Nina Mulhern

NINA MULHERN

Cedar Rapids

"As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you." Isaiah 66:13

Nina J. Mulhern, 91, devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, died peacefully at her

home, surrounded by her family and embraced in loving prayers, on Monday, Oct. 20, 2014, following a long illness. A Memorial Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids.

Born Aug. 8, 1923, to Salvatore and Hilda (Brown) Purpura of Saranac Lake, N.Y., she grew up loving books, nature and learning. She graduated from Saranac Lake High School and began working as a linotypist at the Adirondack Daily Enterprise. It was in Saranac, where she met her soul mate, Francis "Frank" P. Mulhern. They married and began their 55-year life journey from the East coast to the Midwest, as they raised their three daughters: Mary Pat, Barbara and Nina.

She continued her education, graduating from Mankato State, with a bachelor's degree in education. Nina committed her life to raising her girls, running the household and supporting her husband throughout his career with grace and strength. Ultimately, she devoted her time entirely to Frank's care during his final days.

Her devotion to her family expanded as her family grew from daughters to sons-in-law to grand- and great- grandchildren.

In her later years, she was simply known as "Grandma" to all the young people she met.

Nina loved to share her passion for books and reading. She loved to "tailgate" with her family in front of the TV as they cheered on the Hawkeyes and Cubs. She loved the simple pleasures of enjoying ice cream, chocolate or a Sunday dinner with her family. Holidays brought her special joy as it was a time to celebrate faith and family. Simply put, family was everything to Nina.

Throughout her life, she volunteered for many organizations. Believing in the advancement of women's causes, she was a member of the Cedar Rapids Chapter of the National Organization of Women (NOW) and volunteered for Camp Fire Girls. She was a member of St. Matthew and St. Pius X Catholic churches.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her mother and father; eldest brother, Lawrence Purpura; sisters, Elsie Baker and Susan Boncaro; brothers-in-law, Otha Baker and William Ferris; niece, Jana Baker; and granddaughter, Michelle Letz.

She will be missed beyond words by her family, including, her daughters, Mary Pat (Craig) Mueller, Barbara (Robert) Donahue and Nina (Kenneth) Frost; grand-children, Matthew and Robert Donahue, Jerry (Shelly) Hathcock, Patrick (Tara) Mulhern, Bryan (Nene) Frost and Collin Frost; five great-grand-children; 33 nieces and nephews; sister, Elva Ferris; brother-in-law, John Boncaro; and four special "grand" dogs, Scoobie, Mikey, Sophie and Mr. Lucky.

Nina's family would like to express their gratitude to all who supported her and the family during her illness, including, UnityPoint Hospice and Palliative Care Team, UnityPoint Homecare, Dr. Bell, Dr. Stahlberg, St. Pius X Parish, Unity Center of Cedar Rapids and our very dear extended family of friends.

Nina loved children and especially enjoyed sharing in the holiday celebrations and special events at the Southside Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, Nina requested memorial donations be directed to this wonderful organi-zation. Please send donations in honor of Nina to: Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Rapids - Southside Unit, 361 17th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.