My mother died today. Always wanting to be strong, like how she lived. Even her doctors didn’t believe how long she lasted at hospice.
Mom was incredibly intelligent, with a math focus. She was tops in her city in high school but at that time it was normal to become a secretary instead of going to college. That’s what she did, before she married and had four kids.
She was always a great wordsmith and writer as well, and heaven forbid you play a game of Scrabble with her, as she’d wipe the floor with you. Leave it to her to land on the triple word score with seven letters and clean everyone else out.
Mom graduated from no cooking to fifties’ cooking (always including a can of mushroom or celery soup) to Gourmet. She served her first cheese souffle with salad and everyone said it was terrific! Then Dad asked what was for dinner. Whoops.
She cooked and decorated a geodesic dome cake for Buckminster Fuller for his 86th birthday and 62nd wedding anniversary, at a luncheon at our home.
Four children, two grandchildren remain, as well as an ex-husband who shares in her loss.
She has been surrounded by close relatives and friends. All four children have been at her side but especially my sisters, who live nearby.
Mom will be missed. She taught me a lot, from how to lick an ice cream cone or drink from a straw, to good manners, honesty and how to make good food for your family.
She will be missed, but her memory and family recipes will live on. Dee
p.s. This was easier to write before I got the final phone call at 6:30 a.m. Since then I’ve had a nice long walk with Zoe in admirably cool weather. My sisters were with Mom last I know. I think I’m ready to get on to business now.
