Grandma MonaGrandma Lucille

Foster grandmas remembered at dove release ceremony

A dove release ceremony was held at Sacred Heart Area School recently, in honor of longtime foster grandmothers Lucille Koval and Mona Weber, both of whom passed away during this last year.

Principal Jim Opelia led the ceremony, which included a short reading and the singing of two songs, “On Eagles Wings,” Lucille’s favorite; and “God Bless America,” which was a favorite of Mona’s.

“Sacred Heart Area School was blessed with the love and nurturing of Grandma Lucille for eight years; and Grandma Mona for over 18 years,” Opelia said. “They helped us learn to recognize our letters, to add and subtract, to read and tell time. But most of all, they taught us how to love one another and to be disciples of Jesus. Forever we will remember them and forever they will remain in our hearts.”

Opelia went on to note that, “For centuries white doves have symbolized the Holy Spirit, hope, love, peace and the soul. Today, as we celebrate Grandma Lucille’s and Grandma Mona’s lives, we will release two doves, in symbolic tribute to their spirits. Then, we will release 12 more doves representing us, sending our love along with them on their journey home.”

In addition to students and staff at the school, several family members of both Grandma Lucille and Grandma Mona attended the ceremony and helped release the doves.

“It is said that if you whisper to a dove, it will carry your message to the heavens, It is our hope that as Lucille and Mona’s doves ascend into the heavens they will take our prayers and love with them.”

The doves (which are actually homing pigeons) are owned by Dennis Imdieke of Verndale, who owns the business, “Doves are Us.” 

The ceremony for the two foster grandmothers at Sacred Heart Area School  was made possible thanks to an anonymous donor through the Lakewood Health System’s hospice program.

 
 

Students, faculty and family members of foster grandmas Lucille Koval and Mona Weber participated in a dove release ceremony in their honor May 6, at Sacred Heart Area School in Staples. Pictured at far right are Keri, Camryn and Coltin Weiher, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Grandma Mona. Releasing the larger basket of doves are
Colby Zetah and Landon Mertens, both of whom were servers at the foster grandmothers’ funerals. Jack Storry (hidden) was also a server. Standing in back row is Principal Jim Opelia, who led the ceremony. Not pictured are Grandma Lucille’s daughter-in-law Sherri Koval; and her grandchildren, Gabe and Donna Jo Koval, who also helped release a dove. 

 

 

Advertising Deadlines

Deadline for advertisements and copy is Friday, noon.

Staples World

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100 Staples, MN 56479 Telephone: (218) 894-1112 - Fax: (218) 894-3570 Toll Free: 1-888-894-1112 E Mail: office@staplesworld.com; editor@staplesworld.com

Deadline: Friday, noon

 

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

Manage my subscriptions

Subscribe to Breaking News feed