Tuesday, May 16, 2006

She was loved: Dorothy Rees, 1916-2006.


My grandma, Nanny as she was always known, passed away on Sunday. She was surrounded by her daughter, her granddaughter, and her great-granddaughter, which, despite the sad occasion, was powerful. I know that in her last moments she felt that and knew that Life carries on with her spirit a part of all of us, forever.

She was a strong woman.
She did not drive.
She got regular permanents.
She kept every single card and letter ever sent to her.
She kept a record of what she responded to each of those cards and letters.
She put everyone else first.
She said of my daughter, "Sweet li'l Alla."
She lived 15 years past the death of her husband.
She was 90 years old.

And amongst her papers we found this:

Three women were sitting on a bench when a flasher wearing a trench coat approached them, walked right up and opened his coat.

The first woman had a stroke.

The second woman had a stroke.

The third had arthritis and couldn't reach that far!!

We all love and miss you, Nanny.

9 comments:

erin said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Nanny. It sounds like she was quite a woman. I'm so glad you were able to be with her at the end. It sounds like she was certainly sure of the love that surrounded her.

Love that flasher joke!

Pink Shoes said...

Such power in those memories and connections. Peace be with you and your family as you remember her always.

Anonymous said...

My condolences to you and your family. Some of the things you said about her, like her letters and responses reminds me of you and how organized and structured you are. She lives on through you and your family. My prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

I am so sad to hear about your nanny passing away. Our thoughts and prayers are with her, you and your family. I'm glad you were able to spend those last moments with her.

Anonymous said...

so sorry, JJ. Your words are so moving - I had tears in my eyes. She may be physically gone, but she'll always be with you in your hearts.

pakosta said...

so sorry for your loss. but yes, she lives on thru you and alla. and that is a wonderful thing! funny lil lady she was! LOL at the paper joke you found!
tara

A.K. said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my grandma last year at this time and I defintely know how it is- at least they are peaceful and happy now... I'm Erin Cobb's friend by the way and love to look at your blog- what a beautiful daughter! (i'm the waterviegirlie link on her blog)...

Terry said...

J.J. So sorry for your loss. I can remember that one of the great joys of my life was placing my baby daughters (Erin and Meghan) in my grandmother's arms for the first time. I'm so glad you also had that joy with Alla. Love, Terry

Susie said...

Oh, J.- I haven't been here to check up on you and I am sad to hear of your loss, friend. You have writen a nice tribute and it is apparent that your nanny's life made in impact on yours and others.

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