Mary Lachney was a dear friend of the family whom we
have known for over 25 years. It was a great blessing for
us to receive her memorial card sent by her daughter.
There was nothing so dear to her heart than to do everything
possible to ensure the salvation of the souls of her
family. Towards the end of her life, Mary was dependent
on a walker, but she would drive herself to church
and attend the daily Mass offered by Fr. Chad Partain
in Alexandria, Louisiana.
It was Mary who introduced the Living Rosary to Fr. Partain
when he was 15 years old. Young Chad had aspirations to
the priesthood, but needed a miracle to save his hearing.
St. Philomena obtained this miracle for him and, today, Father
is Parish Priest, Vicar of his Diocese, and is a Canon Lawyer
and Principal of the Catholic Grade School.
Mary and her husband were married for 66 years. She was
always open to new life and wanted to do her part in helping
God create souls for eternity in Heaven. She was mother of 11
children. There was never a question about the Faith that Mary could not answer,
and answer correctly. She spent years studying her Faith and reading the lives
of the Saints. Mary had high blood pressure and heart problems, and had
undergone five cardiac stents.
On the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - December 12, 2018, Mary had a spell and
called 911. The paramedics shocked her heart and it stopped beating. They had to do
CPR and broke a couple of her ribs. She recovered enough to receive visits from
all the family who lived in that area, children and grandchildren. She seemed to
be doing well so all the family members went home. Fr. Chad Partain visited the
hospital three times during her last illness and gave her all the blessings the Church
can give to one who is near death. On Friday morning, her heart stopped beating.
She quietly left this earth. Father said, “Mary died on Friday after three days of
passion just as Christ died on Friday. Mary was deeply devoted to Our Lady of
Fatima and was never without her Scapular. The day after her death was
Saturday and, surely, on that day Our Lady kept her Scapular promise and
carried Mary Home. Mary BELIEVED!” Before her death, Mary designed her
own memorial card which we are sharing with all of you:
“My children, your mother has left you. Do not forget me in your prayers. I
love you all so much. Trust in God and live in His Grace, so that you will not
be afraid to die, and that someday we may all be united in Heaven.
Remember Our Lady of Fatima’s important request, that we pray a Rosary
daily and make sacrifices for the conversion of sinners; and her promises
to those who make the Five First Saturdays of Confession and Communion.
Best fire insurance you can get!
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on her.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for her.
Holy Angels and Saints, welcome her into Paradise.”