Dear Family Members
July 29, 2015
Dear family members,
The countdown for the family reunion has started for many of us, and we are doing our best to keep everyone informed. The purpose of this note is to share the details for two events, and ask for your help.
1. Fr. Angel offered to say a mass for our deceased family members during
the family reunion. It’s been a couple of years since we have been able to have a mass said for the intention of our family at St. Anne’s or Our Lady of Guadalupe during
the dates of the family reunion. We are lucky to have a priest in the family! After considering a couple of different options,including trying to have the mass outside on Saturday morning, or at theChapel at either St. Mary’s or Greenview Cemeteries. What worked best was for us to have ourfamily mass on Friday, August 7th 2015 at 5:00 pmat Our Lady ofGuadalupe Church, 800 – 17th Street Silvis, IL.
***** PLEASE NOTE:
A. We recognize that this mayaffect the Friday evening activities,
that already includes a tight schedule between the pee-wee golf and the bean toss competition for our kids. And, it will certainly be a challenge for those doing the grilling. Hopefully, there are a few among us that are willing to sacrifice attending the mass, in order to get the grills going. Also, parents with children that were hoping to play pee-wee golf AND compete in the bean bag toss may only have time for one activity if they attend the mass.
B. The suggestion was made to have the prayer of the faithful (during the mass) include a representative from each family reading the names of those loved ones that have died in our lifetimes. For example, someone from Aunt Mickey’s family would read the names of: Aunt Louise, Uncle Francisco and Tyler Scott Ledezma. A representative of Grandpa’s second family would read the names of Andrea and Adrian.
This memo includesAngi and Rachel’s attempt to capture the names for every family member that has died. HOWEVER, WE ARE CERTAINLY MISSING SOME NAMES!!Would you please review the names and let me know whereI need to add more names?We would like to prepare as inclusive a list as possible, so that it can be handed out as a remembrance at this year’s family mass.
2. At the last family reunion meeting, the group agreed to name the 2nd volleyball court after Tim Hay. The 1st volleyball court is called the Tim Trujillo court. Both Tims spent many years involved in helping to set up for the volleyball tournament, so naming the courts after them is one way to honor their efforts and invite their spirits to join us.
At the meeting we also recognized the incredible loss the family reunion faces since last year. The deaths of G.G. and Sue will surely be felt this year at the reunion, in ways we don’t even know. G.G was tireless when it came to providing whatever was needed to ensure a great reunion. In G.G’s honor/memory, the Family Reunion Committee voted to rename the Saturday night gathering as “G.G’s Family Fiesta” night. Apparently, G.G. has always been invested in setting aside Saturday night as an event to highlight the talent in our family.
We would like to suggest that this year we have a real talent show, one G.G would be proud of; one that plays tribute to G.G. So, how about it? Lots of us danced in the fiesta…. when there used to be one on 4th Street. Let’s try to locate a costume and come ready to dance! Maybe the young people that are currently in the Folklorico could dance a number or two.
Since I moved back to Illinois, almost 4 years ago, I’ve had a chance to learn about and appreciate some of the talent in our family! Chris Sierra, Frank and Guardy have a band that plays during the Bix race in Davenport! Our Uncle Ruben and his partner Laura are members (founders) of Smooth Grove, one of the hottest bands in the area. Either individually or as a group, it would be great if any or all of them would be willing to entertain us at G.G’s Fiesta. Adam Sierra, Louis Sierra, Dolores Sierra, Jerome Sierra and Mary Kathleen are all involved in local theatre. It would be great to hear a number from a recent production, a song from GREASE, Memories from CATS andLuis singing one of Aunt Mickey’s favorite songs. Aaron plays an amazing horn. I know we would all enjoy listening to our cousins/nieces/nephews share their gifts. And, I’m sure I have left out a bunch of talented cousins!
So, the idea is out there. It is up to all of us to be willing to help make it happen. My guess is G.G.’s spirit will be working overtime! If someone is willing to spend some time organizing the program, (and maybe scheduling a rehearsal) please let us know!
Respond to this email or give us a call: Rachel: (309) 281-1371 Angi: (309) 798-7875.
Mil gracias! See you soo
Deaths of Simon Sierra’s Families (FIRST DRAFT: 7/29/15)
Father Angel begins the Prayer of the Faithful and reads the following names: Grandpa Simon Nache, Grandma Maria Bravo Terrones and Grandma San Juana Terronez Sierra and all of the Angel babies from our families.
Representatives of each family from the Simon – Maria union read their families’ names:
Cruz: Cruz T. Sierra, Gabriel Russel, ??
Emanuel: Emanuel T. Sierra, John Edward, Joseph, NaDeen, Dawn
Marie, Chynna V., Guilbert Gabriel (G.G.)
and Sue Miller Sierra
Louis: Louis, T. Sierra, Teresa Terronez Sierra,
Antonia Reyes, Mary Lou Trujillo, Louis T.
Jr., Timothy Michael Trujillo, Bradley Dean
Amador: Amador, Amador, Jr., Encarnacion Esperanza
(Hope) Hay, David Hay and Tim Allen Hay
John: John T, Adela Cervantes Sierra, John Sierra
Lopez, Ezekial (Cheque) Lopez and Arturo
Camille:Camille T., Rose Vasquez Sierra, Daniel and
Timothy Allen
Miguela: Maria Luisa, Francisco T., Tyler Scott Rios
Ledezma.
Julien: Julien T., Katherine ?? Sierra,
Representative from Simon - San Juana union reads the following names:
Andrea and Adrian