On this day in 2018, Ruthie’s mom, Rosemary moved from this life to the fullness of eternal life. Though she had been ailing for a while, her death was sudden and unexpected.
As in many households, Rosemary was the center of the family. Always welcoming, she was quick to sit down and visit over coffee, or even better, something that had a bit of a kick e.g. Irish Mist, apricot brandy, you get the picture. Relationships were a very high priority, and family was not narrowly defined by just blood relationships.
While keeping a neat house, she was not obsessive compulsive about it. I fondly remember her saying, “If you don’t like the way my house looks, take off your damn glasses.” A wonderful cook and baker, the kitchen was the heart of her home.
While God was the center of her life, she would not beat you over the head with a bible. She would speak her mind and that was that.
Similar to my maternal grandmother, her mother was Irish Catholic who married a Swede Lutheran (something that took a lot of moxie in those days). Though her maiden name was the Swedish Burg, the Irish McNeilly of her mother was definitely the dominant gene.
She definitely fit the description of the “good wife” from the book of Proverbs:
What is worth more than a strong and loving wife? She is more precious than jewels; Her husband’s heart trusts in her, from which no little gain is drawn. She brings good—not evil— to her house all the days of her life. For she seeks out tools of her trade, and works with willing hands. She is like the merchant ship which brings provisions from far off. She rises before dawn to put into motions the working of the household. After some consideration she buys a field and, with what she has earned, puts in a vineyard. She is up to the demands of labor, and her limbs rise to meet the task. She enjoys the success that comes with hard work, and her lamp burns late at night. She works the spindle in one hand, while holding the distaff in the other. She holds out a hand to the hungry, and opens her arms to the homeless. She prepares her household for snowy weather, for they are all warmly clothed. She makes her own quilts, and dresses in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected in the public square, and takes a seat among the elders. She makes linen garments for the market,
and delivers belts to the merchants. Strength and honor are her mien; she rejoices in the future. 26 Her speaking displays her wisdom;
words of kindness come from her tongue. She supervises the household well, and does not sit idle. Her children rise up and bless her; her husband, too, says, “thank you. Many women who have done very well, but you excel them all!” (Proverbs 31:10-29, The Inclusive Bible).
As in the parable of the stewards in Matthew’s Gospel, at the moment of her death, she heard Jesus say, “‘Well done! You are a good and faithful worker. Since you were dependable in a small matter, I will put you in charge of larger affairs. Come, share my joy!”
Shortly after her death, I composed the piano song in her memory. Rest well, Rosemary. May we rejoice together sometime in the future.
