My dear Grandma June passed away this evening, surrounded by family. We love you Grandma and will miss you deeply.
The following are the words I spoke at my Grandma's funeral:
Some of you may have known June as a mother, an aunt, a coworker, or a friend. I know her as a Grandma. When I think of Grandma June, the immediate thoughts that come into my mind are of her devotion, her joyfulness, and her warmth and love.
Grandma was Devoted.
Her devotion was easy to recognize. June was married to Reino in 1943 and they were married for 61 years. To be married that long requires a serious commitment and deep love. Some of you may know that my Grandma passed away on December 18, which is my birthday, but more importantly was also my Grandpa's birthday. It was a bittersweet way for me to spend my birthday this year, but the sweet part was knowing that they were reunited again, on Grandpa's birthday.
Both Grandma and Grandpa were also very devoted to their family. Growing up, Grandma June and Grandpa Ray were always a part of our lives. We went camping with them, visited them at their house on Page Street, went to dinner at Mr. Steak, saw them at concerts and swim meets and basketball games... they were a part of our everyday lives. My brother referred to Grandma as a "quick draw" with the snacks. We would show up unannounced and she would have crackers, cookies, and pop on the table before we even had our shoes off. At Grandma's house, we were always welcome, there didn't need to be an invitation. She gave this same welcome to everyone, and I'm pretty sure the snacks too.
Grandma was Joyful.
Grandma loved to laugh. In the words of my brother "her laugh was almost silent, but always contagious." She never lost her quick wit. I remember when my husband Jim first met Grandma. He was so polite and respectful, and somehow assumed that she was going to be a very serious old woman. Then Grandma started up with her one-liners and her face lit up in that smile, with her eyes crinkled at the corners, and her shoulders shaking with laughter. Jim loved her immediately.
Speaking of joy, this is a story about Grandma that has brought many a chuckle. Grandma loved her snacks. One of her favorites was Cheetos. When we inherited a Lazy Boy from her house, we couldn't figure out what the orange stripe was on the side of the chair. As it turns out, the cheese on Cheetos that sticks to your fingers, after many years of innocent finger brushing on the side of your chair, leaves quite a mark.
It has been an amazing gift to me recently to see the love that Grandma had for her great-grandchildren, and it's made it so easy to see how we have felt so loved all these years. My son Jasper is just under two years old. He called Grandma "Gama JOOne." One of the last times we visited, Jasper was sitting on Grandma's lap. She was playing with his leg and they were both laughing and laughing. I asked Grandma if she was comfortable with him sitting there or if he was hurting her at all. She said "I am so happy, there's no way I would tell you if he was!" That was how Grandma viewed things- the laughter made it all worthwhile.
Grandma was Loving.
As I mentioned, my brother and I spent a lot of time with Grandma and Grandpa growing up. My mom swears it wasn't
every Friday night but we did spent the night at their house often. In the evening it was always watching "The Dukes of Hazzard", "Dallas", and "Falcon Crest". Our snack choices were either popcorn (cooked on the stove top) or vanilla ice cream, but like a true Grandma, she never made me choose between the two and would let me have both. Erick and I would take turns getting our backs scratched by Grandma before bed. On Saturday morning, after we watched our fill of cartoons, Grandma and I would bake bread. Grandma had a little bread tin so I could make my own special loaf. That was a gift of my Grandma's. She really made everyone feel special. She remembered you. She knew what was important to you and took time to know what made you tick. She really honestly cared. And that is how she made everyone that came into her life feel special - with her genuine interest and concern.
Grandma touched people wherever she went. I think it was that innate ability to make you feel comfortable that drew people to her. She loved having people around. She enjoyed nothing more than a party or a gathering- and she never wanted to be left out. The love she shared with family and friends gave her great joy.
Grandma's caregivers at Benedictine said that, the morning of Grandma's passing, she was seemingly confused and was telling them that her family was coming today for a party. We did come that day Grandma, to let you know we love you, that we will miss you, and to celebrate the love you brought in each one of our lives. And I know there was a celebration on the other side for you as well.
The sadness I feel today is for us. It is not for her. She had a strong faith. I know she was ready and that heaven welcomed her with open arms. I know that she both squeezed my hand on my birthday and hugged my Grandpa on his as well. Grandma, we will miss your smile, your laugh, and most importantly, your love- and we will carry all of these things from you with us in our hearts.
