Yesterday we had a wonderful service for Grandma Brown at Friendship Village where she had lived for almost 20 years. We were lucky to have my Grandma Eileen another FV resident there as well helping out and greeting people at the guest book. It was lead by their wonderful chaplain Sue Getz and included a touching P.E.O. memorial given by 4 of her P.E.O sisters.
The service started out with the playing of Precious Memories one of Grandma's favorite songs. "As I travel on life's pathway, I know not what the years may hold; As I ponder, hope grows fonder; Precious memories flood my soul." It's a beautiful song, that my mom, aunt Barbara and aunt Marian sang for my Grandma at her 80th birthday party.
My brother and I were so pleased to be able to speak on behalf of our cousins and families at the service to share some of our memories. We were so fortunate to have lived so close to them when we were growing up and spent many wonderful days there with our cousins. So many good stories, Old Tucson, back to school shopping, feeding the ducks, and many many games of cards, checkers or Skittles.
All seven of Grandma's grandchildren and their spouses were able to be there for the service and five of her seven great grandchildren.
You can click on the pictures to see them bigger...Back Row: Ryan Mac Donald (worlds best brother and uncle), Erin Odegaard Polivchak, Jesse Odegaard, Weldon Bud Brown, Weston Brown. Middle Row: Christa Mac Donald Flook, Tricia Mac Donald, Barbara Odegaard, Marian Mosher, Andrea Brown. Front Row: Joseph Mac Donald, Bryce Patterson Mac Donald, Emily Flook, Grace Mac Donald, Solange Mac Donald.
The whole group...
After the service and many many tries at family photos we went to Serrano's Mexican Restaurant where we had more time to visit and remember Grandma. Ric Serrano who has been a wonderful friend to our family and my former employer for many many years came to the service and had arranged a wonderful venue for our lunch at their Dobson and Guadalupe restaurant. When we arrived we were greeted by two waiters holding trays with cans of Sprite, Grandma always had a can of sprite with every meal and always had a can with her when she went anywhere (wrapped in paper towels, then a paper bag secured with a few rubber bands, sometimes there were plastic bags and tin foil involved too). It was a great surprise and made us all tear up and laugh at the same time.
Nice work dad you are the best!!!
We had a sprite toast to grandma then shared a wonderful lunch it was great we were all able to be together to remember her on this special day!
We will always miss you but never forget all you have taught us!
