Grandma's Funeral

Today was my Grandma's funeral. We could not have asked for a brighter sunnier day than today. The weather was so appropriate to celebrate her life. Although we are sad at her passing, we all realize that she had a very long and fruitful life. She was the matriarch of a very large family of 10 children, 27 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. My Aunt Kathy and Aunt Denise each spoke about my Grandma and the family during the service. My cousin Stephanie did the same and represented all of the grandchildren. Almost everyone in the family was present today. Someone said that the total number of people in our family including spouses, step-children and significant others is almost 100. Not everyone is as lucky as we are to have a large family. In addition to our family members, my Aunt Mary and Uncle Gary from my father's side drove down for the service as did Rodney's parents, Franco and Rick. Grandma touched many lives and the large number of friends and distant relatives who attended the funeral and visitation services was a testament to her life.

At the luncheon that followed the burial service, I took the opportunity to take pictures of some members of this large family.

Tim, Maylynn, Eric (in front) Aunt Margie, Uncle Jack, Pat, and Daniel.
Since some of my family cut out before the pictures, I am including this latest picture of the whole gang.

Zachary, Chuck, Dawn, Austin, Matt, Uncle Bob, Joey, Aunt Helen, Anne and Jeffrey.
Back row: Connor, Rick, Jamie (husband Jason, Madison and Hannah missing) Janine, Tom, Jennice, Abigail, Aunt Sharon, Uncle Paul. In front: Jacob (hiding in the orange shirt) Lexi, Aaliyah, Mahala, Charity and Ashley.
Lori, Uncle Bob and Aunt Lynne. Melissa (John) was in Mexico and not able to attend.
Greg, Aunt Dorothy, Uncle Buzz, and Julie. Julie's husband Dave was not able to attend.
Uncle Chuck and Aunt Cheryl with Troy, Sheilah (in front, Olivia and Alexis), Eli with Jeanna, and Patrick. Josh and Jennifer and their three daughters were not available for pictures.

In the comotion of the day, I totally missed taking pictures of my Aunt Kathy and her family which includes, Uncle Dave, Stephanie (Greg, Alex and Emma) and Chad.
Adam, Aunt Denise, Uncle Arlan, Aaron and Mischelle and their daughter. Aaron and Mischelle have five other younger children who were not in attendance.
Dan with Keston and Victoria, Aunt Annita (Uncle Dan deceased), Ben and Shelly with Anna and Andrew.
Jackson came to me and said, Aunt Cyndee, you need to take my picture too. He wanted to make sure his Dad, Rodney, was in the picture with him. Jackson looked so handsome today. He is becoming a young man.
Madeline was a joy today. She was passed from person to person and smiled and giggled most of the day. Here she is with Terri, her Mom and our cousin Ben.

Grandma, we will all miss you but we know you are with Grandpa and Uncle Dan and many others. God Bless You.