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Sharon Kantola Worlin posted a condolence
Thursday, December 3, 2020
My friend Marcy...
It was 47 years ago that I first met Marcy. Her husband Tapio and my husband John had met when Tap's family immigrated to Illinois from Finland. Years later when John and I were long distance dating, we often snowmobiled with Tap & Marcy in northern WI. Marcy was pretty gung-ho about snowmobiling and I was very impressed! It seems winters were colder back in the early 70s...we had to constantly think of ways and be on the lookout for the right clothing to keep from getting frostbite. More than once we resorted to duck tape! Never mind that the accommodations (we stayed in the old farmhouse John's dad was born in) had not been modernized - believe me, it was chilly in the outhouse!
When John and I got married and I moved to IL, Marcy was my first friend outside of my in-laws. She made both of our mom's and John's grandma look so beautiful for our wedding reception - just ask Tapio if you can see the pictures!
In 1986, after having lived far apart for 5 years, our friendship was renewed when we moved back and Marcy asked me to lead the 4 year old girls 'Daisies' program at Calvary with her. I have been involved in ministry ever since and I have to wonder if I would ever have done that had it not been for Marcy. Over the next 2 plus decades we continued to serve wherever we were needed, often feeling kind of sorry for a group of very special girls (some of whom were in that first Daisies class) that seemed to end up with us as leaders year after year until they grew up into beautiful women!
We both loved the years we attended Calvary Temple, went to women's retreats and conferences and grew close as part of an amazing church family. I remember her saying to me 'I almost hate to go away on vacation...it's hard to miss even one Sunday'. I've often said that we need to be so grateful for those years - I think it's safe to say most Christians never get to experience what we had. The good news is Heaven will be that and so much more!
I remember so well how devastating it was when Marcy's folks passed away so suddenly and just 3 weeks apart. I prayed hard for her along with our church family, was so proud of her for getting the help she needed, and so thankful for the Lord's faithfulness that became so evident in her life. He took her brokenness, walked with her through the fire, and brought her through stronger, even more empathetic, and a mightier prayer warrior. Years later Marcy was facing a serious health issue herself...when fear wanted to consume my friend, I looked thru' my CDs for some favorites, went to Walmart to buy a portable player with earphones to give her and she told me after surgery that they let her listen to it right into the surgical room. It's hard to be afraid when we lift our heart in praise and I was so thankful that God led me to do that for her.
It was said at her memorial service that their home was always open to those who didn't have family to spend the holidays with...I was once the benefactor of that! When John and our boys went deer hunting over the Thanksgiving holiday, I had several invites for dinner but knew at Marcy's I'd be right at home, have a lovely meal and be made to feel like an honored guest!
My most treasured 'Marcy moment' came in 2006 when we faced enormous tragedy in the loss of our 22 year old son. She had loved and prayed for our sons over the years, and immediately upon hearing of Tim's death, Tapio and Marcy came to us. For some reason John had gotten up from the seat he'd occupied for hours just as Marcy entered...She wrapped her arms around him and cried out to the Lord for us, mostly praying loudly in the Spirit. I have to say that even in my numb state of mind I thought 'oh my...they are going to freak out!!' (our dear Catholic friends were at the kitchen table, friends & cousins of our sons were in the living room...the house was full of people). I was so wrong...with Marcy's bold prayer came a tangible, incredible sense of peace upon our home. We and our friends will always remember it and have reflected upon it often over the years.
In early 2007, mostly out of my own great need, I started a women's bible study & prayer group in my home. Friends from my work, the neighborhood, sometimes Tonja and others from Calvary attended, but I couldn't seem to get Marcy to join us for several years. I think it was in 2011 that she finally agreed to come to a 4 week Advent study we were going to go through. She loved it, she kept coming, and she was so faithful and such a blessing to me and the other ladies. My heart was full when we retired and moved away a couple of years later, knowing that Marcy would take over leading the group. When Anneli put the phone to Marcy's ear and I got to say goodbye, I had to thank her for taking such good care of my dear Bible study ladies. She grew, they grew and I'm so honored.
I love you Marcy, I'll miss you...You are truly one in a million and my life is ever so much richer because of you.
Sharon
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Paula posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
I am thinking and praying for all of you.
Love, Paula Dahlgren
M
Mark Rittenhouse lit a candle
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
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Mel & Family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. I am sure it is a great loss to your family. Please know that your in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May the Lord hold you in his arms and comfort you. Love You guys.
B
Bartlett Family purchased flowers
Monday, November 30, 2020
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All our love and prayers for you and your entire family.
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D
Diane Near and Kelly Jahng planted a tree in memory of Marcella Kataja
Monday, November 30, 2020
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We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
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Bonnie lit a candle
Monday, November 30, 2020
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Dear Kataja family, it is with our deepest sympathy to hear of your loss. Our fondest memories of your family go back to Calvary Temple. Your family welcomed us into your family, your mom having the wonderful love which drew all 6 of us in. Our kids soon grew into your kids circle of close family and spent much time together in the youth group. Your mother was a wonderful godly person, always taking the time to share herself, her thoughts and prayers with us. We are honored and blessed to have been part of your family. You all hold a very special place in our hearts. Treasure those fond memories of Marcy and hold them near to your hearts as we all will. Our deepest love to you at this time. Love the Blair family (Bill, Bonnie, Scott, Sarah, Stephanie and Shannon).
S
Sheri and Wayne Sparks uploaded photo(s)
Monday, November 30, 2020
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We knew Marcy and Tap from the many senior Encore events and trips from Journey Church. I know she will be missed by all the group. May God's love and peace surround you at this difficult time.
K
Kimberly and Lonnie Roberts lit a candle
Monday, November 30, 2020
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It's hard to understand how Marcy's suffering has now turned into a time of celebration and joy for her now that she is in the land of "no more tears." It would be selfish for us to want to bring her back, but down deep how we wish we could. Love you and miss you Marcy.
L
Love the Curtis Family purchased flowers
Sunday, November 29, 2020
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Love the Curtis Family
purchased the Medium Dish Garden for the family of Marcella Kataja.
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With sincerest sympathies and deep love. - The Curtis Family
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Nickie Fourman lit a candle
Sunday, November 29, 2020
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Marcy was such as wonderful person. Every time I seen her she had a smile on her face. She was definitely a prayer warrior and impacted my life during the time of my father's passing. I will never forget her praying over my father on his last day on earth. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Love, Nickie Fourman
A
Amy Leone and Jody Block purchased flowers
Sunday, November 29, 2020
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Amy Leone and Jody Block
purchased the Medium Dish Garden for the family of Marcella Kataja.
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Tonja, We are so sorry for your loss and will be thinking of you during this difficult time. Please take care of yourself.
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L
Love Tuesdays With God Ladies purchased flowers
Sunday, November 29, 2020
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Love Tuesdays With God Ladies
purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of Marcella Kataja.
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Prayers for comfort and peace for you all!
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nancy letterly posted a condolence
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Marcy was one of the most loving, caring people I ever met. She went out of her way to greet people and make them feel loved. She was so concerned about others. I will miss her wonderful smiling face and look forward to seeing her in Heaven
K
The family of Marcella Kataja uploaded a photo
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
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