Cathy May Shade

Cathy May Shade, 62, of Poplar St., Meadville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 28, 2011, at Meadville Medical Center after a lengthy illness. We should all be so inspired by Cathys unflinching will to live despite the seemingly insurmountable physical adversities she faced on a daily basis.Cathy was born in Meadville on April 2, 1949, to Cecil Taylor and Ruth Louise (McClelland) Sheets, who preceded her in death. She received Christian baptism on September 15, 2002 at First Church of God, now known as New Beginnings Church of God. Over the years Cathy enjoyed a varied work history, allowing her the opportunity to meet and converse with folks from all walks of life. Included were: The former American Viscose, National Tel-Tronics, J & J Country Corner 'The Store' (formerly Nales) and Andover Industries. She graduated in 1967 from the former Townville High School.Cathy enjoyed playing bingo, poker, cards, casino visits, computer word games, making crafts and jewelry, visiting with friends, shopping, the Crawford County Fair, having never missed one. Most importantly she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, whom she dearly loved.Cathy was previously married to D. Russell Shade for twenty-five years. From that union came her two beautiful, cherished children: Brenda Sue (Shade) Reynolds and her husband Richard G. Reynolds, whom Cathy regarded as her own son and Joseph Duane Shade and his wife Heather Ann Brown, who was a most wonderful medical advocate and caregiver during Cathys illness. She also leaves behind four grandchildren: Shawna Danielle (Shade) Mielecki, whom Cathy helped raise into the mature young woman she is today, Patrick Justice Reynolds, who referred to her as his 'Hershey Kissy Gramma' as she would eagerly await his always forthcoming hugs, Mason Gallagher Brown (her mini music therapist) and Melody Joah Brown, both of whom she was immensely proud and loved deeply. Also, two great-grandchildren: Jack Daniel Ritteger and Emmaline Grace Mielecki, both of whom she loved more than words could ever express. Cathy also leaves behind a sister, Sara L. Hall and her husband Edward of Confluence, her brother James T. Sheets and his wife Carmen of Biloxi, MS, three nieces, several aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends, including her dearest friend, Judy Burge and her two caregivers: Dorothy 'Dottie' Drake and Betty Zuschlag.As per her wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. A 'Celebration of Life' gathering to honor Cathys life and legacy will be held at East Mead Fire Hall within the next few weeks. Information will follow at a later date.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335, or to Hospice of Crawford County, who cared for Cathy in her final days with a degree of comfort and concern unmatched by most, or to Voices for Independence, who were instrumental in allowing Cathy to remain in her home and enjoy her much prized independence until the end.Arrangements are under the direction of Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335.Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com