Mother died this morning around 3:50 AM. It was very peaceful. I suspect she had some irregularity in heart beats and her heart just stopped. She radiated calm.
I probably will write more later but, as you can imagine, I am a bit overwhelmed right now.
The essentials are that Miz Judy did not want a funeral and will be cremated.
If you would like to remember this marvelous lady no need to send flowers....Mom's garden is in lovely full bloom right now. Rather, a contribution to a charity of your choice would do mother proper honor.
I probably will write more later but, as you can imagine, I am a bit overwhelmed right now.
The essentials are that Miz Judy did not want a funeral and will be cremated.
If you would like to remember this marvelous lady no need to send flowers....Mom's garden is in lovely full bloom right now. Rather, a contribution to a charity of your choice would do mother proper honor.
She loved so many of you as I know you loved her. I trust we will all recover from our loss soon and carry her special, lovely memory with us each and every day.
One of those special memories: Judy and Jeff Italy 2006Jeff
PS Mother always was concerned about children and animals in need. Food for the Poor (http://www.foodforthepoor.org/ ), Doctors without Borders (http://doctorswithoutborders.org) and the NRDC (www.nrdc.org). She participated in and was ver fond of The First Methodist Church. They can always use the money (First United Methodist Church, 920 Main St, Franklin, LA 7028). Finally but not last, you may recall that she was going to vicariously enjoy Angelo's ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. No doubt she will be their on his handlebars in spirit when he speeds out at the crack of dawn on 1 June 2009. Not too late to contribute: www.tofighthiv.org/goto/angelo
19 comments:
Brava to Judy...she died as beautifully as she lived.
I will miss her but I will definitely be carrying her on my bicycle's handlebars from San Francisco to Los Angeles starting this Monday as she wished.
My heart is with you, QueenJanita and Paul.
a
Dear Jeff,
I am very sad to hear that. Judy was so wonderful.
She was such a presence in
my childhood, a solid source of adult good sense, a rare example of tolerance,
skepticism, and always freely given--love and encouragement. Of course, you more
than anyone know why tolerance and skepticism rate so highly on my list. These
were otherwise qualities often lacking in our small-town southern world. Had
she done nothing more than produce you, she would have done one of the most
important things in shaping my naive mind. But she did that and much more,
shepherding and overseeing us from preschool until we left for college, the one
adult we trusted in our "inner circle."
I treasure Judy and those rich years. I am so sad then at her passing.
I am glad that you were so close to her during her illness and at the end. I
know she knew she had the best loving son in you.
Love and sympathy to you and Janet and all of your family,
Steve
Dear Jeff,
I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. I know she was a wonderful lady and loved by many, and that the last few weeks and months must have been so hard for you.
Just to let you know that me and all the Pullingers, as well as Amy, Grace and Michaela are thinking of you, and our love goes out to you, Janet and your dad.
Love,
Alice
xxx
Judy was a special woman -- she will be missed. We've lost some special people recently, and all we can do now is honor them by the quality of the lives that we live.
I'll remember Patsy and Judy both in a special place within my heart, and keep their memories alive by sharing the moments we shared with my children. Is there a higher honor?
Judy and Paul opened their home to our family just a couple of years ago, and Jeff, you did the same with Brad once he landed in SF. Isn't that's what family is all about?
Enough rhetorical questions. I'm proud to be a part of this family, and to have had the pleasure of knowing this side of it, to remember it for the way that it helps us all live more richly -- knowing that everything that we have is truly fleeting.
God bless.
Wes
Dear Jeff,
So sad for your loss, but happy the wonderful Judy is now at peace and her suffering is over.
My life has been richer for knowing her. Steve and I have been remembering our wonderful Tuscan times, with Judy, Jan, Angelo and your good self. We will sit in the garden today (in the sun at last) and toast her memory with a glass of "big red".
Our thoughts are with you, Jan and family, Paul and Angelo.
Lots of Love,
Clare and Steve XX
Dear Jeff,
Judy was, indeed, a unique and wonderful woman. You, Janet and Paul all have our heartfelt sympathy.
Judy remains a prominent player in some of my fondest memories of growing up in Franklin. She was all kindness and encouragement. I recall so many summer evenings when I came over for boiled crawfish or crabs. Judy would always eat her fill and then start to peel shellfish for me...the ultimate form of hospitality in South Louisiana. Another scrap of memory: while watching Franco Zeffirelli's "Romeo and Juliet" with the Methodist Youth Fellowship your mom leaned over to note with a whisper that heartthrob Leonard Whiting (i.e. "Romeo") bit his fingernails. Very funny and very "Judy-esque".
Conversation was ever easy with her: across the arc of my awkward teenage years and the years beyond. Later when Anne and I would drop by to visit and later with young Samuel in tow the flow of conversation was just as easy for them. I was particularly pleased that my wife got to know your mother and appreciate her sterling qualities. Anne and I were both glad we made it up to Hot Springs for a weekend late last fall before Judy started to feel too ill for company. It was a fun, if poignant, visit.
We extend love and sympathy to your entire family. This is a heavy loss for us all.
Victor and Anne
The firmament has acquired a beautiful, playful star. Once when Jeffrey and I returned from an alligator (sighting) hunt in the bayou, Judy and I discussed the possibility of marketing alligator meat with humanitarian and business interests in mind. She was quite enthused about the concept of using "Good Humor" ice cream trucks to market the delicacy. The discussion evolved to higher life forms like the prized "Nutria".
I had forgotten some of our silly, mad conversations, but Judy remembered. Who else would indulge and encourage such wonderful play?
Judy, your star burns bright.
I was sad to read about Mrs. Judy's passing. She was a cutomer of mine in Baldwin, I worked in the Post Office and would see her on a regular basis. She was a great person and very warm hearted to everyone she knew. I had not seen her the last couple of years, but my next door neighbor Mr. Albert would keep me informed on how she was doing. To the family, I just wanted you to know, that she will always be rememberd and loved for the wonderful person she was. You all will be in my prayers at this sad time in your lives.
Judy was a very special person and aunt to me. I will always remember her with a smile on her face! She really glowed with happiness when ever I saw her. Thw world will miss her presence!
Barry Davidson
Dear Jeff,
Judy was an amazing woman---I feel privileged to have met and gotten to know her like so many of your friends here. Thanks for giving me that opportunity. You and your family have my deepest condolences over her death. It must be hard; she was so special.
We look forward to your return to San Francisco. Soon? You have been away for far too long. Let me know if I can whisk you home from the airport when the time comes.
Susan
Judy was a true southern woman - beautiful and unique and I always admired her very much. I am glad for any of the times I spent in her presence...blessings to Paul and the rest of the family - This blog was beautiful. Thank you.
Mariana Titus
Jeff,
I am sooo sorry to hear about your mom. I was just thinking of her the other day as I have been helping a teacher friend move from Thomas Gibbs. We passed your old homestead many times which brought back so many fond memories. I've only seen Mrs. Judy a few times in the last few years and I had no idea she was ill. She was such a jewel! Please give Janet and your dad a big hug from me. I will remember you all in my prayers!
Love,
Paula
Dear Paul, Jeff and Janet,
One can only feel great sadness at the loss of such a neat lady from this conscious world that we live in and feel envy and great gladness that the spirits and such life that awaits us now have such a wonderful addition.
We shall all miss Judy and her wonderful sense of humor and balance. Her warmth radiated around her and her caring about her family was so evident, not only in her actions, but in her words. She loved all three of you dearly and her pride in each of you was evident.
We are glad she is no longer lingering, both for her and for all of you. Now she is dancing among all the beautiful flowers with that wonderful smile on her face!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all three of you! We shall miss her!!
Ann and John
Jeff and Paul, Ms. Judy was a wonderful, beautiful lady that my dad loved very much and spoke of her and Paul Jones (it was always "Paul Jones", never just Paul, and Judy) I am sure that he and mom were there to great her with open arms. PJ, take care in knowing that she was so loved by all. A hug to you all.
Linda Comeaux Crappell
Janet, I am so sorry to have left you from this comment. My love and hugs to you also.
Linda Comeaux Crappell
Dear Jeff,
I was sorry to hear about your mom's death. I'm glad you were able to be with her in Hot Springs. Your mother was always such a fun mom!
I remember two great times with your mother. One was when we were students at SMU and figured out that our grandparents had been friends. We had a great day when your mother brought mama Faye to Alexandria and our grandmothers got to see and visit with each other.
Another special time was when your mom and dad treated our kids to their first crawfish boil in Franklin. We all had a grand time.
Your mother had such a kind heart and love kids. We will all miss her wonderful spirit.
Much love to you and your family. Rob
Dear Jeff & Janet,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Erna & Tim Bodin
Dear Jeff and Janet and Mr. Paul
My prayers are with you. I loved your mom so much when I was growing up in the Franklin Church.
I was in Jr. High MYF while you were in Sr. High
Your mom was such a delight.
God Bless
My beautiful Grandmother. I miss you so much! To think a year has passed since your death. The aftermath is becoming more and more apparent...like a tsunami as it gains energy approaching the shore. I should be happy, but yet i still mourn. All i can think about is leaving hot springs that december, not knowing that with that departing kiss I would never see you again. It is hard for me to cope with so much death...Lily, Pod, you...and now i fear for grandaddy. Mother is with him now at the hospital. He is the last remnant I have of a fading era... The disturbing thing is that i feel like he doesnt want to live any longer without you...which i completely understand, but we need him. Please visit him. I know that you would tell me to smile and be happy and i will...as hard as that is. I will continue to live everyday with the moral and ethical precepts that you and grandaddy tried to ingrain into my psyche. I promise that i shall one day reach my full potential and make you both proud that i am your grandson and that we share the same flesh and blood. Please continue to watch over all of us, provide us with strength during times of dispair, and lead us down the path that may one day restore the natural order of things. I love you my sweet grandmother!!!
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