Jess Courchene-Nowicki
I have truly been blessed with the best grandparents a girl could ask for. I’m heartbroken that you are no longer with us, but I know you’ve been waiting to be back with Grandpa everyday since he’s been gone. Shirl the whirl was truly one of a kind. If everyone was like her, this world would be a fantastic place. My grandma was a true example of a selfless person. Constantly doing for others, and always making sure everyone was cared for. If you knew my grandma, I know she’s prayed for you at some point, or lit a candle for you. I know she offered to “make you a plate” at any family function. I know you’ve eaten her bars (any and all flavors). I know you’ve shared a cup of coffee with torrani syrup. I know she’s sent you one of her home made cards. I know she’s encouraged you to pray to St. Anthony when you’ve misplaced something. I know that she listened to your stories, and offered honest and true advice. I know she made you feel comfortable. Her doors were always open, and you could go to apple lane, sit around the kitchen table and have several cups of coffee with grandma and grandpa at any time, and likely be fed as well.
She would surprise her grandchildren every St. Nicks night with a basket full of goodies and snacks. She would bake us Halloween/valentines/4th of July cupcakes. She attended Christmas concerts, basketball games, soccer tournaments, graduations. I was even lucky enough to share my wedding day with her. She grew pumpkins for her grandkids, would take all of us older grandkids in for a “staycation” when we were gaining little siblings at our respective houses. She used to buy diet cherry pepsi, not because she liked it, but she knew my dad did so she wanted him to have what he liked when he came over. She’d pray the rosary for you, and whether you knew it or not, you were always on her prayer list. (That thing had to be miles long). She started teaching me when I was young about facing my fears, by helping me muster up the confidence to actually press the button on the animatronic witches she put up in her living room every fall. She taught me so much about life and faith, how to be a good mother, a good wife, a good grandmother.
She truly was a remarkable woman, and we are all lucky to have known her. I couldn’t even begin to explain to you how big of a blessing it was being a grandchild of Greg and Shirley Courchene. The love, comfort, safety, happiness, and appreciation I always received from them is something I will treasure forever. I’m so sad to have lost my grandma, but I’m so happy that she made it home to her hunny for Christmas. I love you both endlessly, and I am proud to be your granddaughter ❤️