Gardening books and gloves...bird feeders, butterflies and binoculars...boxes of very organized papers...picture albums full of memories and stories...bowling team memorabilia...beautiful Bert Seabourn artwork...meticulous needlepoint pictures...two loving dogs...these are the reminders of an amazing life, a life of accomplishment, a life of intentionality, a life of loves and passions, a life of humor and wit, a life of a positive attitude that overcame every obstacle. This was the life of RN. Though her time on this earth came to a peaceful end on January 16th with her daughter standing vigil for this most important woman in the lives of her family, her influence, her impact, and her memories will last forever.
We gather today because that's what people do. Since the beginning of time it has been part of the human condition that we stop and acknowledge the death of someone. To give honor to a life lived and to begin to figure out what that loss means to the ones left behind. To provide a sacred space for the pain and grief. To establish the significance and unique aspects of a life lived. To catch our breath and begin the first shaky steps toward reconstructing a new reality.
When a woman who was such a large presence in so many lives has lived a long and full life, the need for a safe gathering of those who loved her is even more necessary. It is in the tears and stories that each of you can find comfort and healing. So, we gather today, because that’s what people do.
Welcome, I’m honored and privileged to be the Funeral Celebrant for our time together today as we celebrate the life and mourn the death of RN. We are here for her family. . . We are here for your journey. We are here for your stories. We are here for your times of joy and times of sadness. We are here.
On behalf of the family, thank you for being here for this most important moment. Whether you knew RN as a bowler, a gardener, a realtor, a mother figure, a friend--she was a shining light on your journey. She touched your heart, made you laugh or inspired you to achieve. You took the time, traveled from near and far, to be here, to stand in remembrance, to carve out time for the memories, to share the stories, to pledge to the family that you are dedicated to accompanying them on their grief journey.
We’ll see the snapshots of her life, hear the stories and leave this place today knowing that you were lucky and blessed to have been a part of R’s world.
Let us begin with a moment of silence, a moment to quiet your thoughts, a moment to focus on your memories. Then we will watch the video that captures a few of the times of Ramona’s life.
Moment of Silence
Video Tribute
I’ve been a Life Tribute Celebrant for many years and have had the privilege of hearing so many amazing stories. Some are young, some are less than young, all made an impact upon the people around them. I sit with the family to hear the stories, to hear the struggles and successes, to understand the person that we gather to celebrate. As you listen, you begin to see the picture of a life painted on the canvas of memories.
When I met with her daughters, they showed me the certificate from the National Federation Wildlife Foundation recognizing RN as a curator of a garden for wildlife. She created a safe space, a nurturing environment, a place to grow and thrive for all. Not only did she do this for the birds and butterflies and bees, she did this for everyone in her world. She just took care of everyone who wandered into her garden of life. . . .