Her spirit watches over us in all things great and small: Mummy would have loved this. Mummy wouldn't have approved. Mummy would have been so proud. Remember when Mummy . . .
Impossible to believe she's been gone eleven years to the day. Our precious mother happened to depart this vale of tears on December 7, the anniversary of the day that would live in infamy in the nation's heart. In her family's heart Mary lives on, beckoning us all to be the best that we can be.
What is the measure of a woman's life? That she was beautiful and brilliant and beloved . . .
That every friend she ever made, from childhood on, has remained a friend forever . . .
That no one's sorrow escaped her notice or her tender concern . . .
That she was a loyal and loving wife . . .
That she was a devoted and proud and nurturing mother . . .
That she was a ridiculously indulgent and adoring grandmother . . .
That she loved music and art and literature and flowers and animals and bridge games and dear friends?
All of these things are a measure. But Mary's life was more than the sum of its parts. Her death has extinguished a most incandescent light.
The Measure of a Woman, tribute written by her daughter, Susan, for the memorial service held in Thanksgiving For The Life of Mary Loddy Jameson, December 19, 1993
That was beautiful! I am lucky that I still have my mom around! I just don't know what I would do without her!
Posted by: Brooklynn | December 07, 2004 at 01:24 PM
You -- and your mom -- are blessed, Brooklynn. All best to you both. :)
Posted by: Sissy Willis | December 07, 2004 at 01:36 PM
Thank you and Susie for such a beautiful remembrance and tribute to your dear mother and my sweet loving wife. It chokes me and brings tears to my eyes.
Posted by: acjgoomp | December 07, 2004 at 01:51 PM
What a lovely tribute. We who have mothers like that are so fortunate. I say 'have' instead of 'had' because the most important things my mother gave to me, did not leave me when she died.
Posted by: Donna | December 07, 2004 at 08:32 PM
Beautiful sentiments, Donna. Thank you.
Posted by: Sissy Willis | December 08, 2004 at 02:29 AM
I just read your blog for the first time today. This entry about your mother has brought tears of empathy to my eyes. My own beloved mother is currently afflicted with ALS and we (her family) are just devastated. We feel so helpless and frustrated as this relentless disease keeps marching forward claiming another part of her dignity.
Posted by: Mayra Lichter | December 11, 2004 at 04:48 PM
My love and empathy are with you and your mother and family. May she not suffer too long and always look over your shoulder with joy.
Posted by: Sissy Willis | December 11, 2004 at 04:59 PM
Oh, Sissy, that is so beautiful!
Posted by: Kitty | May 14, 2006 at 07:49 AM
Happy Mother's DAY Mrs. Willis !
your post made me a little teary eyed...
Best wishes...
Posted by: HNAV | May 14, 2006 at 02:39 PM