Sunday, August 01, 2010

Heading to St. Louis soon

First and foremost, thank all of you who have sent your hugs, love and condolences via this blog, facebook and through emails. I can not begin to tell you how much less I feel alone and bereft because of all of you. Bless you!


Here is my dad's obit

Sears, Russell J. fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Friday, July 30, 2010, peacefully with his family present he passed at the age of 87 after a 2 year battle with cancer. Loving husband of Joyce Marie Sears (nee Tetrault); beloved son of the late Joseph and Mary Sears; devoted father of Thomas (Sandra) Sears, Michelle (Michael) Toohey, David (Karissa) Sears, Julie (Gene) Eickmeier and Janet Sears-Mallory; treasured grandfather of India, Elizabeth, Broden, Kristen, Robert, Jennifer and Jeffrey; cherished greatgrandfather of Kaela, Landon and Colvin; dear brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Russell was a member of the St. Peters Woodworker Club, an usher at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton, a Republican Election Judge, an avid reader and enjoyed travel especially worldwide cruises. The family would like to thank Dr. Luedke, Dr. Walsh, Dr. Garcia and the SSM Hospice Nurses for their excellent care. Services: The family is being served by The BAUE Funeral and Memorial Center, 3950 West Clay Street, St. Charles, MO where visitation will be held Wednesday, August 4, 2010 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service 12:00 p.m., Thursday, August 5, 2010 at Baue Funeral and Memorial Center Chapel, 3950 West Clay Street, St. Charles, MO. Interment St. Charles Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society . Share your condolences and memories at baue.com.



and here was what was left out: normally the children are listed oldest to youngest but that was not the case. It should read : Julie, Janet (malloy not mallory), Tom, Chelle, David. My sister and I are not the "add on" children. .

My father was one of eleven children: two died in infancy but the rest remained close. My father was survived by my Aunt Rita, my Aunt Fran, my Uncle Joey, and my Uncle Mike who just happens to live in the same town as my dad. These brothers and sisters deserve more than "beloved brother".

My father's one abiding love in his life was his woodworking. He loved that like I love paper arts. His shop was amazing and he invented tools for small detail work. He was published numerous times in woodworking magazines and had won many many awards. He built me a doll house when I was four...it is probably still in my grandmother's attic. He may have been an usher in his church and an avid Republican but I KNOW he would have given them both up for a day in his shop.

I KNOW that Teresa Brewer was his favorite singer and he and I use to sing her song, "Music Music Music" together. I KNOW that he helped my mom sew all my dance costumes and was a better seamstress than her even. I KNOW that I use to dance on his shoes and he could throw me so high when I was young. I KNOW he loved his brothers and sisters and his mother dearly. I KNOW that he always made tomato soup with milk not water and that he had regrets that far exceeded mine. He and I may not have been close but these things I KNOW.

I was talking with a friend who buried her mother a year or so ago and she assured me that funerals, rather than bringing families together as they should, often show people's true colors. I am hoping for the best.
In the words of my wise and oh so missed Mother," This too shall pass!"
.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

you need to make your peace in many ways, Jules. As does the rest of the family. ((((hugs))) to you....and remember that you know the real Russell Sears.

madelineas said...

Jules hang on to the good that you do know. deaths can tear a family apart from limb to limb. Been there done that.
Keeping you my heart and in my prayers that is all goes smoothly
{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}

Pokemyhontas said...

I'm so sorry that you not only have to get through the funeral but have to put up with certain family members. Believe me, I understand, Jules.

Keeping you in my thoughts and sending you warm hugs.

Jaime/Flappy

Megan Aaron said...

big ((HUGS)) Jules! I can't imagine what you are going through, but I do know that I agree with what someone once told you - funerals bring out the worst in people.

Denita said...

Believe it or not, I'm at a loss for words Jules.

First I want to express my sincere condolences.

I too was never close with my mom and when she passed I experienced many mixed emotions as well. Guilt because I wasn't sad and pissed that I felt compelled to spend the money to fly home for a funeral that I DID NOT want to attend!!

That was many years ago....

The one thing that I know for sure is that our parents did the best they could with what they had ; }

Remember when people get ugly, it's their stuff!!

Sending you healing light my friend. ♥♥♥

With heartfelt sympathies, my deepest condolences....

Janet M said...

My thoughts are with you as you go through the next few days. I'm sorry to hear that part of the family is being so difficult.
Hugs and love to you.

Pam in Moncton said...

Please know I will be thinking of you. You have your memories that are important to you and maybe you will get a chance to share them with others who may not know all there is to know about your dad. Hugs!
Pam

Jennifer said...

Heartfelt sympathies for you. I know that funerals will show peoples true colors, good and bad. Just keep your colors true and don't worry about the rest. (easier said than done)

{Hugs} to you!

LyndaKay said...

In the difficult times ahead this week, remember you are in the hearts of many who are wishing you peace. I enjoyed reading your comments about your Dad's hobbies. God bless Dads. Take care.