MARIE ANGELA (MIMI) DEGAILLER
MRS. GASTON L. (GUS) DEGAILLER
3-6-1922 - 7-10-2016

THIS WAS WRITTEN AND COMPOSED BY MARIE DEGAILLER ON OCTOBER 24, 2014, 13 MONTHS AFTER THE DEATH OF HER PRECIOUS AND DEVOTED HUSBAND GASTON L. (GUS) DEGAILLER

She led a "charmed life". She was lucky enough to meet her "soul mate" when they were both only 12 years old. From the moment they met, introduced by a mutual friend, they were drawn to each other. He often said God made them for one another. They became "true friends" and "pals" (his nick-name at the time) and their devotion and love for each other grew stronger and lasted for 80 years. Throughout their "teen years" they were inseparable and they knew one day when they were older they would marry and they looked forward to that day. When they were nineteen years old World War II broke out and it was horrible. He enlisted in the Navy (USCG) for 3 years as a regular. (But after 3 years the war was not over so he signed over for another 2 years). He enlisted the day after Pearl Harbor was attacked (12-8-41). He was about to start his third year at the University of Pennsylvania but of course that was on hold. Before he went away they became engaged (12-14-41) because they wanted to hold on to something while they were separated. The separation was unbearable but they wrote to each other every day and looked forward to the day when they would be together again. After 9 months he had an advance in rate and pay so they were able to marry (11-4-42) and finally when the war was over he miraculously came home (2-24-47) "safe and sound" in spite of the fact he served over 3 years aboard various ships, primarily the Destroyer Escort USS Merrill, on anti-submarine warfare, including Convoy Duty in the Atlantic and radar-picketing in the Pacific. When they finally settled down to "Civilian Life" they raised two boys and were deliriously happy until they celebrated their 80th birthday. He became seriously ill and after he suffered for 12 years God called him home (9-24-13). He was almost 92 years old. For the first time in her life she found herself without him. From the moment they met he was loving and devoted. She depended on him for everything. He never let her down. He was her hero, her "rock". She found it so hard trying to "pick up the pieces" and go about living without him. After his death he was still with her 24 hours a day and with her in every room in their home. She prayed to be with him and finally when God called her home she was happily waiting for him. They met again and now at last they are in each others arms through Eternity. Thank you dear God. She was so lucky.

She led a "charmed life" all her life. She received the wonderful guidance of God, the tender care of Jesus and the everlasting true love and devotion of a precious husband.

Should friends desire memorial contributions, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Comforter.