Saying goodbye to a friend

I lost a great friend two weeks ago. She was 95 and still of sound mind, but her body just gave out. She was a fiercly independent woman who spoke her mind but always could be depended on to help out.

From the time she retired until shortly before she died, she did about 40 hours of volunteer work every week. Among other things, she was a hospital volunteer, helped publish a free newspaper, worked in every community and church activity that went on, and was the recording secretary of her church for 68 years. When they gave her an year award for 50 years of service, she said that she originally told the board she'd do it for one year, but kept going because the pay was so good. :D

She had friends of every age and always made everyone feel special. I'll really miss her and am a better person for having been her friend. I want to be like Geneva when I grow up.

She seemed like an impressive and giving person and to be alert right up near the end.. Incredible.

May she continue to inspire you in your heart/memories.

Wow, this lady has lived to the fullest. What an inspiration.

My grandma lived to the same age but although her garden was her greatest love, she could have been a more positive person....

Wow. I want to be like Geneva too.

How lovely to have had such a gracious example in your life.

((((big hug)))) for your loss.

Chakra.

{{{{carpaltunnel}}}} Those who guide us come in all shapes, sizes and ages. She sounds like she lived a very full life. What a pleasure for you to have been able to cross her path....

(((Carpal))) Sounds like Geneva was an inspiration. We should all hope to be like her when we grow up.

My mom said something to me that cut like a knife about her 90 year old mother "It is a cruel way that the mind is going strong but the body can't keep up".

I wish Geneva had been a friend of mine, too. I'm sorry she's gone, but boy did she really live this life- something I'm sure we all hope to do well.

((((Carpal)))))

How fortunate you were to know her! I'm sure your gratitude towards her will have everlasting impact on the world.

Karen

Wow... I thought I was the only young person with a very close elderly friend! I really feel for you and am sure you miss her.

I am very close to my childhood piano teacher. She is now 81, and I'm 35. She is also an extremely tough, independent character. I almost lost her to cancer a couple of years ago. None of the doctors thought she'd make it, but she lived through surgery and a lot of chemo, and has been cancer-free since. It was scary to see someone like that so close to death in the hospital day after day. She's been through it all and still makes the most of life every single day.

I know that for me, it has been very inspiring to have a friend like that. She is an example of what we should all strive to be like in our old age. The elderly in my family seem to just give up on life too early.

I also had a friend who was my Great Aunt who died at 95. And she was just amazing. She used to play cards with her nun friends every week and was heavy into politic's. She died fast which is what she would have wanted too. I miss her. And since this is a election year I really miss her!

Thank (((((you all))))) for your responses. Yes she was a great person. I have many happy memories and some funny and some inspiring ones too. A another elderly friend of mine once said of her daughter who died too young, "Those days are gone forever now but oh, the happy memories!"

Hugs to you CarpalTunnel. What a great role model.
TrekJeni

Hugs to you.

Thank you for being her friend. The elderly are gems to be treasured, and too often are not appreciated. She was lucky to have you as a friend too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by carpaltunnel

I lost a great friend two weeks ago. She was 95 and still of sound mind, but her body just gave out. She was a fiercly independent woman who spoke her mind but always could be depended on to help out.

From the time she retired until shortly before she died, she did about 40 hours of volunteer work every week. Among other things, she was a hospital volunteer, helped publish a free newspaper, worked in every community and church activity that went on, and was the recording secretary of her church for 68 years. When they gave her an year award for 50 years of service, she said that she originally told the board she'd do it for one year, but kept going because the pay was so good. :D

She had friends of every age and always made everyone feel special. I'll really miss her and am a better person for having been her friend. I want to be like Geneva when I grow up.

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If we do not listen to those of who came before. You did. The world is a better place because you knew each other.

Hugs for your loss. She is in a wonderful place. I suspect she will present herself in your memory when you need her most.