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Jane Merrill Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jane Merrill
March 31, 2008
You don't know how often I can almost feel you right here with me.
I hear your words of advice and support on bad days...see things you'd find funny and hear you laugh...and even find my self trying to remember certain things so that I can share them later with you.
It's not as fun as having you here, but I love sharing that kind of closeness.
We are close in all the ways that count - in spirit, in understanding, and in heart.
Being far away will never change that.
I'm so lucky to know that no matter where you are in the world, you are in my life for keeps.
Mom, I very simply miss your laughter, smile, smooth skin, touch-- all of you. Life is simply not the same.
I miss every part of you.
Love, love
Your Penny
Casey Rios
March 31, 2008
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Wonderful memories of our family together!
March 31, 2008
A special mother... A special relationship... Mom!
March 31, 2008
Me & My Gram (oops, wrong camera!)
Jenn Rios
March 29, 2008
Gram-
Funny, Gram, what everyone thinks of you as... I am so fortunate to be able to call you that due to our actual relationship. You were so important to so many people, they could only wish you were their gram. Now that is a legacy! I can only hope and wish that I can leave even a fraction of the legacy you left us.
I can't believe it's been a year since you left us... on to bigger and better things. You have left a void that no person will ever be able to fill. The "footsteps" you left behind you... now those are big shoes to fill! I still hear your words, see your face and smile, and think of you often. I regret the times in my life to come that you won't be here for. I will miss you there. Well, I will miss you physically, because I know you're there always! I can feel it.
I wanted to tell you... I am doing everything I can to carry on your legacy that you have shared with me. You have always been "the one who collects spoons" (which I never understood before now, but it was fun bringing them to you), "the one who made all our stockings" (by the way, my name was spelled the way you wanted it... I like that), and "the one who collected coins" (which again, never made sense to me). I understand now, and I am carrying on your spoon collection, your coin collection, and am currently making a stocking for the next born grandchild. It'll be from Aunt "Jenni" and Great-Gram! I can't wait to begin carrying on your traditions.
I love you with all of my heart, and miss you more than I thought my heart could miss. I'll see you someday! Until then.... keep me safe!
Casey Rios
March 25, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
My Gram
Thomas Rios
March 25, 2008
In memory of Jane Merrill, a woman that had such a positive effect on so many people. Whether they were friends, family, or even a random acquaintance there was always a hug involved. Her funeral itself told a huge story of how she lived her life. So many people from so many different places in attendance, all touched by her unconditional love, it didn't matter whether it had been ten days or ten years since their last contact with her, they were there. It's been a year since then, a very different year. Countless days of enduring a feeling of absence, something very big is missing. She will always be missed.
Always, Tom & Kylie Rios
Our Beautiful Mom
Kathleen Rios
March 25, 2008
My Sweet Mom,
It has been a year and your book will be gone soon...I feel like I am loosing our connection, hanging up on you... How silly of me! I will always have you in my heart. I miss not having you to talk to and to visit with. How I long to see your face so excited when I used to walk in with two cups of coffee! You would say "Casey you came!" so excited as if you hadn't seen me yesterday. I wish I could just sit and have coffee with you and visit a while. You are the one that kept me balanced. I feel lost without having you to talk to. I pray I will see you in my dreams. I love you with all of my being and I will miss you always. Love, Your Casey
Rebecca Henderson
March 25, 2008
I was only able to meet you a few times last March. Tim was very excited to introduce me to you. You hugged me when you saw me and welcomed me into your family. You told lots and lots of stories about your life that made everyone laugh. We ate KFC and had three different ice cream cakes!
Each time I saw you, you were full of many stories, hugs, laughter, and love.
I see your picture in every home of family members. The same picture that Tim & I have standing on our dresser. Everyone misses you, and Casey talks of you often. I love hearing her stories & it makes me feel as if I knew you a little better. I know that you're a great person who will always be remembered.
Tim Rios
March 22, 2008
Dear Gram,
It's been a year and it seem like yesterday! I miss you very much and it's hard to fill the void of you being gone... We love you always gram!
Love Tim & Rebecca
p.s. We ate tacos for you the other day :)
Penny Kelly
March 22, 2008
Well, Mom, we had a wonderful celebration at the cemetary yesterday. Casey & I began our day with coffee and a bagel at the cemetary. The sprinklers were on again and we walked through them! :) We had some quiet time just with you and Dad.
In the afternoon, Jackie organized a picnic at the gravesite. It was us four girls along with Thomas and Kylie. Beautiful blue skies and sunshiny weather. We had lawn chairs, blankets, and music. A real party. We ate hoagies, potato & green salads. We listened to Josh Groban. A great afternoon.
By evening, Chrisula, Alicia, Michelle and Charlize joined us for the sunset while again listening to Josh Groban.
Our favorite song to think about you and Dad is "To Where You Are" by Josh Groban.
Mom & Dad, we miss you with our heart.
Love, love
Your Penny
chrisula cunningham
March 22, 2008
GRam , if for some reason the letter I sent does not make it ...I know it was simply lost in translation! You know what I said, what I say, what Ithink, what I feel.
I LOVE YOU !
CHRISSY JANE
Dann Hogerty
March 22, 2008
Aunt Jane:
It is hard to believe that it has been a year since you left us. I think of you often. I can not drive through the desert without thinking of you. I remember the trip we took when I drove you home from Los Angeles years ago. We stopped in places along the way that I would never have seen, (The Patton Museum, the diner in Indio, Quarzite, etc...). I loved how we could just hang out and laugh and enjoy each others company. I miss you a great deal and you remain alive in my heart. When my mind draws images of you, it is always your smile and your laugh that bring me a smile. I will always love you. You will always live in my heart.
Tecia Alexander
March 22, 2008
My Dearest Jane,
It's hard to believe that it has almost been a year since you left us. I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to write. I do not want to accept that you are not with us. I miss you so much. I talk to you and my Mother often. I know you hear me. I hear your laughter, I see your smile and I feel your hugs. You have touched my heart and have been a special loving person in my life for so many years. You will remain with me always. You live on, in the hearts of those that you loved and forever in the memories of those that love you. I love you Jane.
Alicia Gallegos
March 22, 2008
my dear grandma jane,i lost both of my grandmothers when i was very young and i thought i would never be able to utter those words grandmother ever again until i was introduced to you.ABULIETA i thank you for allowing me to be apart of your beautiful life "en ingles"... i love you, alicia gallegos
Chrisula Jane Cunningham
March 22, 2008
My Dearest Grammy,
I speak to you all the time, Ive always found it hard to write...
I find my self wanting to hear your voice ,see your smile, smell your breath.
But I feel your love everyday... in everyway...
I see you soar across the sky as a bird in flight ,at the right side of your partner, you soar together ... and make me lift my head high.
With only a deep breath the weght of the qworld , is simply the hug from you Ive been waiting fo, wrapping around me warm like a blanket.
I hear you say softly... Chrissy Don't yell.
I see your smirk as you say "no funge faces..."
and I try desperatly every day to remeber to "BE A LADY!"
I miss calling to say "whatz up?" and hearing of your fabulous tales of bridge, and coffee,friends,new movies, family, doctors, and cars, and of course about just sitting around.
I miss hearing you sing... so many,many songs....
You live in the music I sing, laugh, cry, dance, LIVE to.
Thankyou for inspiring me to
generous, kind, and fun loving. You have welcomed your heart to the world... and allowed me to stepped out into it and embrace the moments life offers you.
Thankyou for living your life out to the fullest, especially up to the last months and days with us all, before you began your next journey through heaven.
I know their is no mountain I can't attempt to climb,
and that as long as god has given me the abiltity to use my to legs,
as I pass a mountain I should take the challenge of going up to see the peak, rather than quickly rushing around it. (or feel like it is some how been put their in my way)
I love you more than words will ever be....
A True Legacy...You will be...
Forever,
Chrissy Jane
Amie Todd
March 21, 2008
Well Gram it have been 1 year since you went to visit the Lord. I hope Heaven is just how they always say it is... If it is then I know your throwing a great big party for all of your friends and family that are there with you.. As much as all of us want to see you again, I do hope it is awhile before we do..I love you with all I have Love Amie
Gram and I
Patrick Cunningham
March 20, 2008
Gram… Like my sister, I don’t know where to begin. I keep typing and deleting lines trying to grasp just one of the many great memories I had with you. I hate saying things like “you were” because that means you’re gone and I’m not quite ready to say goodbye yet. You were always my first and last stop any time I was in Tuscon; not just because you made great pasta and would let me gorge myself on it, or that you’d jog halfway back to Albuquerque still blowing me kisses goodbye, but because you were (and still are) my guiding angel. So again, this is not goodbye Gram, this is instead “I’ll see you later.” I love you.
March 19, 2008
Dear Gram,
There is so much I want to say, but I'm not quite sure where to start. I miss your beautiful smile and your kind heart. As a child, I remember you simply as "Gram," the one who always asked "who loves you?...Gram does" and then kissed me on the cheek. The one who would continue to wave goodbye to us in the street long after our car was out of sight on the way back to Rio Rancho.
As an adult, I remember you as a friend. I loved meeting with you for lunch on Wednesdays where we would share all of the little nothings that filled our week before. I often remember leaving our lunch dates feeling so happy that I had found such a wonderful new friend. I miss those days, Gram, and I only wish that I had connected with you sooner. I cherished every moment we spent. I love you Grandma.
Love always,
Michelle
A photo of just a handful of the great family you are from and the many people who will truly miss you!
George Protogerakis
March 19, 2008
Dear Grandma, (or gramcracker) as I always used to call you. If ghosts really do exist and you can really know what I am thinking right now than you will truly know how much I always loved you. I really did. You always made me feel so happy to talk to through many diffrent stages in my life. You always gave me unconditional love and never judged me for decisions I had made in the past. Things turned out good though. I am so glad I got to spend time with you in CT. Those were the last great times I got to see you and I enjoyed every minute of it. You seemed very happy. I still look at our picture every now and then. I dont know who chose the song for this legacy book but I am actually crying right now thinking about you and how much I actually miss you now that you are not here and how somehow I went my entire life without a single bad thought or memory about you. You always were so nice to me. I really do miss you. I know its famous last words but god I wish I had been able to spend time with you and see you before you left! I saved all the quarters you sent me for the past 31 years, I still carry them around wherever I go and I always will. I know my turtle spent the best decade of his life with you and that also made me happy. Thank you for teaching me how to swim and not getting mad when me, Chrisula and Tommy ate all the Reeses peanut butter chips in your outside refridgerator and stole all the cookies from the hallway closet when we were kids, thanks for remembering my birthday ever single year even when I was to lazy to to take 5 minutes to ever write you back, Im sorry now that I didnt. And thanks for the countless other selfless things you did for me my entire life. I love you Grandma, Im sorry I couldnt spend more time with you. I will always love you.
George..........
Mom & Me
Marianne Merrill
March 19, 2008
Dearest Mom,
I miss you and Dad very much. Take good care of each other.
All my love from your eldest, Marianne
Penny Kelly
March 13, 2008
Mom,
1 year and I miss your laughter, your smile and your love so much. I just simply miss you!
Love, love
Penny
Jim Britt
March 12, 2008
I was always welcomed into the Merrill home and family by this great lady when I visited, in AZ or at Goose Bay, like I was part of the family. I will greatly miss her but I will not forget her.
Jackie Jane Merrill
March 11, 2008
My Dearest Mom,
There are no words that can express how deeply I miss you, your wonderful laugh and smile, the way you would cheer up a room when you walked in; no matter where we were. You touched so many people's lives. "Gram" to all of the young people who truly loved and respected you. You welcomed my new little child into our family with open arms the day you met her. You will forever be her Grammy.
You taught us all, and our children, how to grow up with love and respect for others, and how to forgive and forget when we needed to. You taught your daughters to be strong but caring independent women. You taught your grandchildren to know what's right and to do the right things, and also to be strong and successful like their Papo. I thank you for all of this and so much more.
I will always love you from the depths of my soul.
Your loving daughter, Jackie Jane
Mom, you continually supported me and gave me the knowledge that "I can do it !" and I want you to know I AM DOING IT!
Jenn Rios
November 13, 2007
Okay, so more times than I would like to admit, I have started signing this guest book, but failed miserably at getting out my thoughts. It seems like so much to sum up twenty-some years of my life, in which my gram took such a large role in. But, here goes... so bear with me.
As early as I can possibly remember, gram has been a part of my life. She was never just "my grandma that I see once a year," like those relatives we know we all have, but she was my gram, my friend. If my mom was tied up at the restaurant, she would pick me up from school when I was ill. I remember getting in her car, and she would give me one of her famous hugs, and all I could think of was how cold her cheeks were; I would always tell her that her car was like an igloo.
Gram sometimes reminded me of a mother goose. We would go to her pool, whether it be just me and my brothers or the whole gang of cousins, she would have our "zorries" lined up at the sliding glass door in an effort to keep us from scorching our feet on the short walk to the pool. In addition to this kind gesture, she also single-handedly taught each one of us how to swim.
As I grew up, I began to learn exactly how amazing of a person that she was. She and I and my mother began to form some sort of trio. I would look forward to the lunches we would plan, she even invited me to her townhome luncheons. She would introduce me as "[her] Jenny," or "[her] Casey's daughter." I always felt so special as she would talk about my life to her friends, and tell them how proud she was.
The last year of her life, I spent most time just "being there." There was no need to fill the time with her doing something, just talking and laughing was enough for both of us. Prior to her last two weeks, my boss was gracious enough to give me a couple weeks off to spend with her. In those two weeks I heard stories that I had not heard in my life. Gram shared of her first kiss, her wedding day, her honeymoon (which was, in itself, quite humerous) her days of pregnancy, her strategies of caring for her four girls, including memories that almost left me rolling on the floor. It didn't matter to her what was coming in her near future, as long as she could absorb every last minute of the family she loved with all of her heart. I went back to work after she passed, and went directly to my boss, and said to her "There's nothing I would've have traded to spend those two weeks with her."
When I look back at my relationship with Gram, she was everything to me. At a young age, she was my grandmother, my "mother goose," my ride, my cookie-jar owner, my cheerleader (following me to each location I competed in); later she was my first loan officer (thus my first car), my judge (who could always tell me if she thought I wasn't wearing enough clothes), my lunch-buddy; even later, she was my Gram, my friend, and one of the most important members of my family. She touched my life more than she could have imagined, and she will always live on in my heart. In time, she will be my guide into parenthood and even more, into grand-parenthood; and if I can be half the "Gram" she was to me, I would ask for nothing more in life.
I love you Gram, and I miss you. I think about you everyday, as my mom said before...you are my screensaver. I can think of no image I'd rather see when I look at my computer, than you, my guardian angel.
"Angel of God, My Guardian Dear; to whom God's Love Entrusts me Here. Ever this day, be at My Side; to Light and Guard, to Rule and Guide."
Casey Rios
November 9, 2007
My dear sweet mom,
I still miss you so much every single day. As the months pass by you would think it would get easier, it does not. The hole in my heart just keeps getting bigger and I just can't fill it up. I have some good days, I always tell people it must be your strength behind me that gives me that ability to be okay; but some days are so sad and lonely. It has been "my time to break down" and you weren't there, just to sit on the couch and be there with me while I recovered like you always did before. Many times you would be so tired and fall asleep but you would not leave me until someone was with me.(Remember we said we would not ever break down together.) I never thought someday you just wouldn't be here for me. What will I do thoughout my life without you? My Jenny has your "Rock Star " picture (The one Marianne put on this website) as her screen saver and every time her computer paused your beautiful laughing face would appear, I felt you there. I didn't cry I only smiled and said "Hi mom!" every single time I saw it. My Jenny has gone home now and I miss you just popping in to say "Hi my baby, I am here." Our good friend Nancy Conway sent me a note that I have at my computer, It makes it a little easier for me to go on without you.
"Your mother is always with you Casey...She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, she's the smell of bleach in your fresh laundered socks, she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well.
Your mother lives inside your laughter...and she's crystalized in every tear drop. 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 and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you...not time...not space...not even death!"
How true that is. I love you mom, Love, Your Casey
What a rock star!
Marianne Merrill
November 9, 2007
To all who view this tribute:
After 11 months of struggle and a hard, brave battle to use her left side and to walk again after her stroke in May, 2006, Jane Catherine Merrill finally succumbed to heart disease. She just could not get a breath....a very sad end to the life my sisters and I treasured all of our lives. I am grateful to have spent the last three weeks of her life with her, playing cards and dominoes and laughing at her oddly sharpened sense of humor. The brain after stoke is an amazing thing for many sufferers. She never lost her memory and indeed many of her mental skills seemed more highly tuned, although the strategies of her beloved bridge games were difficult to continue. In her final weeks she told a lot of tales about her life, especially days spent with my father. Her grandchildren who are scattered about the country came to visit over these last few weeks and her last days were filled with the joys of her family, whom she loved so very much. As many of you who knew her can testify, she never ran out of love. She carried that same spirit of love and affection with her until the very end. As she said to me in the early morning hours of the last day of her life as she woke up briefly, “I’m going to get up and get dressed and go on the stage.” Her funeral service was attended by somewhere around 150 people. That was in fact an incredible stage to go out on. She will be dearly missed by so many people.
Jenny Pershing
May 15, 2007
Dear Casey, Pen, Jackie and Marianne,
The length of this tribute (for which I apologize) cannot be helped as there is a lot to share about a woman who’s had such a loving and lasting effect on my family and so many others.
Jane was an angel in disguise as a daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mom, grandma and friend. She brought up four very special loving daughters of whom she was unabashedly proud.
She adopted literally dozens of children and adults alike into her family and infused us with enthusiasm, love and laughter. She was equally as happy sharing her family with others as she was sharing her fantastic enchiladas and tacos. Acceptance was a given and wherever Jane was there were lots of ‘I love you’s being passed around. She made us feel special and she loved us even when we didn't think we deserved it.
Jane made a specialty of making everyone near feel blessed. Here in the Pershing family we loved when she held one of our babies. Aunt Jane. Grandma Jane. Godmother Jane. That gave her awesome responsibility which over the last 40 years she delightfully carried out. Jane is my mom's soul mate and best friend and her loving touch on my mom's heart cannot be forgotten. They loved each other’s grandchildren and great grandchildren. What else needs to be said of a long and true friendship?
She liked saying things like “Uno!” I never saw Jane lash out nor heard an unkind word come from her lips, even when her feelings were hurt. We have on occasion, however, giggled over her quibbling with a waitress over a half-eaten stack of pancakes as to whether or not she’d ordered sugar free syrup. We cherished her when she chided my dad for being Mr. Grumpy Pants. She had no enemies; only good humor. She was always a lady and always available for a hug into which she poured her loving heart. This is how I knew Jane.
Jane was a living example of a shining soul and that's what made her so beautiful to be around. Every one of our kids and their kids, her acquaintances, in laws, neighbors and even strangers have some of Jane's special light to pass on; she shone for all to glean. We became better people around her whether we knew it or not.
But to you guys, Casey, Pen, Jackie and Marianne: I believe your mom is watching over you right now --very aware and sorry for your pain and heartbreak-- loving and comforting her beloved girls from afar. That's the way she is you know. She would never just leave you.
A mom's work is never done and she's still loving and comforting you. She has stepped out of her disguise and become the very angel we knew her for. Let her comfort your hearts now as you know only she can.
All My Love,
Jenny Pershing
Patti Frias Courtney
May 14, 2007
Casey
I know out of everyone
you are hurting the most.
For Jane was not just your
mother but, your best friend.
I know I haven't been involved
in your life for many years
but I remember, how she was
always, and I do mean always
there for you and all your family
and the people that adopted her
into their own families. So
your heart aches not just
for one loss, but for two.
She was you friend. Be
thankful for the time that
God loaned her to all of us.
I know your mother, your friend
is still with you everyday.
Please know that you and your
family are in my prayers.
Love, Patti Frias Courtney
Dann Hogerty
May 13, 2007
Aunt Jane,
I have so many fond memories throughout the years of your smiles, laugh, hugs and the countless hours that we spent together. My only regret is that in recent years, my jobs have not permitted me the time off that I used to have to get to Tucson and visit.
It was an honor to sing at your funeral and I hope I made you proud.
You will always live in my heart, and you are greatly missed.
Until the next life.....keep a candle burning for me. I'll see you then.
Love, Dann
Penny Kelly
April 26, 2007
My dear Mom,
I look at your picture and feel sad that I could not have helped you get stronger. You had such an intense desire to work hard to be able to walk and to "get strong" again. I wished that I had that "magic wand" to make it all go away, so we could still have you with us.
I am so blessed to have been able to spend the month with you playing cards, dominoes, putting puzzles together, holding hands, talking and listening to you tell stories about your life, especially your days with Dad. Your sense of humor was such a joy. What a treasure that time was for me, Mom. As Marianne said, "We have fallen in love with our Mom".
What a gift that you were able to be at Kimberly's wedding shower. You were able to share this celebration with some of your friends and family. You will indeed be at the wedding... we will know that you are there.
You never ran out of love for your family and friends. Your funeral was evidence of that. You made an impact on everyone's lives. You will be dearly missed by so many people.
My heart is broken. I have lost my core... that would be you, Mom.
I will deeply miss your smile, the twinkle in your eyes, your laughter, and your never-ending hugs.
Most of all, I loved you, Mom.
Your "favorite",
Penny
Robert Perrone Jr
April 23, 2007
Aunt Jane,
We Love and Miss You.
Amanda Todd
April 15, 2007
To all who read this,
I want you to know just how special Gram was to us. My family met Gram and her family in 1987 when we moved here from California.
She was always so happy and funny, she always had time to talk to you no matter what, she always had a soft hand to lend you for what ever you needed it for, Also the sweet smell of what a Gram should smell like (if you know her you know what I mean it was just a comfort to everyone)I will always remember it. From me to you if you have a Gram like her you should feel very blessed because I know I do! Thank you Gram I LOVE YOU. Amie and Family
Brad,Chrissy,Hailey & Christian Alexander
April 14, 2007
Gram,
Every time we look in the sky, we see your smiling face and we know your shining down on us and bringing us Gods grace. You loved us unconditionally and always held us close, you were always there for us when we needed you the most. We miss you so much Gram but know at a later date that we will meet again one day as we walk threw the golden gate!! We love you SO much! Love, The Alexanders
Casey Merrill Rios
April 13, 2007
My Sweet Mom,
I love you,
I need you so much more today, than I did before
I am so glad you were such a big part of my everyday life.
You make my smile inside and cry inside everyday.
You were amazing,
You are always on my mind.
From my heart to yours I want to say...
Here is to us, to all that I told you
and all I never got a chance to say.
I am so glad I had that last year with you to love you, cherish you, laugh with you and cry with you.
In my heart it was still not long enough.
I miss you terribly every single day. I miss your smile, your voice, your touch,your funny phone calls, and especially your laugh and the twinkle in your eyes.
There is such an empty place in my heart that I am still trying to fill with your memory.
My love and deepest respect,
Your Casey.
John Rozakis
March 30, 2007
I will miss Jane for the rest of my life. I always enjoyed flattering her at dinners or family gatherings. She is one of the most beautiful people I have ever known. Diane and I will always love and remember you.
Nikki DiTusa
March 26, 2007
Only The Best
A heart of gold stopped beating,
two shining eyes at rest,
God broke our hearts to prove,
He only takes the best.
God knows you had to leave us,
but you did not go alone,
for part of us went with you,
the day He took you home.
To some you are forgotten,
to others just part of the past,
but to us who loved and lost you,
the memory will always last.
Love...
Elyse Ariana and Nikki
Karen DiTusa
March 26, 2007
Casey and Family,
Your Mother was a lovely woman. May you all take comfort in your memories and knowing you now have a very special guarding angel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Karen and Bob DiTusa
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Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jane Merrill's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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