Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Dear Family and Friends of Anne, Mom, Nanny,
We are sad today by the suddenness but know how blessed we have been. An active 85 year old who today was going to sign a lease for an apartment to live by herself for the first time ever- doing what she wanted to do! Our mother had an unfiltered honesty that was both-endearing and cringe worthy at the same time.
Her mind was sharp and so could be her tongue as she usually said what was on her mind and often obvious!
She always looked forward but remembered the past in great detail. The stories she repeated often to those she met were about all of us and all of you. For good or bad, again, with great detail. Her life was well lived because she chose to be active. Her taste did not discriminate- she loved lobster and bacon sandwiches and her daily trips Sam’s and to the Dollar Store. We just had to say Mom, do you want to....?. And the quick response was always- I’d love to!
The timeline of her life can be summarized with single words and descriptions. Please know that wherever you fit in- you held a special place in her heart and contributed to the best part of her happiness.
The Senior Center-the staff, her friends, she loved every minute of Tuesday/Wednesday cards, Friday bingo, cake and coffee. Thank you all for the safe haven.
Centra State Hospital- her coworkers became friends as her job in the ER gave her years of selfless purpose.
Freehold Township- the high school and parks gave her years of games and players to root for.
St Rose of Lima school-with 6 kids and 6 grandchildren over 4 decades moving through the hallways, great respect followed.
Wynnefield - one of the original New York transfer neighborhoods where neighbors relied on each other and became family for life.
Family-Keansburg, Rockaway, and
Manhattan - set the backdrop for her youth with the Shields’, Logan’s, Geri, Jimmy, and Kevin
Marriage- to Larry- a husband/our father-gone to soon at 58 vs. her 85. For those of you that play the numbers- have at it!
Sports and entertainment with her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy. Cheering her Beloved Black Cats and at endless fields and gymnasiums for theater, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse.
Her 16 grandchildren –
like to rank themselves in order of Nans favorites- a moving target as you can imagine.
She knew how accomplished they all were. She was proud to dance the Lindey Hop at age 85 at the wedding of the oldest TJ and see Trey, the youngest and her sons-son hit his first 3 point shots with Cowie confidence.
As to favorites for the 6 of us children..... Each relationship was unique and equally committed. It’s obvious, 1 of us doesn’t look like the others....
Kenny, her boy, and her life’s joy.
Karen, most like our father with her ability to fix anything and her quiet way
Bobbie- for bringing the joy of sport into the family and offering a wonderful west coast family life.
The Twins- we were her coffee buddies & traveling companions.
Deb- her first born, her friend, coworker, sparring partner, and caretaker. Along with Mick, and the boys..... Gave her a life well lived.
So if you were to ask.....
Mom, Nanny, Anne, how are you and how is heaven....?
Her response....as always…
Good......no complaints!
