Obituary/Retrospective

I had intended to blog about my experiences caring for my dear mother-in-law as she lived with Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately she lost her battle with the disease on March 18th of this year. Her care kept us all so busy that I was not able to keep up with many things, including this blog. Things are finally now settling down, and I hope to look back on this experience and blog about it with some 20/20 hindsight. I often wonder how my obituary will read. I try to live my life in a manner to create an interesting “read”.

I miss her so much already. She was a grand lady and her obituary is a small testament to her life:

Grand-mu Carol 4/3/24-3/18/11

Carol passed away on March 18, 2011 in the care and company of her children and grandchildren in The Villages Florida. Carol is survived by her husband Burton, Children Kathy (Mat), Elaine (Kevin), Wayne (Cindy), Gary (Carrie), and her grandchildren Erika, Briana & Kelley. She also will be missed by her niece Stephanie and Nephew Brian. She is also survived by her sister Shirley. She was predeceased by two brothers, and her beloved son Billy.

Carol raised her family and spent most of her life in Pendleton NY, and enjoyed her last few years in The Villages Florida being cared for by her Granddaughter Briana.
Carol was a founding member of the Barge canal Optimist Club, an avid quilter, crafter and a Navy Veteran during WW11. She also served many years as committee-person and member of the Pendleton Republican club. She was honored as the City of Lockport Veteran’s day parade Grand Marshall in 2009. She also was honored by the National Optimist Governor. Carol enjoyed bowling into her 80’s and was a champion horse shoe competitor.

After raising her family she embarked on a successful venture selling Bernina sewing machines and teaching sewing classes in the family Appliance store, Ramming Appliance. Donations to Hospice, or Optimist International would be appreciated.