Did She Know?

 

She’s gone. You ache for her but you will no longer be blessed by her presence. She’s dead and a piece of you is dead too. She slipped away quickly. She slipped away before you could get all of her insight, her knowledge, her memories, her expertise. She slipped away before you could tell her everything. 

She died with things left unsaid, because let’s face it, there is always more to be said. Always more hugs to be given. Always more memories to make. Always more left to say, to know, to wonder.

In her absence I find myself yearning for answers to the questions that pierce my heart and soul. Sometimes in the middle of the night, sometimes while in line at the store, sometimes while driving down the road, these questions pop up and remind me of the harsh reality of her death. She isn’t here. She can’t answer. I won’t know. 

But it doesn’t stop me from asking…

Did she know that her smile could light up a room? That I would still remember it like I saw it yesterday. That when an image of her pops in my head, her best accessory is always her smile.

Did she know that her influence is endless? That we would listen to her with intentionality now that she is gone and honor her in every way possible. 

Did she know that she was loved? Truly loved. A love so deep, so pure, so effortless, that it occupies a part of our heart and soul that no other love will ever replace.

Did she know how many people admired her, looked up to her, and would miss her when she was gone? Did she know the amount of people that saw her as an inspiration?

Did she know how much she changed our lives? Did she know that even from the grave she’d be pushing us to be the best version of ourselves? That even from the grave she’d be inspiring us and motivating us to live our best lives?

Did she know that she was more than a mother? That she was the best teacher, friend, counselor, nurse, and so many others. 

Did she know the many roles that she played in our life? Did she know how many empty spaces she would leave behind?

Did she know that she was my hero, my person, my everything? 

Did she know all that she was? Did she know all that she was loved for? Did she know her greatness, her never-ending legacy, her joy?

Did she know that she can’t be replaced? That she can’t be forgotten? That she is missed so fiercely it changes the composition of our heart?

If not, I’m telling her now. Wherever she is. Whatever her view. I say...

Mom, you are loved and missed more powerful than words can describe. You were everything and remain everything. Your smile, your laugh, your touch and your life, are irreplaceable. You are the holder of a piece of our hearts. You are the keeper of a spot in our soul. Your absence hasn’t changed your importance, it’s solidified it. You are and have always been our everything. 

xox, Chels

Written by Chelsea Ohlemiller.

Originally published here (2019): http://hopeandharshrealities.com/did-she-know/

You Don’t Just Lose Someone Once…

 You Don’t Just Lose Someone Once…

You lose them over and over,

sometimes many times a day.

When the loss, momentarily forgotten,

creeps up,

and attacks you from behind.

Fresh waves of grief as the realization hits home,

they are gone.

Again.

You don’t just lose someone once,

you lose them every time you open your eyes to a new dawn,

and as you awaken,

so does your memory,

so does the jolting bolt of lightning that rips into your heart,

they are gone.

Again.

Losing someone is a journey,

not a one-off.

There is no end to the loss,

there is only a learned skill on how to stay afloat,

when it washes over.

Be kind to those who are sailing this stormy sea,

they have a journey ahead of them,

and a daily shock to the system each time they realize, they are gone,

Again.

You don’t just lose someone once,

you lose them every day,

for a lifetime.

Donna Ashworth 

From ‘I wish I knew’: https://amzn.to/3JVMJlZ

Art by Clouded Dreams on Etsy 

Clouded Dreams Studio

#griefquotes #grief

Ivone Rodrigues

Ivone Rodrigues (48) of Georgia died April 11th, 2019 in the Wellstar Cobb Hospital, Austell, Georgia. 

She was born in Sao Filipe, Fogo, Cabo Verde daughter of Olivio and Clarise G. (Goncalves) Rodrigues of Brockton. Ivone loved to cook and socialize with her family and friends. 

In addition to her parents she is survived by 3 sons, Charles DeBarros, Davonne DeBarros and Marcus DeBarros all of Georgia, 2 daughters, Kayla Cannata and Kiara Rodrigues both of Georgia, 7 brothers, Joao Rodrigues, Joao Andrade, Julio Rodrigues, Arlindo Rodrigues, Jose Antonio Rodrigues, Irlando Centeio and Andre Cardoso, 5 sisters, Ilione Rodrigues, Regina Rodrigues, Carla Rodrigues, Landa Cardoso and Maria Rosa Soares, 2 grandchildren, James Cannata and Mah'Lyse Cannata, many nieces and nephews. 

Services in the Home of Funerarias Multi Culturel 238 Court Street Brockton Wednesday April 17th at 9:30 am. Followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Edith Stein Church 71 E Main Street Brockton at 10: 30 am. Burial will follow in Melrose Cemetery. Visitation in the Funeral Home Tuesday April 16th from 6-9 pm.

Frederick C. "Sonny" Mercier, Jr.

In Loving Memory of Frederick C. "Sonny" Mercier, Jr.

Frederick C. “Sonny” Mercier, Jr., age 88, of Brockton, died unexpectedly, February 11, 2019, at Good Samaritan Medical Center. Sonny was the loving husband for 58 years of Beverly (Bishop) Mercier. Born, raised and educated in Brockton, he was the son of the late Frederick C. and Helen R. (Frawley) Mercier. Sonny served in Austria with the Army during the Korean War and was a longtime member of the Whitman VFW and Easton American Legion. For 32 years, he worked in construction with his father at FC Mercier & Son and retired in 1995 after working with his sons for 16 years at Mercier Garage. A cowboy at heart, he loved horses and old westerns. He also enjoyed summers in Mashpee, fishing, hunting, antique cars and his dogs, especially his latest companion Pippin. He was an avid storyteller, recounting his many colorful stories to whoever would listen. Spending time with his family was most important to him. He was especially proud of his five grandchildren, spoiling them every chance he got and watching them grow into accomplished young adults. He was loved and respected by many dear friends. Sonny is survived by his children Fred C. Mercier, III and his wife Peg of East Bridgewater, John F. Mercier of Brockton, and Beth A. Boucher and her husband Bob of Brockton and grandchildren Kate and Ryan Mercier and Sarah, Kyle and Alaina Boucher. He was the brother of Beverly A. Bercovitz of Easton, Audrey Hood of East Bridgewater and the late Charlotte Vose; brother in law of Claire Cummings, Lois Bishop, James Bishop and his wife Colleen all of Brockton and the late Dennis Bishop and Lawrence Cummings. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visiting Hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton, Thursday 4-8pm. The funeral procession will gather at the funeral home Friday at 9:30am for a funeral Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 10:30am. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery. Donations in Sonny’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Operation Smile, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Joan E. (Foster) Chassey

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Joan E. (Foster) Chassey, of Middleboro, formerly of Brockton, passed away on Monday, October 29, 2018 at the age of 82. The former wife of Phillip E.S. Chassey of Taunton. The loving Mother of Phillip E.F. 3rd Chassey of East Bridgewater, Craig Chassey of Brockton, Christopher Chassey of San Antonio, Texas, and the late Mark Chassey of Brockton. Grandmother of Katherine Chassey of San Antonio, Texas. Visiting hours will be held in the Sampson-Hickey-Grenier Funeral Home, 309 Main St., Brockton on Sunday, Nov. 4, 1 - 4 p.m . A graveside service will be held at Coweeset Cemetery, 875 Pearl St., Brockton, on Monday, Nov. 5, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. For directions or to sign an online condolence visit www.mackinnonfuneralhomes.com.

Published in The Enterprise on Nov. 2, 2018

Kristine (Briggs) Coose

IN LOVING MEMORY  of

Kristine (Briggs) Coose

March 30, 1964 - April 25, 2018

Kristine (Briggs) Coose 54 years old of Hanson passed away surrounded by her family on April 25, 2018, after a long battle with breast cancer. 

Kristine was born on March 30, 1964 in Hanover, MA. She graduated from Hanover High School in 1982. She was the beloved daughter of Frederick and Gail Briggs of Pembroke formerly of Hanover. 

Kristine was the loving wife of Robert Coose, devoted mother of Michael and Jillian, dear sister of Frederick "Rick" Briggs, Jr., and his partner Ruth Glyn of Norton, adored aunt of Lindsay and Julia Briggs.

Kristine was the owner of Simply Country Store. She also organized vendor and craft fairs. 

Kristine was an accomplished equestrian rider who grew up riding and working at Briggs Stables. She won hundreds of 1st place ribbons and trophy’s over the years. She also worked as a riding instructor at Briggs Stables. Kristine and her horse Missy went on to join Carl Catani’s River Wind Farm while adding to her ribbons and trophy’s total on the show circuit.

Kristine enjoyed working in the yard and she loved animals. She adopted her cat and dog from rescue shelters. She also enjoyed raising chickens which she referred to as “her girls”. 

Kristine enjoyed vacationing with her family on Disney Cruises during the spring and going to North Conway during the summer.

Visiting hours in the Sullivan Funeral Home, 2 Maquan St at the corner of Rte 14 & 58 in Hansonon Thursday from 4-8 PM. A funeral service will be celebrated on Friday at 10AM at the First Congregational Church of Hanover, 547 Hanover St, Rte 139 in Hanover. Burial will follow at Hanover Center Cemetery.

Audrey V. FitzSimmons

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Audrey V. FitzSimmons

Dec 8, 1929 Apr 12, 2018

Obituary

FRANKLIN – Audrey Vivian FitzSimmons passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 12, 2018, less than two years after the death of her loving husband Frederic. She was born on December 8, 1929 in Quincy, MA to Chester and Vivian Baker. 

She graduated from Oliver Ames High School. She was the beloved mother of nine children. Susan and Dan Burns of Enosburg, VT, Carol and Richard Fontinha of Mars Hill, Maine, Michael and Jane FitzsSimmons of Brockton, MA, Ann and Bill Tucker of Middleboro, MA, James FitzSimmons and friend Lisa Wong of West Bridgewater, MA, Joseph and Jennifer FitzSimmons of St Albans, VT, Julie and George Tavares of Leland, MA, Janet and Paul Wells of Castle Hayne, NC and Mary FitzSimmons and Rick Bence of Swansea, MA. She was a grandmother to 36 grandchildren and many more great and great, great grandchildren.  

She worked for many years as a Home Health Aide and as a nurses aide at Forest Manor Nursing Home in Middleboro, MA and at Brockton Hospital. She retired in 1991. Shortly after retirement, Audrey and Frederic sold the homestead in Brockton and bought land in Franklin, VT where they made a new home in what is lovingly referred to by all as “The Barn.” This was their forever home for the remainder of their days.  

She was actively involved in Franklin United Church and the women of the Franklin Historical Society. You could always find her helping out with the luncheons, the ice cream socials and preparing meals for families in the community. 

Audrey was always known as “Gramma” or “Mumma” to everyone. She was a remarkable, selfless woman who taught us all by example. She was hard working, compassionate, tireless, silly, sarcastic at times and above all, loving. An amazing woman, with a strong faith in God. She lived her life loving Him and pouring that love out to everyone she met. A trip to the grocery store was a chance to reunite with old friends and meet new ones. Her eyes would dance when she looked at you and she had a gift for drawing people into conversation and made everyone she met feel at ease. She was playful and would challenge anyone to arm wrestle any time, anywhere! 

She was kind to everyone. Any stranger would become a new friend to our Mom. Even if there was an unexpected guest at Christmas, she was sure to have a gift tucked away somewhere to give to them. 

She loved to go to yard sales and could find the beauty and joy in the littlest trinket. 

And of course Sunday dinners were the best! The “barn” would be crowded with family, love, laughter and always way too much food! Her roast beef was legendary. It was her greatest joy to be surrounded by family and friends. She never forgot a birthday and baked us endless cakes to celebrate. 

Our beautiful Mother, please know that you made us smile whenever you walked through the door. You always had a story to tell or a memory to brighten our day. Happiness is all you ever bestowed upon all those around you. Our hearts were always lifted whenever you were around. So beautiful a lady to walk this earth. Soar on eagles wings dear Mumma. 

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the East Franklin Union Church, 4610 Lake Road/Vermont Route 120, East Franklin with Rev. Dr. Jason McConnell officiating. Interment will follow in the East Franklin Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Friday, April 20, 2018 from 4-7 PM at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls. Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com