Celebration Of Life Service

Mom and Dad's Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Christ Community Church in Excelsior, Minnesota. 

Bruce sang Just A Closer Walk With Thee

We weren't sure where to have the service at first, but then remembered Mark's church, and it turned out to be the perfect place for us. Pastor Jon had come to Chapel View to pray for Dad before he passed away in 2018. And after Mom went on Hospice at Mount Olivet Careview, Pastor Jon prayed for her, also.

We wondered how many people might show up for the service. It does seem that as people age to a very old age, the less family and friends are around to attend. Plus, Mom and Dad had moved away from their long time community and church home in Fridley to be closer to us as we cared for them. But, as it turned out, there were enough folks who showed up for the service. Flowers magically showed up, too. It was a beautiful service.

You could tell that the people of the church really cared for Mark, and everybody there was so kind and giving of their time for us. People stepped up to share memories, some familiar, some new memories I hadn't heard before. I did worry some about the planning of the lunch, but the women of the church knew what to do, and it all went smoothly.

I wish that we could have snapped a picture of the food after it was all arranged on the tables! But, I did see it with my own eyes, and it was a very pretty picture. I think Mom and Dad would have been pleased. Dad loved to eat, and we made sure to have a Chocolate Chocolate cake there in Mom's memory. That, and a double recipe of her Cherry Cinnamon Applesauce Jello! 

And since this blog is pretty much dedicated to being a keeper of the memories, I'll list the food we served: artisan sandwiches from Costco, quinoa vegetable salad, potato salad, veggies and dip, assorted chips, cherry cinnamon applesauce jello, a chocolate mousse sheet cake, assorted bars, cookies, nuts, and chocolate kisses, bottles of water. The church provided coffee. We had quite a bit of food left over, and were able to bring some home, but also able to give back to the church to use.

The service was recorded, and we had a photo slide presentation with music from Old Brother, Where Art Thou!

I'm thankful for all my family and friends who have supported us during this long journey. I can't even put into words just how much their love and care has meant to me. 

Red roses from Aunt Jeanie's Family