In the News

Children’s book to help family carry on mission after daughter’s death
Jean Murphy
Posted Friday, May 19, 2006

A local family has spent the past seven months transforming their personal tragedy into incredibly positive contributions to this community and others.

Last October, Carolyn and Martin Mueller, 15-year residents of Mount Prospect, lost their 4-year-old daughter, Christine, to a sudden illness in her sleep.

Since her death, the family and their many friends and acquaintances have donated $25,000 in classroom supplies (through St. Raymond Church) to a heavily damaged Catholic school in Metairie, La.; they have donated a loft to Christine’s school, St. Mark’s Pre-School; and now they are raising additional funds by selling a children’s book, dedicated to Christine and written by a high school friend of her grandmother.

“Mrs. Celery Stalk Takes a Walk,” written by Mary Ellen Eversman of Effingham, Ill., and illustrated by Andy Evans, is aimed at children in pre-school through second grade. Eversman, the author of three other children’s books, was writing “Mrs. Celery Stalk” when she heard about the death of her old friend’s granddaughter. So she asked for permission to dedicate the book to Christine.

All proceeds from this initial private printing of the book will benefit the Christine Mueller Memorial Fund. The books are selling for $10 each and are available at St. Mark’s Pre-School, 200 S. Wille St., St. Raymond’s Parish Ministry Center at the corner of I-Oka and Milburn Avenues, or by e-mailing thecutiemueller@aol.com.

“We are not yet sure where the money will be donated, but it will be used to show the beauty and goodness of Christine somewhere where she is known and remembered,” said Carolyn Mueller, her mother.

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Bike says...a very very special thanks to Mary Ellen, St. Ray's, Jean, the Good Lord and all those who are so moved to buy this special book...THANKS!