On Monday morning, August 14, at 8:04 am, our beloved Gracie (96) was finally released from her body and stepped into the arms of her savior. Because she had already been admitted to a home hospice program due to numerous delayed effects of her February stroke, she was able to pass peacefully in her own bed surrounded by her loved ones. She had made it clear to us and her doctor that she never wanted to go back to a hospital!
As you can imagine, we are sad, relieved, and rejoicing for her.
The previous Monday (August 7) had been a great day for her. Her companion care-giver took her shopping at Macy’s where she bought a new outfit. In the afternoon we met friends at a local DQ to honor my dad on his birthday. She ate a big dinner and was so happy about the day. I snapped this picture, not knowing of course, that it would be the last picture I would take.
During the night she had a stroke. She lingered unconscious (and pain-free) for another 6 days as we kept vigil and friends stopped in to say thanks and goodbye. In addition to the amazing hospice nurses, we were assisted by 2 wonderful women who had been caregivers for Gracie since April. Being trained in hospice care, they knew what to do and helped us understand what was going on. They rotated staying with Gracie every night so that my sister, niece, and I could sleep. We could not have made it through the week without them, and have now adopted them into our extended family.
Gracie was larger than life and will be missed by many. But now she gets to sit at the feet of Jesus, with Sam by her side, and worship for eternity.
And I will always cherish this last photo.
Thanks so much for the outpouring of love and prayers this past week. We are truly blessed.
There will be a Memorial Service / Hymn Sing on Saturday, August 26. Here are the details:
Date: Saturday, August 26
Location: The North Church | 5151 Program Avenue | Mounds View, MN | 55112
Visitation: 5:30 pm (U.S. Central Daylight Time)
Service: 6:30 pm (U.S. Central Daylight Time)
cake and coffee/punch will be served following the service.
If you’re in the area, we’d love to see you.
For those of you not able to attend, the service will be live-streamed at this link: https://thenorthchurch.com/special-event. It will go live 15 minutes prior to the start of the service (5:45 pm U.S. Central Daylight Time).
Will join you on the live stream. A beautiful end for a wonderful lady. May I have a copy of that picture please.
Love Alan (Bro)
Thanks, Alan. Wish you could be here.
What a precious picture of a precious auntie!! I’ll be watching her service by live stream and I’ll be singing my heart out!
Thanks, Beth.
Thank you, Joann for this. From the day both families boarded the USS Steel King in the New York harbor for five weeks on the seas bound for Pakistan, our life-long friendship began and lasted. I am indebted to you and Janet for arranging a live chat with Grace just before that final stroke. I will remember her smile, how beautiful she was in a red blouse, her hair well coiffured and our short conversation. I feel her absence deeply. And I am praying for you and all her loved ones as I know you also miss her. Unable to attend the service, thank you for the livestreaming arrangement.
Thanks, Aunt Bettie. She loved you so much, as do we.
Joann, I am so sorry to hear about your precious mom. I remember well the few times I was able to experience her caring gracious hospitality. May our God comfort you and your family with His presence and assurance that all things are extremely well with your mom. Much love to you, Joann!
Thanks, Sue. She often talked about that crazy visit to Changsha!
Though we may not be able to physically be present with you and your family, we will seek to attend online and will uphold you and your family. We are so blessed to know Grace and we are comforted knowing she is with Christ, Sam, and many loved ones who have preceded her going. We look for the Blessed Hope of Christ’s return and for our reunion with her and so many others in His presence. 🙏🏽❤️🌹
Thanks, Ed. I’m so glad you were able to see her earlier this summer.
What a beautiful soul. She played the piano so thoughtfully and beautifully. What a great last picture of her. A beautiful lady for sure. Love, hugs and prayers to the family. When we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing there will be – when we all see Jesus we’ll shout and sing the victory. Thank you God for being in our lives. 🙏✝️ Vicki Mills – Whidbey Island, WA.
Thank you Vicki. I’m glad you were blessed by her music.
Joann, So sorry for your loss, but we do rejoice with you that your mom is whole & happy with Jesus and other loved ones. Praying much grace & strength for you and friends and family that remain on this earth.
Kevin Hardin
Thanks, Kevin.
Your mom’s legacy lives on through the gifts of music and caring I see in your life, Janet. Be strengthened in this hard time by this.
Karen Heikes
Thanks, Karen.
Grieving and rejoicing with you for the wonderful life of your mother and her passing into glory. May God comfort and sustain you in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Thanks, Peter.
Dear Joann,
Sad for you because I know what your mom meant to you, but rejoicing for her in her home going. I remember meeting your mom probably in 1999 or 2000 when she came with you to Changchun for Thanksgiving, I think. What a joy she was! And I feel the same about you! I also remember a supper with you and Ann Lausch about 6 years ago in Ft. Collins, shortly after I returned from China the last time. You have long been a bigger than life inspiration and encouragement to me—gee, I wonder how you came by that?! Blessings and love to you, dear, Joann!
Penny Frazier
Thanks for your kind words, Penny. She loved that Thanksgiving in Changchun and would talk about it often.