Celebrating Grandma Baker

I mentioned earlier that my grandma, JoAnne Baker (Mom Pat’s mom) passed away last Sunday. We had her service today, and it’s been a delightful day as we’ve joined with family and friends to celebrate a great woman and remember her wonderful life.

Grandma wanted a simple, sweet graveside service, and since she was being buried in Ivins, Utah (in Southern Utah), it was warm! Knowing that, they scheduled the service for 9 this morning, so we were up bright and early (well, it wasn’t very bright—the sun wasn’t up yet) so we could drive down. We arrived in plenty of time and enjoyed the service. My mom and her two siblings spoke, and several grandchildren performed musical numbers. Grandma was ready to go home for a long time, and she had planned her services awhile ago. I think things went pretty well according to her plan.

After the service, we went to a family luncheon at a local church and continued to remember Grandma. We sat around and anyone who wanted to could share their favorite memory of her; that was especially enjoyable. We laughed a lot, teared up a few times, and ended the gathering with the great and great-great grandchildren doing the Hokey Pokey, one of Grandma’s favorite dances.

Now we’re home, and like I said, it’s been delightful . . . a wonderful way to spend the day.

Comments

[Monika Jennings]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

[Barbara Arnold]

So sorry to hear of your family's lose. We missed you in Rhode Island but your staff was fantastic. My prayer and warm thoughts are with you.
Barbara

[Gayle Wheeler]

Sorry for your loss, Shelli, but glad you were able to spend the day celebrating your Grandma's life and exchanging fond memories.

[Angie Antczak]

Shelli,
I enjoy so much how you enjoy every moment in life, even the difficult ones. Your grandma will be keeping her eye on all of you!

[Pat Baker]

So sorry to hear of your grandmother's passing. When I saw her last name, I had to wonder if we are (very distantly) related! I am sure there were hundreds of Bakers who immigrated to the US. I will have to check our geneology records to see if any headed west. Most of the Bakers that I know are related were on the East Coast - around Philadelphia, then Aberdeen, MD. where they grew and canned corn in the early 1900's.
Although it has been over a month (!) since convention, I do want to say what a wonderful convention and experience it was. It was my upline's 10th year, and she wanted to go to walk across the stage, so I said I would go too (my 1st convention). We visited Riverton, which was FABULOUS, so the photos of the BBQ were fun to see.

[Wendie Waldman]

Your grandma was beautiful and it looks like you had a beautiful day to celebrate her life. May your memories always comfort you.

[Rhonda]

I have been using Stampin Up stamps tor embroidery patterns on my shirts. The ink washes right out. Patterns are so expensive and now I have a huge variety to choose from.

[Pat]

Shelli, I love that people celebrate someones life. I always tell people that whenever I pass I want balloons at my service, and cake. Kind of like a going away party.

[Markey]

I am so very sorry for your troubles.

May the joy of your memories be your consolation

[Janet Pool]

Sorry, to hear of your loss. Happy memories are always a comfort. We lost my Father in law a month ago and it has helped to have all tose memories.

[sherry gierok]

Shelli, sending my prayers to you and your family. Even though she was ready and you know where she is, the heart hurts and misses her. Remember the joys, the great memories will carry you. God bless.

[Marion Evans]

Thank you very much for the Seasoned Salt recipe, Shelli. That's a few of my Christmas gifts sorted!! And what fun I can have decorating the jars. Thanks for the great idea, too.