December 20, 2007  

'Everything that has a beginning has an ending.
Make your peace with that and all will be well'
- Buddhist saying  

Say not in grief 'he is no more' but live in thankfulness that he was'
- Hebrew proverb  

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there,
I do not sleep
I am a 1,000 winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sun on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled light
I am the soft star that shines at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there; I did not die.  
Mary Frye (attributed)  


Indian Prayer  
When I am dead
Cry for me a little
Think of me sometimes
But not too much.  
Think of me now and again As I was in life
At some moments it's pleasant to recall
But not for long.

Leave me in peace
And I shall leave you in peace
And while you live
Let your thoughts be with the living.  

Catherine I. Gajniak LOVELAND, CO – Catherine I. Gajniak died December 16, 2007 in Fort Collins, Colorado. She was born October 29, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois,  the daughter of Joseph and Sophia Mikel who had emigrated from Slovakia to Chicago around 1907. Joseph met Sophia in Chicago, and after their marriage, they moved to Michigan and became farmers. Catherine’s parents managed the dairy farm and their main enjoyment in life was working the farm. Catherine was raised on the farm with her four siblings, Frank, Julia, Sophia, and Joseph Jr. At the age of 17, Catherine left the farm moving to Chicago, and a few years later met her devoted husband-to-be, James F. Gajniak. They were married in 1938 in a Catholic Church in Sawyer, Michigan, then settled in Chicago where they lived and raised their three children. About 20 years ago, Catherine and James Gajniak moved to Loveland, Colorado.


Of the things that mattered most to Catherine was her family. She was highly intelligent, had a high degree of common sense, was an excellent listener, and offered sound advice when asked. When family members were faced with health or financial issues, she tended to their needs with little concern for her own comfort and well-being. Her hobbies included sewing and cooking – baking pies, preparing hearty soups and all kinds of delicious roasts. Owing to her early years on the farm, she had a love of animals and for over 70 years, she raised a variety of purebred dogs – fox terriers, collies, shih tzus, and champion yorkshire terriers.


Survivors include her loving husband of 69 years, James F. Gajniak, and their three children: Jim Jr.(Dorothy), of Santa Clarita, California; Joan, living in Loveland; and Kathleen (Joel) residing in Lisle, Ilinois. Grand-daughters are Terri(Rick) of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Leah(Andrew) of Batavia, Illinois; and Sara and Sandra, both of Loveland. Great-grandchildren include Chad, Heather, and Brooke Lynn, all living in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Catherine was predeceased by her brother, Frank, and is survived by her sisters, Sophia, in Fort Collins, Colorado; Julia of Mauston, Wisconsin; and brother, Joseph(Ethel), in Baroda, Michigan.


At her request, she will be cremated and memorial services will be private.

   (To add a poem or share your thoughts, click here)

"The passing of a Sister and Mother may bring a sad Holiday Season; when
doctors cannot ease the pain or cure the illness, we look for help somewhere
else. Help was granted Sunday Morning. May your Christmas be good and the New Year better.

                        Love,"

                        Joe & Ethel

"When I am old and in my grave,

And weeping willows over me sway,

It is then and not before,

That I shall think of you no more.

Love,"   Jim Jr.


"Jim,

So sorry to hear about your Mom's passsing. At least now she is
out of pain and misery. Much Love," Aunt Anne

"Art and Terri wrote:

I know how difficult it is to lose your Mom.  We all know that She is in a far better place without problems and pain.  To live to be 90 is outstanding.  Let's hope we all can do as well.  May God bless your families.

With love and our fondest prayers,"

Art and Terri