A TRIBUTE to an Illustrious Passionate and Dedicated Mothers’ Union Member

Sister Eugenia During

(12.29.53 – 7.28.23)

MU-USA Faith & Policy Coordinator (2017-2022)

MU-USA Diocesan President, Diocese of Washington (Jan 2023– Jul 2023)

If anyone had told me that I would be here today offering a memorial tribute to our dearest Eugenia During since we last spoke, I would have offered all the wonderful prayers she had been blessing others with during her lifetime, to prevent that from happening. It’s hard enough referring to her in the past tense! But none of us has the power to prevent death from happening, only God Almighty appoints our times in and out of this world!

Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of The Lord is the death of His Saints.” We should all take courage that our dear Sister is resting comfortably in That Mansion above, among God’s Saints. 

Of all the world famous events that took place in 1953, when Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest, and many other famous world events too numerous to mention, none surpassed the event that took place on December 29, 1953 when God brought Eugenia Festina Cline-Thomas into this world, and I say this because of the genuine nature with which Eugenia conducted her life throughout her 69 years.  She was destined to live the life of the Virtuous woman described in the book of Proverbs, chapter 31.  A Woman who loved Her Lord, loved others unconditionally, loved herself and knows Grace! Eugenia embodied everything that makes humanity great…Humility, Civility, Honesty and Service!

Eugenia’s Faith was the driving force behind every aspect of her life.  As a healthcare professional she was exceptional. Her passion for teaching the word of God was infectious and her commitment to everything she does unwavering.  I am yet to meet an individual with the same passion as Eugenia’s in fulfilling her life so very well. She enjoyed studying and teaching the word of God with such gusto that I sometimes forget she was a Nurse. She would go out of her way to help people with whatever they asked of her and make them feel very comfortable around her, she’s a true disciple of Jesus. She had the same passion as Mary Sumner for the Mothers’ Union.  She was a dedicated member, friend and colleague. MU USA has lost a dynamic Prayer Warrior that will be difficult to replace. Eugenia Festina, YOU have earned a special place in the hearts of every Mothers’ Union member whose life YOU touched. YOU have earned YOUR wings, whether through YOUR good deeds or YOUR extraordinary personality!!  To say we will miss you would be an understatement, YOU will be greatly missed by all. There will always be one Eugenia Festina During, the one who left us too soon, the one who gave us no time to say goodbye, and the one who left this world a much better place than she met it!

I came across a proverb some time ago that aptly describes the legacy you’ve left behind and it reads, “Good men must die, but death cannot kill their NAMES.”  Eugenia Festina, YOUR Name will be engraved forever in the hearts of all those whose lives you touched.  Rest Easy in Grace and Love my Sister, just like you lived!

Sister Annie Beckley

MU-USA Past Provincial President, 2014-2019

MU-USA Parenting Coordinator, 2020 – Present