Saturday, July 15, 2023

A sense of closure

Over the years I would occasionally mention my late uncle (he was actually my 2nd cousin's late wife) and his devoted partner who would visit him faithfully in the Alzheimer's ward at the home where he stayed toward the end of his life.  His partner turned 80 this past February.  For years she would complain of having no appetite and we thought she was still grieving.  In late May she called to let me know she was in hospital and they were doing tests on a tumour in her throat.  I didn't hear from her again and had trouble contacting her after that.

 I received a call from my late uncle's niece on July 4th to let me know that his partner had passed away on June 24th of gastric cancer.  She did not have many friends and was alone, with a sibling in British Columbia out West and relatives in England.  The niece was looking after her affairs, her cremation, etc. since she had looked after her uncle's affairs.  She was thoughtfully contacting the handful of people on the lady's address book.  I am glad she called me so that I could have a sense of closure.  

May this lady rest in peace.


I found some older posts here and here to remember her by.

Husband M and I attended what turned out to be a lovely funeral for her yesterday.  It was small, about 10-12 people.  We were all asked to say a few words about the lady.  There were prayers and songs. Her brother from British Columbia lowered her ashes into the grave. We were invited to a lovely restaurant meal nearby after the funeral.  Husband M and I split this delicious pizza below:



25 comments:

DeniseinVA said...

I am so sorry about your relatives passing Christine, but kindness shown to you by the niece is heartwarming. Funerals can be bittersweet occasions. We can find ourselves smiling and sometimes laughing at the stories told as everyone tells their memories of those who have passed. May she rest in peace.

Unknown said...

Rest in peace for the lady....My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time

Angie's Recipes said...

From late May to 24th June..that's really fast. Rest in peace!

roentare said...

This is so sad...

DUTA said...

Sad. Good her sibling was at the funeral, and the niece handled it all.
For you it's indeed, sort of a closure. May the lady rest in peace!

Valerie-Jael said...

I'm glad you were able to go to the funeral and say goodbye, it's a good way to find closure. Hugs, Valerie

Ivy's Closet said...

So glad you all had such a wonderful closure to the passing of this person who was a part of the family in a unique way.

It seems as of late, funerals are very different. Recently, a patron told me about her boyfriend's passing. He was a veteran. And I found out they weren't going to have his funeral until late summer at the Vetreran's Hall.

J. S. Vila said...

Ever is good to remember with LOVE the armonious people that passed away to the other life.

Rostrose said...

Dear Christine, it is sad how quickly your relative passed away. But maybe that saved her a long suffering. Glad you were informed and were able to go to the funeral - that's actually always a way to wrap things up. I also have a second degree aunt in her 80s who is currently undergoing chemotherapy. I hope it's not the end of life for her...
All the best and have a nice weekend, Traude
🌸🌿❤️🌿🌸

Jenn Jilks said...

It sounds like a lovely celebration of life. I am so sorry for your loss.

Martha Jane Orlando said...

I'm glad you were invited to attend her celebration of life, Christine. I pray she is happy in heaven with the Lord.
Blessings!

peppylady (Dora) said...

May she rest in peace.
Coffee is on and stay safe.

Lowcarb team member said...

I am pleased that you were able to go to the funeral. It does give you a sense of closure and the opportunity to say goodbye.
May the lady rest in peace.

All the best Jan

My name is Erika. said...

How sad to be alone like that. And it's hard to wonder why you don't hear anything. I'm glad you now have your sense of closure.

gigi-hawaii said...

I'm glad you attended her funeral and said words of tribute. Nice touch to have a meal with the family after the service. God bless.

J.P. Alexander said...

Lo siento mucho pero por lo menos te despediste. Te mando un beso.

baili said...

sorry about your loss dear friend !
may she rest in peace
i will visit back to read your memorial post regarding her
hugs

Elkes Lebensglück said...

I'm sorry and you made a nice family farewell party for her.
hug Elke

Busy Bee Suz said...

I do remember you mentioning your Uncle; I'm so sorry to hear of his partner's passing. May she rest in peace.

Tanza Erlambang said...

Rest in peace!

DVArtist said...

Christine, I am sorry for your loss. I am glad you were able to attent the funeral. Hugs to you.

AfroSoteroWoman said...

Really sorry about it. May she rest in peace.

Martha said...

Christine, I remember you writing about her. She seemed like such a kind soul. I'm sorry to hear about her passing. May she rest in peace.

Lorraine said...

So sorry for your loss. Thankfully you were contacted so you could have that closure. There have been more than a few times in the past that I've found out about passings after a great length of time. Imagine when I asked my cousin about an uncle of ours and where he was these days and was told the cemetery.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I can't believe how far behind I've gotten. Closure is important, and it sounds like the few people who attended the funeral were truly meant to be there.