Sept. 29, 1933-Feb. 24, 2010
What I will always remember about her is her love of flowers and most things in the garden that grow and are beautiful. The image above are peonies that originally came from a peony bush from her childhood home in southern Indiana. Each time we moved to a new home we would take a few cuttings and plant them in the flower beds. Somehow it gives me great comfort that my husband's mother Jeanne will live on in the peonies that bloom in June in our yard.Wednesday night my mother in law passed away. She died peacefully after a very long illness, with a dear friend beside her holding her hand. Jeanne had a full life, though sometimes difficult and very stressful but also one filled with great joy, love, family and many friends. She loved her late husband dearly and has missed him so much since he died 17 years ago. She loved her 3 sons, and especially her youngest son (my husband), Dan. She was fiercely proud of him, the first to go to college in her family. Jeanne adored and doted on all of her grandchildren, who were the lights of her life.
She was strong, feisty, funny, outspoken, quirky, opinionated, loving, right brain, creative, and kind of 'kooky' in a good way. She was truly a 'character' if you know what I mean. I often say they don't make people like this anymore. I learned to love antiques, old buildings, history and appreciate art from her. Sadly for us this world will somehow just not be the same anymore. Jeanne, I will miss you always and you know I'll take good care of Dan, so please don't worry. I'm blessed to have had you in my life for the 23 years I've known you. Thank you.
With much love,
Gail
30 kind words:
Sooo sorry for your loss..
but sounds like she was AMAZING..
BIG HUGS..
Love ya girly...
Oh Gail! I am so sorry for the loss of your mother-in-law! She sounded like an amazing person and I know was so proud of Dan and his family! I'll be praying for you guys!
I am so sorry Gail... I know this came as quite a shock to you.
This was a beautiful post and tribute to Jeanne....I am sure she is smiling down on you from heaven and loving that you chose her gorgeous peonies to accompany this post!
I will be thinking of your family this weekend and keeping you all in my prayers.... I know there are some tough days ahead!
Love You,
Lisa
Gail, I just found your blog and am so thankful for what you said about Aunt Jeanne. I had almost forgotten about the peonies at the house. Thank you so much for the words that you said about her, they were so true to her personality. I am going to miss her terribly. Give Dan and the kids a hug for me. Love and miss all of you. Please keep in touch. Love Laura and Joe
My mother was born in 37 and died in 92. After her death, I took the jade plant that was next to her front door and moved it to my house. Almost twenty years later, that plant still blooms. The photos I posted a few days ago are my daughter posing in front of that beautiful plant. Every time I see it, I think of mom.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Nothing made me feel smaller and more insignificant (like a speck on a rock in the gigantic universe) than the death of my mom. My thoughts are with your whole family and especially your husband.
Donna
Our Blog: Double Happiness!
I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your MIL was an amazing gal. Sending hugs and prayers from Nebraska.
So sorry for your loss, she sounds like an amazing women. Your family will be in my prayers during the tough days ahead.
Extending my deepest sympathy to your whole family. Sounds like she was a wonderful mother-in-love.
This is a wonderful post. Sounds like she was an amazing and beautiful person. I know she will be greatly missed. Wishing you peace and sweet memories of her.
The peonies are such a nice thing to include. I love how you've continued to plant them over the years.
I am SO SORRY to hear about your mother-in-law!! She sounded like an awesome lady! I will keep your family in my prayers during this difficult time!
{{HUGS}}
I am so sorry for the loss your family is feeling tonight.
You mother-in-law sounds like a wonderful person to have known.
I'm sending love your way through prayer dear friend.
What a beautiful tribute to your mother in law. I am sure she knows that Dan will always be loved and taken care of and what more would any mother want?
(((Hugs))) sweet friend.
Lori
I am so sorry for you loss. Your tribute photo is absolutely gorgeous - I'm sure Jeanne is enjoying it! It would be really pretty on a canvas! What a special blessing to have the peonies to carry your MIL memory.
What a beautiful post about your mother-in-law. I am sorry for your loss and praying for your family.
{{{Hugs}}}
What a lovely tribute to your mother in law. I am so sorry Gail for your loss. I pray that you all find peace during this difficult time. Hugs!!!!
Gail,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing someone so special in your life is heartbreaking. The tribute you wrote was beautiful and heartwarming. It sounds like she was a wonderful woman and will be missed greatly.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Grace
Beautiful my friend.....I have thinking and praying for you all!
hugs,
Steffie
I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like quite an amazing woman! Sweet that you will be able to remember her so lovingly and the peonies will always be even more special and sweet because of her. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Janet
I love you my dear friend...these are so beautiful...
{{{{hug}}}
My sympathies on your loss, but it is amazing what memories a flower evokes, and how special the scent and sight of them are; when your kids move out you can send peonies with them and with them all these precious memories. And Gabriel's Oboe is the perfect music to complement a post about a love and loss so profound.
Gail,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am keeping you and Dan in my prayers. Sending big hugs your way!
Hugs,
Michelle
Gail, I can't think of a more beautiful and heartfelt "love letter" marking the passing of your mother in law.
The gift of those peonies is very special, indeed, and she will live in those and all the wonderful memories of her that you all share.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Dan, the children and all of your extended family.
HUGS to you my friend,
Dita
Beautiful post Gail- keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss, sending our sympathies..
Hi Gail. I am so very sorry for your loss. This post was a beautiful tribute to your mother in law.
Peonies hold a special place in my heart too. I go to the peony festival every year which is held on father's day to remember my dad.
Hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss... this must have been such a shock. Hugs and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful post to her. Peonies are my favorite flower as well and they remind me of my MIL too as she had huge bushes of them.
lovely, beautiful, post to honour your MIL.
Lea
xo
Dan and Gail - so sorry for your loss. Your wonderful post and tribute to her had tears streaming down my face. She was a lucky woman to be so loved!
Heather
And how blessed she was to have you also :) Thank you for this touching tribute to a woman you obviously love and respect. It is the authentic relationships that will leave a lasting imprint on our souls.
Much love, friend
Heather
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