Jilly -- I'm so sorry for your loss.  There are no good words to be said, when you lose a parent.  To say, "she's in a better place" is great, but it doesn't take away the sting of her not being here anymore.  Rather than say more words that feel inadequate, I'll let this poem do the rest...

Love to you and the rest of your family.  And may your Mom rest in eternal peace. 

THE DASH

By Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end

He noted that first came her date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

I loved working with Marj at the Friends' Bookstore. She was always so upbeat and fun to be with. Years afterward, whenever she saw me, she'd greet me with this big hug. Marj was an amazing, special person. I will truly miss her.  

Steinbauer Family - I'm very sorry for your loss.  May she be in Peace.

I used to work with Mark at Waters Instruments.

I am so sorry for your loss.  May God hold her in his healing, loving hands.  Remember, it's never good bye, always see you later. 

Words cannot soothe the pain, sorrow or sense of loss you feel. Think back to all the laughs shared, tears shed and remember the good days. You will see her again some day, but she will always be with you and part of your life. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Tim and Angela Neid

I am so sorry for your loss, I will really miss her.  We had some fun times together over the past 40 years.  We drove a convertible in Georgia, we toured California, we went to a Red Hat convention in Branson, we had many, many laughs, we shared joys and sorrows, the years were too few.

I'll always remember  her saying as I was driving, "oh no, you're going to do a u-turn again aren't you" and I would look at her and grin and do my u-turn.  Riding in the car was always an adventure, when we were up in the Cities, she would point and say, "wasn't that our exit?"  and we would look at each other and say, "Plan B".

One time on the way to Duluth a dashboard light came on and Marj says, "What does that mean?"  and I say, "haven't a clue"  she says "where is the car manual?"  I tell her and she pulls it out and searches for the answer.  It was my Audi telling me I had been driving for 2 hours and needed to take a break.  I said "see, how important is that, not" 

 There are so many stories to remember, I could always count on Marj to have a good idea and solve any problem we had.  She will be missed.

Mark, sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom.  You and your family are in my prayers. 

Marj was a wonderful friend and just so much fun.  She will be greatly missed.  Pat Stephenson

Dear Dave, Jill, Mark and Cheryl

Our deepest condolences on the passing of your wonderful Wife, Mother and Grandmother .  She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

i can't believe just weeks ago we were having our coffees and lunches  together, with our usual fun time.  I'll remember the 

laughs and hugs we always parted with.  Our love to all of you.  Betty and Darryl