The world has lost an amazing woman today…

A mother, a sister, a grandmother, a daughter, an aunt, a friend…

She was one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. She was kind and loving to her children and grandchildren. Her generosity was overwhelming. She was down-to-earth and easy to get along with, a truly refreshing characteristic these days. Tony and I were proud to call her mom.

She was graceful and fought pulmonary cancer for 20 long and painful months with quiet strength. She slipped away comfortably early this morning and we already miss her so much.

She is free now…free from pain…free from cancer.

Today there is peace. Today will be a quiet day for us. We mourn our loss and rest from the emotional exhaustion of the week. We will reflect on our time shared with Martie and the legacy of strength she has left behind.

“Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we have always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me, Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effect without the trace of a shadow on it, Life means all that it ever meant. It was the same as it ever was; there is unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well.” –Henry Scott Holland

Goodbye Martie, safe travels. You will be sorely missed. We promise to keep your memory alive and to remind your grandchildren often of what an awesome lady you truly were.

All my love,

Erin