Mom was born in Elgin, Nebraska, December 24, 1928 and died at 88 years old in Seattle, May 4, 2017. She attended the University of Nebraska from 1946-1948, graduating from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in 1951. Mom met the love of her life, James Randall Cantrell, in the operating room at Johns Hopkins. They were married in 1954.

Mom was independent, strong, invincible, and tenacious. She had an energy and passion for life and everything she did. She was always game to try new things, be it playing Cards Against Humanity, getting tattoos, becoming a gym rat with a personal trainer well into her late 80’s or marching for the Nuns at St. James Cathedral. Mom was accepting of change and enjoyed the challenge of seeing things, people and situations in new ways. She delighted in her own sense of humor and was constantly amazed that other people didn’t get her jokes. Mom had a remarkable ability to create meaningful connections with total strangers within a very short period of time. One of her ongoing goals was to engage someone who was otherwise appearing grumpy. Her interest in all people was ever present, she loved everyone and everyone loved her. Mom was the life of every party she attended!

Mom loved and shone in many aspects of her life; mom to five kids, Grami B to five grandkids, mother-in-law to Tia, her tireless advocacy for her cousin, Patty Krause and the developmentally disabled community, traveling, birding, learning about new subjects including herself, and deepening her faith and admiration for her faith community.

Mom is survived by her sister, Alice Sweeney, her brother, Robert Stehly, her kids, Randy Cantrell, Beth Cantrell, Martha Cantrell, Jane Cantrell Caron, Roy Cantrell, and her grandkids, Maddie and Robbie Caron, Sam, Joe and Timmy Cantrell.

Please join us to celebrate and honor Mom and her amazing life on June 16, 2017 at 4pm, St. Benedict’s Church in Wallingford, 1805 N. 49th Street, Seattle, 98103.