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!"
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