THE UNFORGETTABLE MAUREEN DOYLE
My reflection is on the unforgettable Maureen Doyle. One of Maureen's favorite singers was Nat King Cole and one of her favorite songs was his "Unforgettable".
How lucky I have been to have Maureen come into my life 51 years ago.
The three most important dates in my life are:
• July 4, 1955— the first day I ever saw her. The picture on the front cover of your mass booklet was way she looked that day. She was 15 and I was 17.
• The second date was June 13, 1959—the day she married me, and
• The third date was November 7th , this year— the day she said goodbye for a while.
July 1955. How lucky I have been to have her come into my life way back then— but it almost didn't happen.
In June 1959 she was a Navy bride— married to the lowest ranked naval officer— an ensign. Six months after that she showed her fierce loyalty for those she loved and I was lucky to be among that number.
I was assigned to a ship in the Pacific Fleet and was on this particular day aboard her at anchorage in San Diego Bay. It was Saturday and the ship's fairly tyrannical executive officer (second in command) had refused to let me come ashore for the weekend— assigning me some make-work tasks. I told Maureen over the ship-to-shore phone I was stuck for the weekend and thought that was the end of it.
The Captain's Gig.
Maureen — the little 5 foot, 2 inch (she would say, 5-2 and 3/4 , thank you) lady you see on the cover of the mass booklet— stormed down the pier to where the captain's gig was moored. The gig is the captain's cabin cruiser— a sacred barge. No one can even step foot on one, without the captain's permission.
That didn't stop Maureen. She announced to the captain's coxswain that she was there to be taken to the ship. "But m'am", he responded— " this is the Captain's gig— no one can board or use it without the Captain's express permission."
Fiercely loyal Maureen was undeterred. She raised her voice slightly to command level and ordered: "Take me to the ship—I am Ensign Trinley's wife and demand to see the executive officer."
What could the poor sailor do when confronted with the formidable loyalty of Maureen Doyle? He surrendered and took her forthwith to the ship. So, at nineteen years of age, she had commandeered a full Navy captain's gig.
She is unforgettable for having loved me and her children with such fierce love and loyalty all her life.
She is the "valiant woman" of our first reading in Proverbs—
• "Her husband entrusting his heart to her has an unfailing prize."
• "Her children rise up to praise her."
Maureen—The Giver.
Maureen was unforgettable for being the gift that never stops giving. She gave in many ways.
• She gave counsel to her children throughout her life
• She was the great gift giver. She had an amazing memory for everyone's birthday and anniversary dates. She knew not only her friend's birthdays but all their children's as well— and on every such occasion remembered the special days and got a gift.
• She was the great party giver for her family. She gave us the Doyle birthday song—"Happy birthday, Katie dear, you will always find us near, at your side year after year, Happy birthday Katie dear."
• She was so busy giving at dinner parties— she'd finally sit down and stop serving others about the time the dessert arrived.
• She gave us her car songs. The words of one — "I aint gonna grieve my Lord no more."— are especially poignant today— it went like this:
"If you get to heaven before I do, just poke a hold and pull me through. Oh, if you get to heaven before I do just poke a hole and pull me through, I ain't gonna grieve my Lord no more."
After the Navy, because I wanted to go to Law School, her fierce loyalty continued— she gave me the opportunity to do it under extraordinary circumstances:
• We had all five children by that time.
• We lived in Willingboro, New Jersey— away from her family and support.
• I was left for work in Philadelphia at 7:00 in the morning and came home after evening classes at 10:00 at night.
• That went on for a year on the East Coast and continued for three years more in Chicago, when we returned and I finished at De Paul.
Maureen— The Giver— Law Secretary And Office Manager.
In the middle of her life she sacrificed herself again and continued to give— to help me in my career:
• She still was the full time mother of five.
• But she agreed to become a full time legal secretary as well.
• She quickly learned everything in a few months and acted as receptionist and secretary for five lawyers.
Maureen — The Endless Giver.
In her final months, Maureen made it clear that she would never stop being a giver to her family. When she learned of her cancer diagnosis, she said (calmly, matter-of-factly): "I am not ready to go—I have too much left to do."
Obviously, she had in her mind:
— A 1000 more gifts to buy.
— A 1000 more parties to host.
— A 1000 more songs to sing.
— A 1000 more counsels to give, and,
— A 1000 more sacrifices to make.
She is unforgettable for me for her fierce, endless love.
Maureen— The Christian Believer.
Her lifetime prayer was— "Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me." She continued to say that every day in her final two months with us. She was invoking the Holy Spirit to cleanse her anew each day.
Over the years, she was also fond of invoking Christ's words from the Gospel Father Tillrock just read to us today from John— "In my Father's house there are many mansions."
Not only did this impress me with her faith in the Resurrection, but her humility. She was happy that there was not solely available a magnificent mansion— a palace— because, in her humility, she might not merit that she thought. But this notion of other lesser places—maybe a humble home— gave her a chance. Maybe she would qualify for one of these lesser places.
The Victory Sign.
In the last two weeks at Little Company, as more tests showed a decline, the two of us began talking about two victories— the medical victory — the extension of earthly life. And the alternative victory— the one for eternal life. I told her she was a sure winner. She would win one victory or the other. When she was too exhausted to talk, I would sit at the end of her bed and flash her the "V" for victory sign— and she would smile and flash it back.
Despite her humility, she thought she might win a victory— and she did, the greater one of eternal life.
She was unforgettable to me for her faith and humility in that Faith.
On November 7— last Tuesday— she took her last breath on this earth. No doubt, the angels were speeding her to heaven at that moment, and I walked over to our CD player in the hospital and in tribute to this great woman, once again Nat King Cole began singing "Unforgettable".
Maureen Doyle— Thank you for the fifty-one years of joy. You are unforgettable:
• You are like a song of love that clings to me.
• After all these years— how the thought of you still does things to me.
• You are unforgettable in every way and forevermore you'll stay that way.
Goodbye for awhile— my dear girl— until the time when you "poke a hole and pull me— and all of us— through." You are the "valiant woman" of Proverbs and "Your works will praise you at the Gates of Heaven."
**I emailed Tom Trinley and received his permission to use his beautiful words to create a memorial here at Find a Grave. I was honored to do so.
My reflection is on the unforgettable Maureen Doyle. One of Maureen's favorite singers was Nat King Cole and one of her favorite songs was his "Unforgettable".
How lucky I have been to have Maureen come into my life 51 years ago.
The three most important dates in my life are:
• July 4, 1955— the first day I ever saw her. The picture on the front cover of your mass booklet was way she looked that day. She was 15 and I was 17.
• The second date was June 13, 1959—the day she married me, and
• The third date was November 7th , this year— the day she said goodbye for a while.
July 1955. How lucky I have been to have her come into my life way back then— but it almost didn't happen.
In June 1959 she was a Navy bride— married to the lowest ranked naval officer— an ensign. Six months after that she showed her fierce loyalty for those she loved and I was lucky to be among that number.
I was assigned to a ship in the Pacific Fleet and was on this particular day aboard her at anchorage in San Diego Bay. It was Saturday and the ship's fairly tyrannical executive officer (second in command) had refused to let me come ashore for the weekend— assigning me some make-work tasks. I told Maureen over the ship-to-shore phone I was stuck for the weekend and thought that was the end of it.
The Captain's Gig.
Maureen — the little 5 foot, 2 inch (she would say, 5-2 and 3/4 , thank you) lady you see on the cover of the mass booklet— stormed down the pier to where the captain's gig was moored. The gig is the captain's cabin cruiser— a sacred barge. No one can even step foot on one, without the captain's permission.
That didn't stop Maureen. She announced to the captain's coxswain that she was there to be taken to the ship. "But m'am", he responded— " this is the Captain's gig— no one can board or use it without the Captain's express permission."
Fiercely loyal Maureen was undeterred. She raised her voice slightly to command level and ordered: "Take me to the ship—I am Ensign Trinley's wife and demand to see the executive officer."
What could the poor sailor do when confronted with the formidable loyalty of Maureen Doyle? He surrendered and took her forthwith to the ship. So, at nineteen years of age, she had commandeered a full Navy captain's gig.
She is unforgettable for having loved me and her children with such fierce love and loyalty all her life.
She is the "valiant woman" of our first reading in Proverbs—
• "Her husband entrusting his heart to her has an unfailing prize."
• "Her children rise up to praise her."
Maureen—The Giver.
Maureen was unforgettable for being the gift that never stops giving. She gave in many ways.
• She gave counsel to her children throughout her life
• She was the great gift giver. She had an amazing memory for everyone's birthday and anniversary dates. She knew not only her friend's birthdays but all their children's as well— and on every such occasion remembered the special days and got a gift.
• She was the great party giver for her family. She gave us the Doyle birthday song—"Happy birthday, Katie dear, you will always find us near, at your side year after year, Happy birthday Katie dear."
• She was so busy giving at dinner parties— she'd finally sit down and stop serving others about the time the dessert arrived.
• She gave us her car songs. The words of one — "I aint gonna grieve my Lord no more."— are especially poignant today— it went like this:
"If you get to heaven before I do, just poke a hold and pull me through. Oh, if you get to heaven before I do just poke a hole and pull me through, I ain't gonna grieve my Lord no more."
After the Navy, because I wanted to go to Law School, her fierce loyalty continued— she gave me the opportunity to do it under extraordinary circumstances:
• We had all five children by that time.
• We lived in Willingboro, New Jersey— away from her family and support.
• I was left for work in Philadelphia at 7:00 in the morning and came home after evening classes at 10:00 at night.
• That went on for a year on the East Coast and continued for three years more in Chicago, when we returned and I finished at De Paul.
Maureen— The Giver— Law Secretary And Office Manager.
In the middle of her life she sacrificed herself again and continued to give— to help me in my career:
• She still was the full time mother of five.
• But she agreed to become a full time legal secretary as well.
• She quickly learned everything in a few months and acted as receptionist and secretary for five lawyers.
Maureen — The Endless Giver.
In her final months, Maureen made it clear that she would never stop being a giver to her family. When she learned of her cancer diagnosis, she said (calmly, matter-of-factly): "I am not ready to go—I have too much left to do."
Obviously, she had in her mind:
— A 1000 more gifts to buy.
— A 1000 more parties to host.
— A 1000 more songs to sing.
— A 1000 more counsels to give, and,
— A 1000 more sacrifices to make.
She is unforgettable for me for her fierce, endless love.
Maureen— The Christian Believer.
Her lifetime prayer was— "Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me." She continued to say that every day in her final two months with us. She was invoking the Holy Spirit to cleanse her anew each day.
Over the years, she was also fond of invoking Christ's words from the Gospel Father Tillrock just read to us today from John— "In my Father's house there are many mansions."
Not only did this impress me with her faith in the Resurrection, but her humility. She was happy that there was not solely available a magnificent mansion— a palace— because, in her humility, she might not merit that she thought. But this notion of other lesser places—maybe a humble home— gave her a chance. Maybe she would qualify for one of these lesser places.
The Victory Sign.
In the last two weeks at Little Company, as more tests showed a decline, the two of us began talking about two victories— the medical victory — the extension of earthly life. And the alternative victory— the one for eternal life. I told her she was a sure winner. She would win one victory or the other. When she was too exhausted to talk, I would sit at the end of her bed and flash her the "V" for victory sign— and she would smile and flash it back.
Despite her humility, she thought she might win a victory— and she did, the greater one of eternal life.
She was unforgettable to me for her faith and humility in that Faith.
On November 7— last Tuesday— she took her last breath on this earth. No doubt, the angels were speeding her to heaven at that moment, and I walked over to our CD player in the hospital and in tribute to this great woman, once again Nat King Cole began singing "Unforgettable".
Maureen Doyle— Thank you for the fifty-one years of joy. You are unforgettable:
• You are like a song of love that clings to me.
• After all these years— how the thought of you still does things to me.
• You are unforgettable in every way and forevermore you'll stay that way.
Goodbye for awhile— my dear girl— until the time when you "poke a hole and pull me— and all of us— through." You are the "valiant woman" of Proverbs and "Your works will praise you at the Gates of Heaven."
**I emailed Tom Trinley and received his permission to use his beautiful words to create a memorial here at Find a Grave. I was honored to do so.
THE UNFORGETTABLE MAUREEN DOYLE
My reflection is on the unforgettable Maureen Doyle. One of Maureen's favorite singers was Nat King Cole and one of her favorite songs was his "Unforgettable".
How lucky I have been to have Maureen come into my life 51 years ago.
The three most important dates in my life are:
• July 4, 1955— the first day I ever saw her. The picture on the front cover of your mass booklet was way she looked that day. She was 15 and I was 17.
• The second date was June 13, 1959—the day she married me, and
• The third date was November 7th , this year— the day she said goodbye for a while.
July 1955. How lucky I have been to have her come into my life way back then— but it almost didn't happen.
In June 1959 she was a Navy bride— married to the lowest ranked naval officer— an ensign. Six months after that she showed her fierce loyalty for those she loved and I was lucky to be among that number.
I was assigned to a ship in the Pacific Fleet and was on this particular day aboard her at anchorage in San Diego Bay. It was Saturday and the ship's fairly tyrannical executive officer (second in command) had refused to let me come ashore for the weekend— assigning me some make-work tasks. I told Maureen over the ship-to-shore phone I was stuck for the weekend and thought that was the end of it.
The Captain's Gig.
Maureen — the little 5 foot, 2 inch (she would say, 5-2 and 3/4 , thank you) lady you see on the cover of the mass booklet— stormed down the pier to where the captain's gig was moored. The gig is the captain's cabin cruiser— a sacred barge. No one can even step foot on one, without the captain's permission.
That didn't stop Maureen. She announced to the captain's coxswain that she was there to be taken to the ship. "But m'am", he responded— " this is the Captain's gig— no one can board or use it without the Captain's express permission."
Fiercely loyal Maureen was undeterred. She raised her voice slightly to command level and ordered: "Take me to the ship—I am Ensign Trinley's wife and demand to see the executive officer."
What could the poor sailor do when confronted with the formidable loyalty of Maureen Doyle? He surrendered and took her forthwith to the ship. So, at nineteen years of age, she had commandeered a full Navy captain's gig.
She is unforgettable for having loved me and her children with such fierce love and loyalty all her life.
She is the "valiant woman" of our first reading in Proverbs—
• "Her husband entrusting his heart to her has an unfailing prize."
• "Her children rise up to praise her."
Maureen—The Giver.
Maureen was unforgettable for being the gift that never stops giving. She gave in many ways.
• She gave counsel to her children throughout her life
• She was the great gift giver. She had an amazing memory for everyone's birthday and anniversary dates. She knew not only her friend's birthdays but all their children's as well— and on every such occasion remembered the special days and got a gift.
• She was the great party giver for her family. She gave us the Doyle birthday song—"Happy birthday, Katie dear, you will always find us near, at your side year after year, Happy birthday Katie dear."
• She was so busy giving at dinner parties— she'd finally sit down and stop serving others about the time the dessert arrived.
• She gave us her car songs. The words of one — "I aint gonna grieve my Lord no more."— are especially poignant today— it went like this:
"If you get to heaven before I do, just poke a hold and pull me through. Oh, if you get to heaven before I do just poke a hole and pull me through, I ain't gonna grieve my Lord no more."
After the Navy, because I wanted to go to Law School, her fierce loyalty continued— she gave me the opportunity to do it under extraordinary circumstances:
• We had all five children by that time.
• We lived in Willingboro, New Jersey— away from her family and support.
• I was left for work in Philadelphia at 7:00 in the morning and came home after evening classes at 10:00 at night.
• That went on for a year on the East Coast and continued for three years more in Chicago, when we returned and I finished at De Paul.
Maureen— The Giver— Law Secretary And Office Manager.
In the middle of her life she sacrificed herself again and continued to give— to help me in my career:
• She still was the full time mother of five.
• But she agreed to become a full time legal secretary as well.
• She quickly learned everything in a few months and acted as receptionist and secretary for five lawyers.
Maureen — The Endless Giver.
In her final months, Maureen made it clear that she would never stop being a giver to her family. When she learned of her cancer diagnosis, she said (calmly, matter-of-factly): "I am not ready to go—I have too much left to do."
Obviously, she had in her mind:
— A 1000 more gifts to buy.
— A 1000 more parties to host.
— A 1000 more songs to sing.
— A 1000 more counsels to give, and,
— A 1000 more sacrifices to make.
She is unforgettable for me for her fierce, endless love.
Maureen— The Christian Believer.
Her lifetime prayer was— "Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me." She continued to say that every day in her final two months with us. She was invoking the Holy Spirit to cleanse her anew each day.
Over the years, she was also fond of invoking Christ's words from the Gospel Father Tillrock just read to us today from John— "In my Father's house there are many mansions."
Not only did this impress me with her faith in the Resurrection, but her humility. She was happy that there was not solely available a magnificent mansion— a palace— because, in her humility, she might not merit that she thought. But this notion of other lesser places—maybe a humble home— gave her a chance. Maybe she would qualify for one of these lesser places.
The Victory Sign.
In the last two weeks at Little Company, as more tests showed a decline, the two of us began talking about two victories— the medical victory — the extension of earthly life. And the alternative victory— the one for eternal life. I told her she was a sure winner. She would win one victory or the other. When she was too exhausted to talk, I would sit at the end of her bed and flash her the "V" for victory sign— and she would smile and flash it back.
Despite her humility, she thought she might win a victory— and she did, the greater one of eternal life.
She was unforgettable to me for her faith and humility in that Faith.
On November 7— last Tuesday— she took her last breath on this earth. No doubt, the angels were speeding her to heaven at that moment, and I walked over to our CD player in the hospital and in tribute to this great woman, once again Nat King Cole began singing "Unforgettable".
Maureen Doyle— Thank you for the fifty-one years of joy. You are unforgettable:
• You are like a song of love that clings to me.
• After all these years— how the thought of you still does things to me.
• You are unforgettable in every way and forevermore you'll stay that way.
Goodbye for awhile— my dear girl— until the time when you "poke a hole and pull me— and all of us— through." You are the "valiant woman" of Proverbs and "Your works will praise you at the Gates of Heaven."
**I emailed Tom Trinley and received his permission to use his beautiful words to create a memorial here at Find a Grave. I was honored to do so.
My reflection is on the unforgettable Maureen Doyle. One of Maureen's favorite singers was Nat King Cole and one of her favorite songs was his "Unforgettable".
How lucky I have been to have Maureen come into my life 51 years ago.
The three most important dates in my life are:
• July 4, 1955— the first day I ever saw her. The picture on the front cover of your mass booklet was way she looked that day. She was 15 and I was 17.
• The second date was June 13, 1959—the day she married me, and
• The third date was November 7th , this year— the day she said goodbye for a while.
July 1955. How lucky I have been to have her come into my life way back then— but it almost didn't happen.
In June 1959 she was a Navy bride— married to the lowest ranked naval officer— an ensign. Six months after that she showed her fierce loyalty for those she loved and I was lucky to be among that number.
I was assigned to a ship in the Pacific Fleet and was on this particular day aboard her at anchorage in San Diego Bay. It was Saturday and the ship's fairly tyrannical executive officer (second in command) had refused to let me come ashore for the weekend— assigning me some make-work tasks. I told Maureen over the ship-to-shore phone I was stuck for the weekend and thought that was the end of it.
The Captain's Gig.
Maureen — the little 5 foot, 2 inch (she would say, 5-2 and 3/4 , thank you) lady you see on the cover of the mass booklet— stormed down the pier to where the captain's gig was moored. The gig is the captain's cabin cruiser— a sacred barge. No one can even step foot on one, without the captain's permission.
That didn't stop Maureen. She announced to the captain's coxswain that she was there to be taken to the ship. "But m'am", he responded— " this is the Captain's gig— no one can board or use it without the Captain's express permission."
Fiercely loyal Maureen was undeterred. She raised her voice slightly to command level and ordered: "Take me to the ship—I am Ensign Trinley's wife and demand to see the executive officer."
What could the poor sailor do when confronted with the formidable loyalty of Maureen Doyle? He surrendered and took her forthwith to the ship. So, at nineteen years of age, she had commandeered a full Navy captain's gig.
She is unforgettable for having loved me and her children with such fierce love and loyalty all her life.
She is the "valiant woman" of our first reading in Proverbs—
• "Her husband entrusting his heart to her has an unfailing prize."
• "Her children rise up to praise her."
Maureen—The Giver.
Maureen was unforgettable for being the gift that never stops giving. She gave in many ways.
• She gave counsel to her children throughout her life
• She was the great gift giver. She had an amazing memory for everyone's birthday and anniversary dates. She knew not only her friend's birthdays but all their children's as well— and on every such occasion remembered the special days and got a gift.
• She was the great party giver for her family. She gave us the Doyle birthday song—"Happy birthday, Katie dear, you will always find us near, at your side year after year, Happy birthday Katie dear."
• She was so busy giving at dinner parties— she'd finally sit down and stop serving others about the time the dessert arrived.
• She gave us her car songs. The words of one — "I aint gonna grieve my Lord no more."— are especially poignant today— it went like this:
"If you get to heaven before I do, just poke a hold and pull me through. Oh, if you get to heaven before I do just poke a hole and pull me through, I ain't gonna grieve my Lord no more."
After the Navy, because I wanted to go to Law School, her fierce loyalty continued— she gave me the opportunity to do it under extraordinary circumstances:
• We had all five children by that time.
• We lived in Willingboro, New Jersey— away from her family and support.
• I was left for work in Philadelphia at 7:00 in the morning and came home after evening classes at 10:00 at night.
• That went on for a year on the East Coast and continued for three years more in Chicago, when we returned and I finished at De Paul.
Maureen— The Giver— Law Secretary And Office Manager.
In the middle of her life she sacrificed herself again and continued to give— to help me in my career:
• She still was the full time mother of five.
• But she agreed to become a full time legal secretary as well.
• She quickly learned everything in a few months and acted as receptionist and secretary for five lawyers.
Maureen — The Endless Giver.
In her final months, Maureen made it clear that she would never stop being a giver to her family. When she learned of her cancer diagnosis, she said (calmly, matter-of-factly): "I am not ready to go—I have too much left to do."
Obviously, she had in her mind:
— A 1000 more gifts to buy.
— A 1000 more parties to host.
— A 1000 more songs to sing.
— A 1000 more counsels to give, and,
— A 1000 more sacrifices to make.
She is unforgettable for me for her fierce, endless love.
Maureen— The Christian Believer.
Her lifetime prayer was— "Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me." She continued to say that every day in her final two months with us. She was invoking the Holy Spirit to cleanse her anew each day.
Over the years, she was also fond of invoking Christ's words from the Gospel Father Tillrock just read to us today from John— "In my Father's house there are many mansions."
Not only did this impress me with her faith in the Resurrection, but her humility. She was happy that there was not solely available a magnificent mansion— a palace— because, in her humility, she might not merit that she thought. But this notion of other lesser places—maybe a humble home— gave her a chance. Maybe she would qualify for one of these lesser places.
The Victory Sign.
In the last two weeks at Little Company, as more tests showed a decline, the two of us began talking about two victories— the medical victory — the extension of earthly life. And the alternative victory— the one for eternal life. I told her she was a sure winner. She would win one victory or the other. When she was too exhausted to talk, I would sit at the end of her bed and flash her the "V" for victory sign— and she would smile and flash it back.
Despite her humility, she thought she might win a victory— and she did, the greater one of eternal life.
She was unforgettable to me for her faith and humility in that Faith.
On November 7— last Tuesday— she took her last breath on this earth. No doubt, the angels were speeding her to heaven at that moment, and I walked over to our CD player in the hospital and in tribute to this great woman, once again Nat King Cole began singing "Unforgettable".
Maureen Doyle— Thank you for the fifty-one years of joy. You are unforgettable:
• You are like a song of love that clings to me.
• After all these years— how the thought of you still does things to me.
• You are unforgettable in every way and forevermore you'll stay that way.
Goodbye for awhile— my dear girl— until the time when you "poke a hole and pull me— and all of us— through." You are the "valiant woman" of Proverbs and "Your works will praise you at the Gates of Heaven."
**I emailed Tom Trinley and received his permission to use his beautiful words to create a memorial here at Find a Grave. I was honored to do so.
Gravesite Details
Maureen Trinley's contributor page
Family Members
Spouse
