Linda Okragleski

Our Mom, Linda Okragleski, what a full and wonderful life she has lived and shared with us all.

The oldest of 6 children from Michael and Stella Shaheen, She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward whom she was married to just short of 60 years; and son’s Robert and James, brothers Michael, Alfred, and Raymond. She is the mother of 6 children, 5 boys, the oldest, Edward, and twins Deacon John, and Michael, and the youngest, Marianne. Linda has 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren.

She was born December 27, 1926 in Detroit Michigan. She was baptized at St. Maron Catholic Church. Mom had the honor of meeting Fr Solanus Casey (soon to be a saint) in her youth. Mom aided Mike and Stella in running a grocery store. Mom attended Marygrove College where she studied dietary science. Growing up, she would spend summers at a campground caring for her brothers and sisters. One of the summers Mom’s sister Anna Mae met my dad while camping at the same campground. AnnaMae introduced my Dad to my Mom and as they say, the rest is history. They married on September 4, 1950 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. They bought their first house in Hazel Park, Michigan where they lived for almost 10 years. In December 1960 they moved to Warren Michigan at the house almost everyone here has been to at one time or another for a party, family gathering, or just to visit.

Mom was deeply committed to her Catholic faith her entire life which got her through the deepest of sorrows and greatest of joys in her life. Mom ensured our family followed the practices of the faith, having all her children baptized and confirmed, saying grace before meals, attending daily mass as often as possible, sending us to Catholic School when possible, and supporting us as altar boys. Mom and Dad were one of the founding families at St. Louise de Marillac when it first opened in early 1960’s. She often mentioned how proud she was that our family took up an entire pew. For years she lead the Rosary before mass during May and October. She taught Catholic Catechism (8th grade) for 15 years. Mom’s calendar at home in her study was marked with crosses for the days relatives passed away as she would pray for them. Mom always used her faith to uplift people instead of condemn them.

Mom was committed to always helping people. She was a Helping Hands mother in our neighborhood in Warren. She helped out in our schools, such as aiding in the remedial reading program and chaperoned numerous school events.

One story that we never forgot was the time a man came to our door one evening bleeding and disheveled. Mom asked what happened and he said he was beat up by a gang at a city park a few blocks from our house. Like the Good Samaritan, Mom cared for his wounds then asked how else she could help him. He asked if we could drive him home. Here we are, Mom, John, myself, and our dog Gipsee (previously Sita’s) all in a new Chrysler looking like an innocent family just going out for a drive. We drove past a police car, then another, and another police car. We wondered what was going on as we passed on by. We dropped off the man a few miles away. Returning home, Dad said the police came to the house and informed us there was an armed robbery and we just helped the person escape.

Another time, during a blizzard, a man came to the door stating he was a Fuller Brush salesman. Mom saw he was freezing and covered in snow. She welcomed him in and made him a bowl of soup and sandwich so he could warm up, then he went on his way.

A personal story of Mom’s helping which I can never repay her debt for involved my son, Matthew. When my son was born at 1am June 22 I called and let them know they had a new grandson. They promptly packed up the passenger van and drove down to Florida from Michigan. Mom and Dad arrived about the same time my son’s mother got home from the hospital. Mom spent many days at my house helping with care for my son and his mom while I was at work. Mom started to see signs my son’s mother was not acting like a typical mother would in caring for a new born. Mom informed me she felt something seemed wrong with my son’s mother. Without hesitation, Mom stepped in and took full care of my son both in Florida and eventually back in Michigan (together with Sita and Marianne) until my son’s mother was well enough to care for my son. That is my Mom!

The Family was the center of Mom’s life. The kitchen was her home base. Many fond memories took place in our kitchen. One favorite was the smell in the house when she made homemade bread in the oven and made apple butter. Mom would make grand meals for the family. During the holidays, the basement would be filled with people and the food kept on coming. I recall one family friend came over on a Sunday afternoon and we offered him to stay for dinner. Mom had prepared a pot roaster full of chicken. After dinner he said, Mrs O, you didn’t have to do this for me. She answered this is a typical Sunday dinner at our house. Mom was also known for her wonderful Lebanese meals. She would hand roll grape leaves all day and make homemade hummus and kibbie. Our test to see how good a restaurant’s Lebanese food is, is to compare it to Mom’s.

While raising the family, she taught us to swim at Houghton Lake as part of our annual summer trip up north. She also enjoyed our Easter trips to Florida.

After Dad retired mom and dad spent the winters in Florida. The change only meant these big meals now took place in a 2 bedroom condo instead of their 4 bedroom house. Mom always had her door open for people for dinner. She made sure Uncle William, Aunt Annie, and Sita were always with us for holiday meals. Uncle Ray and Mickie would also join in the festivities.

For 26 years, during the winter months, from November till May, Mom and Dad were deeply involved in the raising of John and Viola’s family. They would attend school meetings, events, soccer, softball, and baseball games. Together they attended Church with John and Viola, as they were member of All Saints Catholic Church in Sunrise, Fl. Together we would go to the beach, go camping, picnicking, and celebrate birthdays together. When the condo in Sunrise Fl was sold in 2008, it was a difficult time in John and Viola’s life.

Having 5 boys, Mom used to say if you can’t beat them, join them, thus becoming an avid bowler and golfer. Mom has the honor of being the only member of our family with an official Hole In One. Dad taught Mom how to golf. My mom and dad would golf with co-workers from Chrysler and their spouses. They would talk about the expensive golf lessons they had and wonder who taught mom to golf; they were impressed hearing Dad was Mom’s golf instructor.

Mom also enjoyed attending Tiger games and Michigan Football games or going to a metro park for a picnic and camping.

Mom had a green thumb as she had a beautiful rose garden next to the patio. Her garden always produced a healthy crop. One year she grew peppers. After picking them she asked me to try one. I thought my lips would burn off. We didn’t know they were hot peppers. She also hated weeds and would spend hours in the yard with a knife digging them out. One time while visiting my house when Pat and I lived in Ohio, she was weeding and came across a snake. She jumped back with the knife in hand, accidently stabbing me in the leg. My joke was this was payback for all the times I misbehaved.

My Mom and Dad traveled the entire USA, seeing all 50 states and most of Canada. Every fall they would take a cross country trip with a family member, be it Sita, Lucille, Jennie, John and Vi, Mike, Marianne, but most frequently with Jimmy and Nancy. They also took a few ocean cruises with friends and co-workers.

Mom transitioned into a caregiver. First helping care for Dad’s parents John and Mary, then Sita every day for the last 6 months of her life in Florida and Michigan. Finally she cared for my Dad as she kept him at home, then later at Marianne and Tony Canning until Dad passed in August 2010.

Mom spent her last years under the wonderful care of Marianne and Tony’s house. She brought joy and love to the numerous gatherings at their Scottsdale house. While there she would walk to Blessed Sacrament Church for daily mass. Again, she worked in serving funeral lunches there as well, becoming well loved by all in the community. When time came for nursing care for Mom, she always welcomed the caregivers with a big smile and kisses.

Mom left a wonderful legacy in our family and will be deeply missed. She touched so many of us in a wonderful way with her genuine love and joy. I am sure Mom is now looking at us from Heaven and thankful to see all of us gathered here again recalling and celebrating the rich life she lived. I am sure her last wish, which we will honor, is a wonderful Lebanese dinner at one of her favorite places to eat, Ike’s family restaurant on Van Dyke just south of 17 Mile Road, Sterling Heights. So I invite everyone to join us there as we honor our most wonderful Mom, Linda Shaheen-Okragleski after her burial at White Chapel Cemetery.