasses them. She is not a martyr, a hero, or even a saint, for those words don’t do her justice.  She is, simply stated, an angel on Earth.

Throughout her life, Aline Flynn has done much more than just facilitate greatness; she has created some of her own. Her invaluable contributions to the Southwest Florida Community Foundation have made Fort Myers a better city. Her numerous investments in collegiate scholarship funds spur the growth of our youth nationwide. Her Eucharistic Ministry at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church brings the gift of faith to those in need of her loving touch. Her many hours of volunteering as a cuddler for neonatal infants brought comfort and love to distressed babies and families.

Aline has been the friend of many, a consummate friend to those in need, and a counselor of others in difficult times. Always thinking of others, she often comes to visit, offering her time and her love. She often comes bearing a thoughtful and meaningful gift.

By her example as a beacon of faith, kindness, and generosity, Aline’s influence spans into the rising generation of America’s new leaders. Her four children and twelve grandchildren are all distinctly unique, but they are joined together and ultimately defined by the same goodhearted, fun-loving nature that Aline epitomizes. All have been encouraged and challenged to make a difference in the lives of others by living the golden rule--treat others as you would want to be treated. Even more, treat others as they should be--with respect, dignity and love. Hence, she is living proof that who you are as a person and who you choose to be day in and day out makes a difference in the world. She may not realize it, but she has changed thousands of lives for the better. She brings love and sunshine wherever she goes. Never asking for anything in return, never complaining about the burdens she may be carrying, she is a shining example of what being a hero in today’s world is and making it a better place to be.

Scripture tells us in Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. . . Let your light shine before others in such a way that they may see your good works, that they may glorify God, your Father in Heaven." Aline Flynn personifies that verse and that light to the world around her every day, through her daily gifts to others bringing light, love, and peace. She truly is an angel.

LaLai Hamric

Lalai S. Hamric was honored as an angel by Family Health Centers Board of Directors and staff during her retirement celebration, November 13, 2009.

Lalai S. Hamric’s service to Lee County and Southwest Florida spans over 42 years. From 1970 - 2009, she served as Executive Director and President/CEO of Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida. Upon her retirement on September 30, 2009, she was named President CEO Emeritus. Family Health Centers provides primary and preventive medical and dental care to Southwest Florida’s most vulnerable and needy residents.

Lalai is a member of "Who's Who Worldwide" for Leadership and Professional Achievement, a founding member and former Vice-Chair of Health Choice Network Inc.’s Board of Directors, a past President of The Florida Association of Community Health Centers, and has served as a resource for health and community health issues to our elected officials, local, state, and members of The United States Congress. Her most recent awards include the Connie and Priscilla Mack Cancer Advocacy Award and the national Jessie Trice Excellence in Leadership Award.

She is a Past President of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, song leader for 15 years of the Rotary Club of Fort Myers, a member of the Fort Myers Women’s Community Club, the Edison Pageant of Light, Alumnae Chapter (founding member) Sigma Sigma Sigma, and the Women’s Legacy Fund of the SWFL Community Foundation. Lalai was recently named as one of the “125 Most Influential Locals in Southwest Florida” by the local News-Press newspaper in celebration of their 125 years in business. Lalai is a lifelong resident of Fort Myers--born in the original Lee Memorial Hospital on Victoria Street. She was baptized and brought up at First Baptist Church. Now, she is an ordained elder, past Clerk of Session, Sunday School Teacher, and Choir member-soloist at First Presbyterian Church where she and Curt were married 40 years ago and are active members. She cherishes being a wife, mother, grand-, and great-grandmother.

Myrtle Robinson Hearn

Honored by Brenda Tate, Brandi Hammond, & Jennifer MacLean

Go Granny Go--“She’s the little old lady from Acworth, Georgia. She drives real fast and she drives real hard. She’s the terror of Interstate 75”. That’s the song my sister and I used to sing about our grandmother, Myrtle Hearn. She turned 80 this year and is by far the youngest 80-year-old I have ever known.

For almost as long as I can remember, our family has enjoyed snow skiing in the winter. She joined us on the trips from time to time so that she could spend time with the family and watch us all ski. When she turned 70, she decided to join us and learn how to ski. She skied for several years until a knee injury ended her ski career. I am extremely fortunate that she has always been such an active part of our lives. She takes very good care of herself and doesn’t think that there is anything that she can’t do. (Jennifer)

“Go, Granny, Go!” My grandmother always has been and continues to be the life of the party. She’s fun-loving, incredibly physically fit, and full of energy. She’s always acted at least 20 years younger than she actually is. When we were growing up, she was always involved with our lives, and I so appreciate all the great memories we created together. She taught me how to ride a moped and water-ski. Later in life we snow-skiied together, and I even cheered her on paddling a dragon boat! Even now, she has more energy for her great-grandchildren than the parents do! Then there’s the caring, nurturing side. She’s was always the person I most wanted around when I was sick. She would fix me chicken soup, check on me, and give me plenty of sympathy. Even while I was away at college, I’d always call her first to get sympathy and advice. The wonderful thing about my grandmother is she’s so many things rolled into one!(Brandi)

I can only echo, and add just a bit, to my daughters’ words about my mother, Myrtle Robinson Hearn. Thanks to my parents, I have principles and values that serve me every day. Mother has always been there for me at just the right time; always ready to help solve any problem and celebrate every achievement. I treasure the relationship that Mother has with my own two daughters and now their children. She never hesitates to get right on the floor to play with all her great-grandchildren or say yes to a cross-country road trip with them. My mother has a gift of always making young people feel important and worth her complete attention. For all these reasons and many more, we are proud to name Myrtle Robinson Hearn as our Angel. (Brenda)

Khanom “Kay” Kanaan

Honored by Samira Beckwith

Khanom “Kay” Kanaan was proud to be a United States citizen for 49 years before passing on to heaven on April 13, 2004. As an immigrant, she understood the value of hard work and education, which she instilled in all of her children. She also remembered her beautiful town of birth, B’int Ishbail, Lebanon, whose town’s name translates as “daughter of the mountains” and shared her proud legacy with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends. Kay was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. We thank her for her unconditional love, comforting ways, spirit, and total devotion to all.

Eleanore Kleist

Honored by Kathryn Kleist-Derheimer

Eleanore Ann Pottman Kleist was born of German immigrants who arrived in America at the end of the first World War. She witnessed ethnic intolerance, which taught her respect for all people. She opened her home to exchange students and adults, offering to sponsor any race or religion.

The difficulties her family faced learning a new language and establishing a business, influenced her involvement in education. She, along with her husband, supported various colleges and universities and established numerous scholarships in many states and abroad. She worked with Literacy volunteers of Lee Country as a tutor and board member from its beginning and read for the blind at Edison College's radio station.

Because of her mother’s ongoing health issues and the early death of her father, she was very aware of the importance in health education. She conducted seminars for smokers to quit, volunteered in the children’s burn unit of the hospital, and has supported many organizations, especially the building of the Kleist Health Education Center at FGCU.

Eleanore has made valuable contributions with her time, talents and gifting and has given to us a memorable legacy of how to live with tolerance, compassion, patience, humor, service and love.

Peggy MacDonald

Honored by Gail Markham

Peggy MacDonald is a role model for her four children, raising them as a single parent with courage, strength and dedication despite desperate circumstances. She worked at many jobs in order to make ends meet, yet always encouraged her children to reach for their dreams and to be true to themselves. She nurtured her son after he suffered a severe head injury at seventeen and, thanks to her, he now lives independently.

She’s a beautiful picture of grace, always a lady, a constant, a friend, and a giver of love. For all this and much more, her children are proud to honor her as their “Angel.”

Eva Reynolds

Honored by Ginny Yates, Susan Johnson, and Rick Reynolds

We, the children and family of Eva M. Reynolds, celebrate her life and her legacy of love she so openly shared. Born and raised in the small town of Edgemoor, South Carolina, a cherished family home, Eva  spent the next 60 years in Miami Springs, Florida as a devoted wife, mother, and family caregiver. She married the love of her life, “Dick,” and they happily shared over 56 years together.

It was one year ago at the age of 88 that she suffered a massive stroke, and up until that time lived an active and independent life in the same home in Miami Springs. Mom was the ultimate homemaker, or as we would call her today, an accomplished "domestic engineer." Life was the attention to doing things in detail. As her children, it became our privilege to care for her during some most challenging of times. We children became that three legged stool in providing her care with one of us being with her each day. Beneath all the ravages of the stroke, Mother was still there as she could still give us “the look” if things were not right and could point that finger when she needed something done. We marvel at the opportunities we had to see different sides of Mother during this time and the time we had with her; say the things we wanted to express and to say goodbye.

She loved her church, had a deep and abiding faith, and we chuckle as we remember Mr. Bill and his harem of women he would bring on Sunday’s to see Mom. How her face would light up when they walked in the door and we knew how much they loved her. Mother left us such a gift, her life, all the details spelled out the way she wanted to finish the earthly journey and most of all, the gift of love and gift of family. We love you, Mom.

Ellen Sheppard

Honored by her husband, Johnny Sheppard

Ellen Sheppard--committed wife, loving mother, wise grandma, teacher of young children, art teacher of ill children and elderly, award winning artist, counselor to those in grief and trials, church and charity involved, community leader...Living Angel!

Having a difficult childhood, Ellen resolved that her marriage and family would be one of unconditional love and commitment by her, evidenced by her 56 years of blessed marriage. Ellen dedicated her early married life to serving her husband and raising her three children, being actively involved in all of the family's adventures, following the same course with her six grandchildren.

Always having been an arts and “crafty” lady for children's activities, some ten years ago Ellen took up a lifetime ambition to become an artist. Today, she is a recognized and award-winning local artist and has donated countless of her impressionist artistic creations to local charities for auction, including The Winefest & Children’s Hospital, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center, Children’s Advocacy Center, Lee County School Foundation, Lifeline Family Center, and many others, raising many scores of thousands of dollars for charities.

Ellen says that nothing brings her more joy than to share the artistic gift God has given her with charities and friends who find pleasure in her work.

Ellen knows that each day is a gift, and she takes each as an opportunity to help, comfort, or bring joy to others. Each day, then, adds to the growing legacy of her life lived out. Proverbs 31 describes a multitalented, excellent wife and mother. The passage concludes with these words: “Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her. (There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but Ellen, you surpass them all.) Charm is deceptive, and outer beauty fades, but a woman who loves the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.” This describes Ellen Sheppard, an Angel in the life to many.

Belle DeKoff Shouse

Honored by Kathy Sturgis

Community service is a learned behavior. For our Mom, the idea of helping others was learned at the knees of her mother and grandmother whose dedication to assisting those in need was as much a part of their make up as breathing. Her civic involvement likely started before we were born, but we saw it in action. We remember our mother with three toddlers and a seven-year-old in tow, walking the neighborhood to raise money and awareness for mental health.

The child of a young, widowed, immigrant single mother, she was the first of her family to attend and graduate from college. She graduated shortly after the birth of her first child. She dedicated herself to her children until a physical injury left her unable to do housework, so she went back to college and obtained her master’s degree in special education from Teacher’s College, Columbia University.

For the next thirty years, Belle DeKoff Shouse’s vocation was education, but for mom, work was never just a vocation, it was and is her life. She was devoted to the developmentally disabled children she taught in New York’s inner city--sometimes we thought they were more her children than we were. She was an award winning pioneer in the field of adult and community education, originating and running highly successful programs at both Riverdale and Cape Coral High Schools. When the school district decided it was time for her to retire, she began a second career as a professional guardian, which she continues to this day.

Even though work was her life, she found time to serve the community. Health organizations were her passion. She served as President of both the local chapters of the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association, and as President of the Florida Lung Association. She also served on numerous other health and education related boards and councils in Southwest Florida.

And like her mother before her, she developed a lasting legacy of community service in all four of her children. Mom, we love you. --Kat, Andi, Bill, Bruce, and your loving husband J.D.

Kathy Sturgis

Honored by her husband Rad Sturgis and family and friends

I met Kathy at the dance studio, but aptly bonded with her over the jewellery counter at Saks.
Little did I know that she was not just a dancing fashionista, but a life friend; a woman who is articulate, intelligent and involved. Her outer beauty grabs you, but her outstanding trivia knowledge holds you! Thank you, Kathy, for being my friend, during both joyous times as well as trying ones. --Sandra Weintraub

It is such a pleasure to be counted a good friend of such an awesome woman. Her enthusiasm for life, and being involved in the lives of others is contagious and invigorating. To work beside her on a project is to have fun, accomplish a lot, and socialize in a positive atmosphere and makes the time fly.
Kathy encouraged me to stay involved AND to make a difference in the lives of OUR kids. Although our boys have gone in different directions, our friendship remains intact. I count myself blessed to be included in the sphere of the heavenly light she spreads wherever she goes, and her being designated an Angel is a most fitting tribute to this marvelous woman. --Julia Corbett

If you ever wondered why a light shines out from Kathy, it is because she has the heart of Christ: Loving, Patient, Kind, Humble and Forgiving. For 21 years we have walked, talked, dined, designed, danced, played and prayed together. She is diligent and thorough in her duties as a Judge, is patient and loving as a daughter, as a mother and as a wife. As a friend, she is trustworthy, thoughtful, forgiving and generous. Her faith has molded her to be this Angel that she is and has given her a servants heart; Christ's heart. That's why Kathy shines! --Karen Benson

If a person is judged by the good friends they keep, then Kathy is a true winner. She is loyal, generous, and a friend in deed when a friend is in need. She is trustworthy, spiritually grounded, kind, friendly, devoted mother to our son and a great dancer. She is my best friend. --Rad

Hey, Sis! We’ve made it through...a broken arm (mine when you, er, watched me roll off the bed),
putting on plays to entertain anyone who would watch Snow days with Cousin Brucie on the radio,
Ballet classes at the Met, California dreaming and California living...in the worst house on the block (sky blue). Family trips, singing, and playing I Spy. 6,000 plus miles in a car with four kids, a cat, and NO VIDEO GAMES! MHC - Mountain Day, Chanticleer cookies, Tab (ugh). Parties at Chi Phi. Marriages, children, careers....half a lifetime, because there’s still so much ahead!

After everything we’ve already been through, I can’t think of anyone more worthy of being an Angel than you! Love you! --Andy

Brenda Tate

Honored by her husband, Dewey Tate

Brenda grew up in the Atlanta area, attended local schools there, and excelled in a number of areas. Such as, she entered a local sewing contest, won that, then a statewide contest, then the national contest. She received a trip to Rome (Italy that is, not Georgia) where she won again. This is typical of this remarkable woman--an over-achiever all her life.

She married her childhood boyfriend and soon had two daughters. While the girls were still very young, she left her husband to raise her girls on her own, in which she did an amazing job of making them into two wonderful, young women, both successful in their own ways.

She worked in the insurance business for several years, and one day learned that a local farm, still being plowed by an elderly man with a single mule, was about to be lost to the family. She immediately went into action and convinced the State of Georgia to buy the farm and also leave the elderly man on the farm as long as he lived. This successful venture brought her to the attention of the local chapter of “The Trust for Public Land.” She was asked to join that organization, which she did, and again excelled in the preservation of many endangered properties throughout the state of Georgia.

She was also an outdoor person, keeping her daughters active in various activities such as white water paddling. She says this is where she and I first met, on the Nantahala River in North Carolina. My first memory of meeting her was on a trip to the Okeefenoki swamp in South Georgia. I occasionally call her “Swamp Woman” because that is where I remember first seeing her. She was there with her two young daughters, Jennifer, about 9, and Brandi about 13. I noticed that whenever Jennifer whined, Brandi got yelled at, so I befriended her.

Back home in Atlanta, I called up Brenda to ask her to have dinner with me. In the background, Brandi said, “Mom, I will go out with him!” Fortunately for me, Brenda said yes, and after about a two-year, on-again-off-again relationship, she said yes to my marriage proposal. That was a wonderful 16+ years ago.

Brenda has been my “Angel” for all of those years and will be for the remainder of my life. I love you dearly, Brenda.

Margareta E. West

Honored by Carolyn & Herb Conant, Jim West & family, and Nancy West & family

Margaret E. West looked at life as the glass half-full, never half-empty! She was raised in Germany by her grandmother with the help of aunts and uncles. She arrived in America at age eighteen, speaking little English.

Margaret loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her home was famous for after-dinner debates by those sitting around her table, which was filled with wonderful food prepared with love. Even with the diagnosis of dementia, she tried to look at the glass as half-full. She got others at the assisted living facility to get up, dance, laugh, and have a good time. She tried hard to enjoy every bit of life. No matter what cards Margaret was dealt, including the terrible card of dementia, she always tried to make the best of life.

She enriched all of our lives. She was a wise lady who gave counsel only when asked, but then always hit the nail on the head, sometimes to our chagrin. She knew how to listen and provide good advice and she knew when to keep quiet and just let us make our own mistakes. She was always there to pick us up and tell us that she loved us. She quietly helped many people.

She was a wonderful lady with many friends and admirers throughout her life. Margareta West lived, loved, and toiled with a zest for life. Her infectious laugh and giggle, and her bright smile made life with her a pleasure.

Isabelle Barbara Haznar Wojnar

Honored by Dawn-Marie Driscoll

Isabelle died on April 5, 2008 after a courageous battle with heart disease. "Aunt Isy," as she is known by her numerous nieces and nephews, leaves behind a rich legacy of instilling love and practicality throughout her large family and the thousands of students she empowered as a professional educator.

The daughter of the late Jon and Mary (Kawalec) Haznar of New Bedford, MA and wife of the late Lt. Col. Edward Wojnar for over 50 years, Isabelle graduated from Framingham (MA) State College and secured her Masters Degree in Education from Bridgewater (MA) State College. During her tenure as a home economics instructor, relaying a love of cooking and food to her students, she met and later married her loving husband, Edward. The two raised a family of five while sharing a passion for traveling throughout the world, entertaining friends, and transmitting the couple's true appreciation of life with many.

Mrs. Wojnar taught in the New Bedford Public School System for 16 years before she and her family relocated to Baldwin, Long Island, New York in 1964. For the remaining 20 years of her professional career, Mrs. Wojnar was a vital member of the Levittown Union Free School District.

Upon retirement, the Wojnars moved to Cape Coral while continuing their numerous journeys throughout North America via motor home and then to many corners of the world. She was a member of the St. Kazimir Catholic Parish in New Bedford, St. Christopher's Catholic Church in Baldwin New York, and later St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Cape Coral. She was an enthusiastic member and supporter of such organizations as the American Association of University Women, the Cape Coral Retired Officers Association, and the Cultural Park Theater Company of Cape Coral.

The WLF recently gave special recognition to Mrs. Wojnar: "As a daughter of immigrants, she understood the value of hard work and education. As a public school teacher for many decades, she supported the importance of helping young people succeed. In her retirement, she contributed time and money to many Southwest Florida Community groups. As a world traveler, she conveyed her respect and interest in many communities, cultures and creeds."