I'd like to thank everyone for spending the time following Kate's journey on this blog. We wish it had a different ending. And thanks to all for attending the service and shiva and for the outpours of cards and warm sentiments.
For those of you who could not make the service, below is the speech I read for my wife.
-- Albert
My Kate,
I have known Kate over 45 years.
I can remember the first time that I saw her since high school, I recall thinking what was wrong with me for not knowing her sooner. After a few dates that I had with her I had to join the Marine Corp. While in the corps I would receive letters from her every day. I knew then she was the girl that I would marry.
That was the best decision I made in my entire life. True we had our arguments, but they seem to have made our closeness even stronger.
She raised our three children with her love of life and happiness, respect to others and how important it is to be truthful.
The two of us had a very special closeness, we loved to be together, travel, play golf, and right down to helping each other with cleaning our home and our vacation home, which we both loved.
Not only was she my wife she was my buddy, a friendship that I will never be able to replace.
Since January 8, 2010 seeing her actually dying, which I believed she knew, in front of me was the most torture any one can handle. But when I would come into the hospital to see her, I’d say hello and I love you and she would open her big brown eyes with joy and while you could barely read her weak lips, she would still say, I love you too.
It was a great honor to know Kate while she was with us, she’s the life of the party. And it will be a greater honor for those who will have the opportunity to meet and play golf with her in her next life. Look out golfers because she is ready. Her request was to be dressed in her best golf outfit along with her putter.
And I say one more time- I Love you Kate!
I thank you all for coming to help us remember and honor Kate.
4 comments:
I saw the obituary in the Suburban Main Line Life today, and was upset to learn of "Kate's" passing. I am sorry I never knew Kate the wife, Kate the Mother, or Kate the great person she was to all. I even recall you, Albert - but that was years ago.
I only knew Kate when she was Kathy. I lived on Garrett Avenue, and she was 3 years older than I. We always spoke when we saw each other. When I was 10, she promised to polish my nails for me if I would put in a good word for her with a mutual acquaintance that she had a slight crush on! After I was done telling her what I knew, I must say, I had the prettiest nails in Garrett Hill! When we got older, and I began to drive, she would walk by my house to catch a bus to Skelton Oil. On many occasions, I had to stop her and the deal was, if she would help me start my car, I'd drive her to Skeltons before I went to work. I would get under the hood and she would sit in the car and work the key and the gas pedal. A few times, she gave it too much gas - so she would get out of the car, hold the little piece on the carburetor as I instructed - and I would get behind the wheel. One way or another, we got the the old 51 cadillac started! And all this, as both of us were dressed for a day at the office. Many years later, my Mom golfed with Kate at Glenhardie. Mom never really knew her before then and had told me what a great person she was. Having fairly recently lost my own Mother, I know the pain and sadness that will be with you a very long time. I am glad she was surrounded by her family when she said goodbye. I think that is a very important part of dying - not only for you, but for her. You are a remarkable family and I am thankful you shared this emotional journey in this blog. You were very generous to share it with the readers of the newspaper. She will be missed. May you feel the warmth of her love in your heart every day of your lives.
Janet Lee Siter McNeill
Janet, I very much appreciate your note--reading memories of my Mom is now my favorite pass time. Thank you for taking the time....I knew she and I were alike but after reading some of your stories above, I just smile and realize it even more.
May you and yours be well.
Best,
jen (kate's daughter)
Dear Al, Jake, Stephanie, Lisa, Shawn, Jennifer, Erin, Margaret & Marissa
I knew as soon as I heard that Kate had passed, I had to attend her funeral. I am so glad that I did, for while I knew her at Glenhardie, I got to see her perfectly through your eyes during that service. Knowing how proud she was of all of you, I'm sure she was beaming at how well you all described and eulogized her.
Kate came alive for all of us through your words, thoughts and song. It was incredibly moving.
I was always excited to be in Kate's foursome on Ladies Day. Occasionally I'd bum a "puff" from her, particularly if the play was slow or our scores/skills were lacking. But the thing I remember best was how Kate would start discussing that day's menu after the fifth or sixth hole of play. She'd envision what there's be. Sometimes she'd declare that "I'm having dessert today," or she'd
"romance" the thoughts of how good the iced tea would taste. We'd both egg each other on with these thoughts for the next 12 holes.
Kate was ALWAYS a lady. Fair, encouraging, funny and did a great job in her position as Pres. of the Women's Golf.
I also remember how pleased she was with all of her children and grandchildren, showing photos of all as they grew.
Jen, I read your latest blog and wanted you to know that there is no doubt at all, that your Mom is "with" you now. I've found since my Dad's passing that he is always on my shoulder and communicates in ways I'd never have imagined. You playing the Rod Stewart song, was the most poignant thing of all. I'd never paid attention to the message before, even though I knew the lyrics. What a special bond between you and your mom.
I will continue to keep you all in prayer as you come to terms with your loss and grief.
Peace & Blessings,
Joan Bang
Dear Al, Jake, Stephanie, Lisa, Shawn, Jennifer, Erin, Margaret & Marissa
I knew as soon as I heard that Kate had passed, I had to attend her funeral. I am so glad that I did, for while I knew her at Glenhardie, I got to see her perfectly through your eyes during that service. Knowing how proud she was of all of you, I'm sure she was beaming at how well you all described and eulogized her.
Kate came alive for all of us thru your words, thoughts and song. It was incredibly moving.
I was always excited to be in Kate's foursome on Ladies Day. Occasionally I'd bum a "puff" from her, particularly if the play was slow or our scores/skills were lacking. But the thing I remember best was how Kate would start discussing that day's menu after the fifth or sixth hole of play. She'd envision what there's be. Sometimes she'd declare that "I'm having dessert today," or she'd
"romance" the thoughts of how good the iced tea would taste. We'd both egg each other on.
Kate was ALWAYS a lady. Fair, encouraging, funny and did a great job in her position as Pres. of the Women's Golf.
I also remember how pleased she was with all of her children and grandchildren, showing photos of all as they grew.
Jen, I read your latest blog and wanted you to know that there is no doubt at all, that your Mom is "with" you now. I've found since my Dad's passing that he is always on my shoulder and communicates in ways I'd never have imagined. You playing the Rod Stewart song, was the most poignant thing of all. I'd never paid attention to the message before, even though I knew the lyrics. What a special bond between you and your mom.
I will continue to keep you all in prayer as you come to terms with your loss and grief.
Peace & Blessings,
Joan Bang
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