A Time to Remember

Mom's early years

Mom's later years

Mom's memorial service was on Friday, March 20. It was a sweet and simple service. Our long-time family friend, Bob Waldron, and his wife, Gina, came from the Dallas area. We first knew Bob and Gina back in Juneau, Alaska, in the 1960s, when he was the preacher for our congregation. He's been present for several major events in our family life. He performed the marriage ceremonies for Dan and I and for Chris and Kelsey. In the memorial service he spoke about Mom's Alaskan years. He called her a "Renaissance Woman" and an "Adventurer," both of which I felt were really appropriate.

In the middle of the service Chris accompanied Clara and Robert to the front. Clara spoke some sweet words about her Nanny, and then she and Robert sang, "You Are My Sunshine." Chris, who intended to speak, but didn't, said later, "I should have spoken before the kids sang, because I couldn't say anything afterward." We all sympathized, since no one had a dry eye after the song.

Our local minister, Rodney Tedford, closed out the service with a tribute to Mom's later years. He knew her for less than a year, since she only moved here last summer, but had already gotten to know and love her.

Also attending the memorial were two other Juneau friends. Bea Long, who still lives there, was in Texas visiting her daughter Terri, and they made the trip up. It was a loving reunion for all of us Alaskans. I kept thinking how much Mom would have enjoyed being with these special friends and family.

After the service, our family and out-of-town guests went to the church building, where some ladies had prepared a nice meal for us. 

The family, at the funeral home. Left to right back row: Tim, me, Dan, Chris and Kelsey. Front row: Robert and Clara.

After lunch. Left to right: Tim, me, Robert, Dan, Clara, Bea, Terri, Gina, Bob, Chris and Kelsey.