Friday, November 8, 2013

Freda Pfeffer 1911-2013

My mother died Sunday night.

There had been a noticeable decline in her condition for the past couple of months. My brother and I found it easy to mark it as starting on her birthday, September 5, but the downward slide had probably already begun by that point.

The decline accelerated dramatically over the past couple of weeks. Since I visited her twice weekly, it was easy to see, and the staff at her nursing home was also aware of it.

On Friday I was told my mother would most likely not live more than a week to ten days. My brother came up Saturday to say his farewells.

The next morning, I received a call from the nursing home staff saying my mother would probably not make it through the day. I knew that Marci, who has devotedly been visiting my mother on Sundays for several years, would be coming by to see her. I called my brother and he made the trip up again.

Marci said her goodbyes, and my brother and I stayed on for a few hours longer. We kissed our mother goodbye and went back to our homes. I received the call around 11 PM that my mother had died.

Her death was a peaceful one. She was no longer conscious when I saw her on Friday, and to the best of my knowledge, she never regained consciousness. But she was in no pain, and at 102, she had certainly lived a long and full life. 

The funeral was Wednesday. My brother conducted the service. One friend read the 23rd Psalm, and Marci delivered a wonderful eulogy. I spoke briefly as well. Then we went to the cemetery, and following that, there was a reception at the retirement community where my mother had lived for her last 17 years.

If you wish to read more about my parents, this is a lovely remembrance.

My mother was a very special woman. I was extremely fortunate to have her in my life for so long, and I know I'll miss her every day for the rest of my life.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

My condolences to you and your family.
JulieB

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Mrs. Pfeffer, but your mother is in a better place now, looking down at you, smiling.

-Gia

Nancy said...

I am sorry for your loss. I lost my own mother, years ago, and I don't think I've ever felt anything that compared to her loss.

I am glad that you had so many years with her.

exBFF said...

I wish there was more we could do than send kind thoughts and appreciation for a life well lived. You - and your mother - are in my thoughts and prayers.

Barker and Jones Staff said...

Thinking of you all. <3

Anonymous said...

My condolences to you and your family. I know only too well what it's like to lose a mother. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Anonymous Santa Fe

Mr. Cavin said...

You and your family are in our thoughts, Susan Beth Pfeffer.

grrlpup said...

I'm very sorry for your loss. I have so enjoyed reading about your mother in your blog-- your visits, her birthdays, and the glimpses of family history.

Morgaine said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mother always sounded like an amazing woman from what you shared in your blog.

Nora Durbin said...

Sending love to you and your family.

Paige Y. said...

Susan,

I am so very sorry. From your posts it's so very obvious how close you were to your mother. You'll be in my prayers.

Jen Robinson said...

I'm so sorry for your loss! I had enjoyed reading your posts mentioning her over the years. You are in my thoughts.

Librarina said...

I am so sorry for your loss... It's never easy to say goodbye, but I'm glad you had so many years to make wonderful memories with her!

Heather said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed hearing updates on your mother on your blog. I will keep you in my thoughts.

Sarah said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, Susan. I'm so glad you had so many wonderful years with her, though.