Goodbye Nana

[BarenakedLady]

My grandmother died this morning at around 5am. Thank you all for your kind words the other day. She lived a long and full life. 102 years old is amazing. And she kept her mind and wit the whole time. She lived for her family. She had three daughters; Joan (who died unexpectedly in 2003), Lee, and my mother Dianne. Six grandchildren (one deceased) and 13 great-grandchildren. She lived right next door to me as I grew up. She babysat us, walked us to school, and took care of us while we were sick. Her favorite cure for all that ails was a shot of peppermint schnapps and the best homemade chocolate chip cookies and schneckernoodles (a german pastry like a cinnamon raisin bun). We had family dinners every Monday night. Goulash and spaetzel (forgive my spelling), Sauerbraten, sauerkraut, blauerkraut, porkchops, the most wonderful German potato salad that I have tried so hard to replicate and just can't get right.

I lived with her for several years in my 20's before I moved to NY and got married. I hate/d being so far away from my close knit family. I miss them. My Nana was so funny and sweet. Everyone who met her fell in love with her and gushed about how adorable she was. I will miss her so much. Goodbye Nana.




Matilda
October 24, 1905 - January 24, 2008

(picture taken Easter 2007)

[MissHoneychurch]

1. I am so sorry BNL

:hug:

She doesn't look her age in that picture. She stayed young. Thank you for sharing your memories with us (it's Spätzle :) ).

[BarenakedLady]

3. Thank you

I know I messed up on all the German spellings, but didn't feel like looking them all up. :) All I know, is that they were delicious!

:hug:

[MissHoneychurch]

14. It doesn't really matter

more important is that you lost a person you loved.

Keep her in memory. A person is still around as long as you remember her/him.

:hug:

[Inchworm]

2. A beautiful lady has passed

My heart truly goes out to those who will miss her. She was loved and loved back.

Sorry BNL.

Much love from me to you and yours.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

5. Thank you Inchy

I'm feeling a bit numb at the moment. I'm sure it will hit me soon. I guess being so far away, makes it seem a bit surreal.

:hug:

[zingaro]

4. Oh I'm so sorry sweetie.

That photo makes me wish I'd had the pleasure of meeting her.

If I can do anything... :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

6. Thank you

She was one of a kind.

:hug:

[MissMillie]

7. RIP Matilda

my condolences to you and your family on your loss.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

9. Thank you MissMillie

:hug:

[MonkeyFunk]

8. I'm so very sorry

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

10. She lived a very long life.

But it is still hard.

Thank you.

:hug:

[MonkeyFunk]

13. yes she did!

that's amazing.

I was born with only one grandparent, and she died when I was 10.

You were very blessed to have her as long as you did. Again, I'm so sorry.

[Midlodemocrat]

11. Eternal Rest Grant unto her O Lord.

And, May Perpetual Light Shine Upon her.

Rest in Peace, Matilda.

I'm so sorry, BNL. I lost my Nana when I was 19 and still miss her very much.

[BarenakedLady]

16. Thank you

:hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

12. I am so very sorry BNL

This having to deal with life and its losses really sucks.I will keep you, and your Nana in my thoughts. She looks a lot like my great grandma Marie. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

17. Thank you MrsGrumpy

You are always in my thoughts as well.

:hug:

[chknltl]

15. Soooo many of our loved ones have passed on lately...

I almost couldn't click here BNL...I am so sorry for you.
As I type this, my radio happens to be playing Bob Hope's "Thanks For The Memories",
a nice yet poignant coincidence I think.
My best wishes to you and yours.
:grouphug:

[BarenakedLady]

18. Perfect song for the moment, yes.

I have many wonderful memories that I am holding on to right now.

Thank you.

:hug:

[alphafemale]

19. Her eyes are absolutely sparkling in that pic. Still sharp and lovin' life obviously.

You were blessed to have her in your life.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

20. Yes

It was amazing how sharp she was. The last few years, her short term memory started to go. But she never lost her sense of humor. I hope I inherited those genes!

Thank you.

:hug:

[Guava Jelly]

21. ..

:hug: I'm sorry my friend.

[BarenakedLady]

22. Thanks, you.

:hug:

[RFKHumphreyObama]

23. I'm so sorry BNL

My deepest and sincerest thoughts, prayers, sympathies and condolences on the loss of your grandmother:hug: :hug: Your tribute to her was profoundly moving -she sounds like she was a doting grandmother and a wonderful person who lived and enjoyed life to the fullest. You were fortunate to have had her as part of your life for so many years and that she lived to see you grow into adulthood and have children of your own.

I know that the legacy of her love, kindness and compassion will live on in the hearts and minds of those whose lives she touched and that she'll always be a part of you because of the impact that she had on your life.

My thoughts, prayers, sympathies and condolences are extended to you and your family once again:hug: :hug:


I find this poem to be immensely comforting to me and I hope it brings some comfort to you
HER JOURNEY

Don’t think of her as gone away,
her journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.

Just think of her as resting
from the sorrow and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort,
where there are no days and years.

Think how she must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.

And think of her as living
in the hearts of those she touched,
for nothing loved is ever lost,
and she was loved so much.

[BarenakedLady]

24. Wow, that's wonderful.

Thank you so very much.

:hug:

[Inchworm]

53. That poem is very pretty.

beautiful.

:hug:

[stuntcat]

25. :hug:

I was watching the other thread some but so many had posted.. I just watched.
That is the sweetest picture, and 102 IS amazing. She's had a WONDERFUL life, I think.
:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

26. She did

She lived for her family. We are a close knit bunch.

Thank you.

:hug:

[xchrom]

27. Peace be with you and your family, bnl. nt

[BarenakedLady]

28. Thank you.

:hug:

[sazemisery]

29. What a lovely tribute

The earth is a much smaller place without her, BNL. Peace to you and yours.

[BarenakedLady]

31. Thank you

She will be missed by many.

:hug:

[fizzgig]

30. a safe passage to your nana

and :hug::hug::hug::hug: to you and your family

it sounds like you have many wonderful memories of her

[BarenakedLady]

32. Thank you sweetie.

I do and many more memories keep flooding back to me.

:hug:

[Mz Pip]

33. Matilda lived

a life worth celebrating. :toast: To Nana. Rest in Peace.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[BarenakedLady]

36. Thank you Mz Pip.

I may go buy some of her favorite brandy and do a shot for her.

:toast:

[livetohike]

34. My sympathy to you and your family

:hug: What a beautiful Nana....may she rest in peace. I hope all of your good memories of her life will give you comfort.

[BarenakedLady]

37. Thank you

:hug:

[Phillycat]

35. Matilda is my all-time favorite name for a woman.

And she looks absolutely amazing in that photo. She's 101 there? Unbelievable.

I am very sorry for your loss, and happy for you that you have so many wonderful memories of her to sustain you through this difficult time. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

38. Yes, she was 101 there.

She was amazingly beautiful.

Thank you.

:hug:

[LeftyFingerPop]

39. I am very sorry for your loss BNL...

Your Nana looks like a very sweet lady. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

40. Thank you philboy.

She was sooooo very sweet.

:hug:

[Left Is Write]

41. I'm so sorry. She sounds like a truly wonderful person.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

42. Thank you. She was.

:hug:

[Eurobabe]

43. RIP Nana/Matilda

Sorry for your loss BNL :hug: Loss of a favorite grandma always leaves a hole in one's heart. I know.

[BarenakedLady]

44. Yes, it does.

Thank you.

:hug:

[LeFleur1]

45. Sympathy

Please accept my sympathy.

What a wonderful tribute you have written to her. Keep it for future generations so they may know of your wonderful, generous grandmother.

[BarenakedLady]

47. Thank you very much.

:hug:

[Burma Jones]

46. I am sorry for your loss

And am glad she lived so long and well.

My Grandmother turns 101 this May and she has started to exhibit some Congestive Heart Failure, so I suppose I'll have to say farewell soon to mine as well.

[BarenakedLady]

48. I'm sorry to hear that.

Peace to you.

Thank you.

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

49. My dear BarenakedLady...

What a wonderful and beautiful tribute to your Nana...

Safe passage to her...

Hugs for you, sweetie...May your many sweet memories sustain you in this dark time...:hug: :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

51. Thank you Peggy

:hug:

[bigwillq]

50. I am very sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

52. It is appreciated.

:hug:

[billyskank]

54. ...

Don't be too sad, because she lived to full years and beyond. You can celebrate her too.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

56. I am doing just that.

Well actually, I don't think it's quite hit me yet. The only blessing of living so far away, I suppose.

Thank you.

:hug:

[flvegan]

55. She sounds like an absolutely wonderful woman.

A grandma's grandma, If you will.

I'm sorry, BNL.

[BarenakedLady]

57. Thank you.

:hug:

[billyskank]

58. Bump

[BarenakedLady]

61. Awww thanks.

:pals:

[Haole Girl]

59. Hugs for you..

... and your family. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

62. Thank you KC2

I appreciate it.

:hug:

[laylah]

60. My condolences.

No matter how old they get, loosing our Gram's (which is what I called mine) is still hard. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

63. Yes it is.

Thank you.

:hug:

[crim son]

64. I'm sorry for you, sweetie

but glad her ordeal is over. RIP, Matilda. :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

65. Thank you, my dear.

:hug:

Her body was ready to go.

[Blue Diadem]

66. Oh honey, she's beautiful.

Such a glow in that picture. I can tell she lived a good life.

It sounds like you have wonderful memories of her. I'm so sorry she's gone.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

72. Thank you

:hug:

[Debi]

67. For you BNL

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

73. Thanks

:hug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

68. I'm sorry for your loss...

yet thankful that she lived so long, and influenced you in so many ways. :hug::hug::hug:

[BarenakedLady]

74. She is a big part of me.

Thank you.

:hug:

[KitchenWitch]

69. RIP Matilda - My sincere condolences to you and your family, BNL!

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

75. Thank you KW

:hug:

[Flaxbee]

70. peace and comfort to you, your family, and peace to your sweet Nana

I'm sorry she's gone :hug: That photo is wonderful - reminds me of my grandmother (who died about 20 years ago) - she had a similar sweater and blouse combination she loved. Your Nana's bracelets are fantastic - she looked like she was full of vim and vigor. I'm so sorry.

[BarenakedLady]

76. She was a pistol

Always flirting and joking. Hmmmm...so that's where I got that from. :D

Thank you.


:hug:

[dpbrown]

71. What a nice eulogy

I lost my dad last year and this brought tears to my eyes.

[BarenakedLady]

77. I'm sorry for your loss.

And thank you.

:hug:

[From The Ashes]

78. My condolences, BNL

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

81. Thank you

:hug:

[SallyMander]

79. So, so sorry for your loss BNL

I have a grandpa who i am incredibly close with -- i will be devastated when he goes. Sounds like your grandma was a very special lady.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

82. She was.

Until I moved away, I saw her near every day of my life.

:hug:

Thank you

[lost-in-nj]

80. I'm sorry

:hug:

what a great picture......



lost

[BarenakedLady]

83. Thank you

I cropped me and my mom out, but that's us on either side. :D



:hug:

[UrbScotty]

84. What a nice tribute.

102 years old... wow!

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

85. Her older sister lived to 106!

I really really hope I inherited their genes.

Thank you.

:hug:

[youthere]

86. Oh BNL...I'm so sorry..

Good German nana's are hard to come by...I know I miss mine horribly. I'm so sorry. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

98. danke

:hug:

[billyskank]

87. Bump before bed.

:hug:

Love,
Me.

[BarenakedLady]

99. Thank you again billy.

:hug:

[Redstone]

88. Go easy, Nana. Grandmothers have a special place in their grandchildrens's lives.

Redstone

[BarenakedLady]

100. Yes they do.

Thank you Redstone.

:hug:

[hippywife]

89. My condolences, BNL.

She sounds like she was a wonderful nana. What a sweet face, too. I know you will cherish her always. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

101. I will forever.

Thank you.

:hug:

[judaspriestess]

90. you're Nana was/is beautiful

my condolences to you and your family.

[BarenakedLady]

102. Thank you.

:hug:

[GOPisEvil]

91. My sincere condolences and best wishes to your family.

[BarenakedLady]

103. Thank you.

:hug:

[SPKrazy]

92. I'm sorry... and WOW 102

that's amazing BNL

I'm sorry she's gone, you must have had the chance to learn a lot from her :shrug:


:hug: :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

104. Yes I was lucky

She was the best.

Thank you.

:hug:

[sarge43]

93. Again condolences, but you are so fortunate to have had her as your

grandmother. She has the look of someone who loved and was loved. Rest in peace, Nana.

[BarenakedLady]

105. Very much loved, yes.

Thank you.

:hug:

[Bunny]

94. I'm so sorry.

Sounds like Nana was a real dear! :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

107. Indeed, she was.

Thank you.

:hug:

[Tektonik]

95. RIP to your nana

I am far away from my only set of grandparents and I only hope they could live as long as your beautiful nana.

[BarenakedLady]

108. I hope yours do too.

Thank you.

:hug:

[RetroLounge]

96. Hugs...

:hug:

RL

[BarenakedLady]

109. Thanks RL.

:hug:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

97. My condolences BareNakedLady

She sounds light a wonderful woman. Bless her memory and spirit.

:hug: :pals: :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

110. Thank you

:hug:

[applegrove]

106. Godspeed Matilda.

[BarenakedLady]

111. Thanks.

:hug:

[jgraz]

112. Whenever I read something like this

I always want to say "Congratulations on doing it right". All we can do is make the most of the time we have together and it sounds like you and your Nana sure did that. You should be proud.

[BarenakedLady]

113. Well that is true.

She did do it right. I wish now that I did share that shot of Hennessey with her on my last visit though. She was truly one of a kind.

Thanks. I am proud. :D

[GigiMommy]

114. I'm so sorry for your loss,

:hug: Your Grandmother sounds like a beautiful woman. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

My Grandmother will be 101 in April.

[BarenakedLady]

115. Congrats to your Grandmother

I hope you have more years with her.

Thank you.

:hug:

[Bombero1956]

116. may I offer my most heartfelt condolences

When my grandmother passed away in 1995 I received a card with these words on it.

At this time of sorrow
may these truths sustain you..
...your grandmother will always be
as close as a memory
and the God of all comfort
is always as close as a prayer.

Those who live in the hearts of others....
never die.

May our love and sympathy sustain you at this difficult time.

[billyskank]

117. Breakfast bump.

[Inchworm]

118. whats for breakfast?

:hi:

[billyskank]

119. Shredded wheat

and coffee. :hi:

And I can see a beautiful pink cloud through the window.

[Crabby Appleton]

120. My sincere condolences BNL

:hug:

[Callalily]

121. You were blessed to

have such a special person in your life. All the fond memories of your Nana will be safe be kept in your heart.

[Indi Guy]

122. My eyes didn't well up until I saw her picture...

I mourn your loss in my very soul. Yes, we all get used to the idea that certain loved ones are going to move on, but it's a different world for us when they actually do.

You warmed my spirit (at a difficult time). Thank you for sharing your family with me.