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Marjorie E. Iak

Marjorie Iak Obituary

January 17, 2004 of Buffalo, NY. Loving companion of Bill Swanson. Beloved mother of Chris (Steve) Brokaw, Kathy 'Kate' (Jim) Edwards, Gary (Nancy), Jeanette (Don) Veiders, Jeff and Tom (Marian) Iak. Also survived by 13 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Sister of Violet Parmelee, Robert (Marilyn), Richard (Joan) Severance and Leona (George) Fronk. Friends may call Wednesday 4-7 at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave. Friends are invited to attend funeral services in Knox Presbyterian Church (Elmwood & Kinsey Aves) Thursday morning at 10. Memorials may be made to Hospice Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Buffalo News on Jan. 20, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Marjorie Iak

38 Entries

Jenny

July 20, 2022

Missing you always...

Jenny Brokaw

January 17, 2018

Every year my heart is restless leading up to your passing anniversary. Uh...I have so much to tell you and miss you so much. Loving you always, Jenny

Chris

February 15, 2005

Dear Family, the last day of Mom's Guest Book online is almost upon us (Feb. 19th)!!

Thanks to Eric's generousity, it has been online for a year, I hope coming back to read or share your memories has helped in some way to cope & heal !!

If anyone wants to add one more short note to Mom's guest book, now, is the time to do it !!

I will be making a copy, if anyone wants to receive a copy, please, let me know & I will be happy to email or send it (snail mail) to you !

In Loving Memory of our Mother, who gave so much to so many & asked for so little in return !!

Amy Brokaw-Abbotoy

February 14, 2005

I can't believe it has been a year since you left. I miss the letters you would write to me and Morgan.They always had beautiful cat stickers on them.I'm glad my Mom taught me how to be a packrat or I probably wouldn't have saved all those letters.God Bless You Gram.We all love you.

kate edwards

January 20, 2005

i miss you mom. i miss dad too. i don't know where to put the feelings of loss, and emptiness that my heart has. yes, i do remember the good times. like the summers at the lake and eating apples under the tree (until lightening took it out), and the two trips to the worlds fair. mr. muchlers bee hives. i guess memories are what we have. i choose to focus on the good and happy ones. it still would be nice to share new memories with the two of you. love kate

Tom Iak

January 14, 2005

Hi all.

A year ago, or even a few months ago, i couldn't write in this guest book. Mom's death hit me harder than anything ever has. She was so much to me.

It's been a year this coming week. I miss my mom but she is home now and her pain is gone. She was really someone special wasn't she? Man i love that beautiful woman! When I think about her now I smile. Don't you?

She was such a great example of unconditional love & patience & peace, and most of you know that I tried all three (but she'd never say so).

She was there for me every time I called or popped in despite her circumstances or how she felt. She was in pain pretty much all the time but she never showed it. The only way you knew was when a quick jab would get her and she would flinch, just for a second, then that great smile would spread across her face.

We got a lot to be thankful for in the one we called Mom & Gramma & friend. I called her all three. Most of all Friend.

Love ya

Tom

Jenny

January 11, 2005

It's been almost a year and there isn't a day that you don't cross my mind or appear in my dreams...I miss you more than ever. When I think about the people who mean the most to me, I always think of you...just the thought of you and your sweet spirit makes my world a happier place. Loving you always, Jenny xxxooo

Jeff Iak

August 5, 2004

Hello All,

I was visiting with a friend yesterday and we were talking about how much we miss our Moms.

I told her that I got my "Silly" from my Mom and gave her many examples.... of Silly Mom.

Like the way Mom said Flutterby instead of Butterfly, SoderMykle in stead of Motorcycle, ScutterBotch, instead of Butterscotch ... and I'm sure there are more.

I still go to the phone to call Mom only to realize all I have to do is say "Isn't that cool Mom?" and know that she is sharing my life even more than ever!

Hope you all have Peace, Love and Understanding.

Love,

Jeff

Chris Brokaw

June 9, 2004

Hello Mom & Family, It's been a month since Mother's Day & the last time I came here, I take comfort reading all the nice things everyone had to say.

I see some family members haven't visited here, yet! I hope they will join the rest of us & share their thoughts, too!

Jeff Iak

May 22, 2004

Hello All,

This is a bit wordy, but I feel the need to share some thoughts. Thanks for taking the time to visit my Mom's site. I will always Love Her more than words can say.

The time has come to find new homes for Mom's valued posessions.

I realize many of us have special memories revolving around specific items. The coo-coo (ok, so I can't spell)clock is an excellent example... Talking with Tom and listening to the other sibs I suggested if Tom does take it home that he and Jenny exchange it every Christmas. The logical follow is for the two of them to purchase a second clock and exchange that as well. Just a thought. Together we can come up with solutions that work for everyone of us.

Christmas. A time to share and reflect on all that Jesus gave us. Maybe we can all learn to share the treasures our Mother ( Sib..& much more) shared with us through the years by exchanging "gifts" from Mom. It could be cool! I guess if I were to start I would select an item (Perhaps one of the Cat nick-nacs Mom had on display at 84 Sherwood), put it in a sturdy wood box ( a cigar box?, Funny tangent, I just got a visual of Mom smoking a cigar, sorry, that's my imagination.. I thank Mom for that) and send it to someone. It could be any day of the year for that matter. That same cat-nic-nac could carry along with it it's history, ie: Given to Marge, by _______.etc, and every time it goes to another home it has another piece of history added. Photos, and whatnot....... Just a thought. Mom and I shared many boxes over the years. We never sent the same thing back and forth, but several boxes did go back and forth and it was a hoot to watch them evolve.

Please know that I am there with you in spirit.

Yes, this may be an emotionally charged process at times, but please promise me this.

If you find yourself feeling angry or frustrated, visualize Mom. Take a deep breath and smile.

Love is what brought us into this world. We are all connected and share the responsibility to carry on that love.

OK, as if that isn't enough....

I was offered and accepted a purchasing position at Gray's Garden Center in Eugene.

I am delighted. It's like a dream come true! I get paid to buy Tropical plants! Woo-Hoo!

Wishing you all Peace, Love & Understanding........ Allways.

Jeff Iak

Chris Brokaw

May 9, 2004

Happy Mother's Day Mom !!

I can't call you to tell you how much I love & miss you or to say I'm so sorry for not writing or calling as often as I should have !!

I know you forgive me, am having a very hard time forgiving myself !!

I will trying to keep the promise I made to you, here it is in writing !!

Dear Mom, I will keep after the kids to communicate with each other on a regular basis, even if it gets them mad at me !! I will "Hound" them until they block my email address or refuse to talk with me !!

I promise because I love & honor all the good memories & things you taught us !!!

Amanda Iak

April 13, 2004

hello all,

im writing this to apologize. im sorry for making you guys worried, scared, afraid, whatever it is youre feeling. i duno if i shouldve put what i did on there but thats how i was feeling and sometimes i still am that way and i guess i needed to let it out. i had a great birthday(thank you everyone) and have been having some good talks with family members and i know that they do love me but it makes me wonder why they do when they barely know me. it makes me sad. but i see that we are getting closer and it makes me feel real good. well i should stop now before i make anything else worse. thanks to chris, she has set up a family email, which i think is a great idea, if i knew how to get it started. i will express my feelings through email not on gramas guest book. anyways, take care and God Bless. love, ~amanda~ <> <

Amanda Iak

April 5, 2004

family and friends,

just like my mom, i am a huge procrastinator. i have not written on here nor have read the entries since ive been back at school. i dont know if its where to begin or what to say cuz im so brainwashed with my tears after reading all these entries for my grama. im sitting here alone in my dorm wishing and praying that i could have someome to comfort me. God is suppost to be the best comforter of all but i just dont feel it. im really having some hard times and i just dont know what to do anymore. i just wish that Jesus would come and take us all home. im sick of life and i dont see it getting any better. im at the point where i dont know what to do with my life. anyways, this is not suppost to be about me, its suppost to be about grama. there are no words to say how i feel. i cant stop crying now. it was rough in the beginning when i was home but now that im at school, its not as hard cuz im so busy. though there are times when things remind me of her and i get tears in my eyes, but doesnt that happen to us all. i have a picture of her and bill on my wall. i guess if i were to write on here how i feel it would be just the same as everyone else. yes, her hugs meant so much to me, the times spent with her are unforgetable, the things she taught me are a part of me, the memories of good, bad, happy, sad, etc...are with me forever, and i love her and miss her so very, very much. things are and will be so different without grama, like my bday coming up, ill think of her lots. i hope you all are doing well and arent struggling with this too much. i know its rough and is harder for some more than others but we have to be there for each other. i know hugs are my favorite thing. no words can make feel any better than a good hug. no matter how hard life is please dont be mad at God. i know i have to keep telling myself that and to just trust in Him that everything happens for a reason. im gonna go now but maybe ill write more later. love you all, ~amanda~ <> <

Michelle Iak

April 4, 2004

Hey Gramma! i kno that you cant read this but thats ok. i hope that you know I'm thinking of you all the time and i miss you alot. but i know that you are in a better place and i will see when i get there! Just because i wasnt there in person you were always with me in my heart even though i was 3,000 miles away! you taught me so much and i will never forget it! i wish we could of played cards one last time but now when i get to heaven i will have to play with you there! i love you gramma so much and to me your still here! Michelle Iak

Vivien Rice

April 3, 2004

Hi Marjorie, I only wish you could know how very much i miss you. I was in your neighborhood Walking with Jeanette and Don and patrina, too and i was thinking about our fiew walks together and thinking if only you were more well so that we could have done it more often.As I thought about it I felt as if you were walking with us and feeling better but I will always remember our walks together I think of you so much almost everything im doing. The memories are so wonderful. Every day last month that you considered your birtday i remember you saying anyone that wants to buy me a present can give me one any day in March is fine.Oh how you loved recieving Gifts.I loved buying you stuff i only wish i did it more often I remember also when you saw my Benji for the first time And he was so little and he slept on your card table the whole time we visited see he too was so relaxed around you and your loving self.My memories of our wonderful time together just go on and on and will last in my heart forever and ever words cant say how very much I love and i miss you . sincerly your sister and friend vivien

Jenny

March 19, 2004

Oh Gram, I miss you so much. I think the reason it hurts so much that your gone is because I know it may be so long until I can see you to say I love you again. What I would give to feel your hug again. I enjoy reading all of the entries that our family adds, it's truely amazing how much we all love you. Sometimes my eyes get so sore from remembering you, our talks and our family trips to Hornell. How I loved the smell of your house. And not to mention me waiting for you to turn that corner so I could pull the pine cone of your coocoo clock. And of course the time spent walking to Grams, I loved the view from her livingroom (before they removed the trees) and the view from the kitchen. I pray every day (especially before sunday mass and driving to work!) that God bestoys appone me the strength and understanding that you had. Thank you God for my Gramma, because of genetics I may have a chance to aquire her patience! I hope you've heard the prayer in the silcence of my heart. Loving you always and forever

Chris Brokaw

March 14, 2004

Good Morning Mom & Family !

This month has been so hard for all of us, I'm sure.

I take comfort from coming here & reading what everyone has has said, Thanks !! Your heartfelt thoughts will give each other strength & insight to what Mom meant to each of us and learn more about each other and Mom.

I Love & Miss You Mom, Chi Chi

Marian Iak

March 13, 2004

Dear Family and Friends,

Okay, okay, I've procrastinated long enough in writing something in here for everyone...sadly, I don't think I'll ever change my bad habits!

The passing of "time" since mom's death has not made things any easier for me, in fact, I'm feeling a tremendous loss now more than ever. She's constantly in my thoughts and I try to think of what I could have done differently to make her well or at the very least feel better. It was my sincere pleasure to drive her to her doctor appointments when she asked.

I smile when I remember one of the last times I was with her...it was Tuesday, January 6th, when Don and I brought her home under Hospice Care. We shared a mocha (like we always did) and she read the Christmas card from us and others (Christmas for me will never be the same). Don (couldn't have done it without your help, thanks a lot!) and I thought she was doing soooo well that I remember thinking, I wonder if Hospice is wondering, "why are they even here setting everything up?" She was walking, talking, laughing, drinking...mom was back...I'll never forget it!

The following Sunday, Manda, Tony, Michelle and I saw Mom. We hugged, said goodbye and, of course, said, "love you". She thanked me once again for all I had done for her, I said "I wish I could have done more".

God told me to go to St. Vincent this particular trip to be with Tom and Michelle because it was HIS plan to call her home to be in HIS arms while we were away. Honestly, I wish I was by her side on that Friday night, January 16th, to say, "love you", one more time and also to thank her for being an exceptional "mom-in-law", caring mom to my husband, Tom, and beautiful grandmother to my Amanda and Michelle.

Forever in my heart, her courage and silent suffering will be an inspiration to me always! I am blessed to have known her for 23 years and my memories keep me both cryin' and smilin'! :)

Amy Brokaw-Abbotoy

March 6, 2004

Happy Birthday Gram I wish I could have sent you another card with a picture of your first great-grandchild Morgan. Your letters meant so much to me, and I'm glad we kept in touch even though I had to move to Florida. I have plenty of wonderful memories of our family times together, and the only bad ones were of your mean Sunshine who use to attack me all the time, and funny thing is I now have a very frisky one yr old named Sunshine. Gram I'll never forget you Ive saved all your letters, and I'll see you again. Love ya.

Nancy&Gary Iak

March 6, 2004

Dear Mom,

Today is your birthday, and we are all thinking about you and remembering our special connections to you with wonderful memories.

Luckily for all of us, you were the kind of person who didn't dwell on the negatives or the bad or sad things, but tried always to see the bright side. So it was always easy for all of us to tell you that we loved you when we visited or talked on the phone.

You are always with us and will never be forgotten....

love,

Gary and Nancy

Vivien Rice

February 28, 2004

Hi Marjorie,

I miss you so much I think one of the things is the fun we had looking at pictures together we also enjoyed listening to music together but most of all I just miss bieng with you my eyes are filled with tears as i am writing this I know you felt bad when we moved off your street I really hope you understood and especially once you saw our beautiful home I will never forget all the special and Beautiful times that we spent together I will cherish in my heart the very last hug and smile on our last night together and I love you so much you were not only a sister to me but such a close friend and you will be forever missed

Love Vivien

Jennifer Koba

February 22, 2004

Marjorie, although we had only met twice, you have touched me in such a way that no one will ever know. You have have raised such wonderful, caring and loving children who pass on your knowledge, love and wisdom on to their own children. From the stories that I have heard, and from the little bit of time we spent with each other, I know that you were such a loving, nurturing, and courageous woman. I'm sorry that my children will never get to know you. The life that you lived was not not always easy, maybe even harder than most. But, not once have I ever heard about any complaints from you or about you. You have been admired and looked up to for so long, by so many poeple and you always will be. Including me. Everyone loves you and misses you. I just wish that I could have gotten to know you better. Now all I can do is listen to stories about how wonderful you were. So until we can meet again, may God hold you close in his arms.

Love,

Jennifer

Nicole Shearer

February 20, 2004

Grandma,I miss you but I know I will see you in Heaven someday. I will always remember our talks and how you taught me how to sew.You have touched my life so much.I love you

Timothy Rice

February 20, 2004

I enjoyed Spending time with you getting to know you and Making my Paper Frogs with you and I know they are in heaven with you I Miss you and Love you ,Timothy Rice

Eric Rice

February 19, 2004

Marjorie, I miss you very much. I will always remember you looking out your window at me and Don trying to fix cars in his driveway. We usually ended up breaking them more than we would fix them. Anytime we where getting really frustrated we could look at your window and there you were smiling at us. I will never forget that. I miss you very much. Say Hi to Grandma Severence for me, and I miss her very much also.

Love you always, Eric

Andrea Rice

February 19, 2004

I am not sure what to say but The Only thing I can think of Saying is That You made a everlasting Mark in my Heart and You will be missed Very Much ,And I Love you!

Kate Edwards

February 19, 2004

I miss you so much Mom, I know in my heart I will see you again one day ! We will take care of your wonderful doll collection.

Love, Kate, Jim & Girls

Chris Brokaw

February 19, 2004

For every Mother and child

The young mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the long way?" she asked.

And the guide said "Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning,"

But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years.

So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, and taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike and reminded them to feed the dog, and do their homework and brush their teeth. The sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."

Then the nights came, and the storms, and the path was sometimes dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms, and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come."

And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, "A little patience and we are there."

So the children climbed, and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms. And with this, she gave them strength to face the world. Year after year, she showed them compassion, understanding, hope, but most of all ... unconditional love.

And when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done it without you."

The days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she became little and bent.

But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And the mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now passing these traits on to their children."

And when the way became rough for her, they lifted her, and gave her their strength, just as she had given them hers.

One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill, they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide.

And mother said: "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity and pride, with their heads held high, and so can their children after them."

And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates."

And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence."

Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, she's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore, she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning.

Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows every emotion..........happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy sorrow.....and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life.

She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space..............not even death!

Don Veiders

February 18, 2004

Mom, I am so sorry we were not closer but I always knew you were cool. Although our last few weeks will always be special to me. The chats of nothing and inspirational talks about life allowing us to grow closer. Now I look back and I am sad our time was so short together. But I will never forget dancing with you as you snuggeled your soft fluffy hair into my neck as you said that you enjoyed our dances. I really was never a very good dancer. You always made me feel good even though you were probably thinking "HOPE THIS CLOWN DOES NOT STEP ON MY FEET" Thanks for your wisdom,my wife and a great family. Love,Don

Jeanette

February 18, 2004

Mom,

I miss you more than words can say. You never missed a chance to share your wisdom and even in death your light shines through. Thanks for always "setting a good example", and for your selfless and unconditional love.

Loving you,

Jeanette

Jenny Cappello

February 18, 2004

Only God knows how much I miss you Gram. Your sweet hugs are forever cherished and your gentle spirit will always warm my heart. The memory of you is fresh everyday by a candle that will always burn for you. Until we meet again...

Jeff Iak

February 15, 2004

Oh how I miss talking on the phone. We shared everything. The highs, and the lows. You never judged me, were always supportive and above all wished me happiness in whatever I do.

Recalling silly moments was always fun, so now I'll share them with whomever will listen, in the hope of creating a smile and new happy memory.

My Mother, my friend, my confidant. I miss you more than words can say.

Kimberley Eveland

February 13, 2004

Forever your hugs will comfort me. Until we meet again....

Gary and Nancy Iak

February 12, 2004

Dear Mom,

We will never forget you. We will always keep the good memories in our hearts.

love forever,

Gary (and Nancy)

Gary and Nancy Iak

February 12, 2004

Dearest Mom,

we will never forget you. We will always keep the good memories in our hearts.

love forever,

Gary (and Nancy)

Steve Brokaw

February 12, 2004

It's always been a pleasure to know and love such a gentle and caring soul. May God welcome you into his arms.

Chris Brokaw

February 12, 2004

Dear Mom, It's been almost a month since you went Home & no one has signed your Guest Book. So, I'm signing it & saying "you may have left this world, but, will always be in our hearts" ;-) !

Love, Your First Born

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