What Keiran and I saw on Tuesday will be etched into our memories for the rest of our lives. I put Jessie in her travel cage and headed up to St Catherine’s with Mum’s special visitor. I walked in, Keiran was there and Mum had just sat down in her chair. I told her I had a special visitor and she look around, not seeing anyone she looked confused. I took Jessie out of the cage and placed her on mum’s lap. She looked at her for several seconds and then with the largest smile she said “My Jessie, My Jessie’ she cuddled, kissed and patted her for several minutes. Jessie just lay there taking it in. Mum had been dropping off to sleep and even while asleep her hands continued to stroke Jessie. One of her friend from upstairs came to visit and I woke Mum to tell her Annie was there. Immediately Mum said “Annie come and see my Jessie”. Finally before she dropped off to sleep I said I had better take Jessie home and Mum cuddled her and said “Goodbye”
On Wednesday she slept all day, no movement at all – I took Jill up with Chris to see her On Thursday morning we received a call at 7am to say mum was on her last. However when we arrived the nurse said she had rallied and asked for a glass of water. She looked at me as I walked in but then dropped off to sleep. I was able to take Jill in again this time with Allison hoping that it would rouse Mum but she slipped into a deep sleep ,I think in her sleep she could hear us and she would rouse , open her eyes , raise her eye brows and ocasionally mouth a couple of words or ask for water. We all sat with her until later in the evening. On Friday morning at 5.05 am she passed away peacefully.
Gwendoline Isabel Keenan
Born 17 Dec 1913
Died 25 September 2009
Mum will be missed by her family and many friends.
She is to be cremated following a service at
Mason Park Funeral Home
Mason St
Wangaratta
29/ 09/2009
At 2.30 pm
She will be remembered dearly by her Family.
Pat & Keith – Kym & James and her Great Grand Children Erin,Euan and Hamish
Mac & Jill – Michael, Allison & Chris and Christopher & Nicole
Keiran & Louise – Marie, Ben & Jennie.
SHE HAS GONE TO JOIN BILL IN GODS GARDEN.
Our memories of our wonderful mum.
My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time. What a “grand old lady”. I have many fond memories and some lovely photos of Aunty Gwen with my children, Evan and Kayla.
Love Heather Blazko
Hello Mac,
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I have carried the words you wrote about her last days with me since I read them, they are very moving. I don’t know any of you personally, but I have been reading your web posts every week, and am quite fond of you all. Most touching that she got to see her dog the day before her passing. That’s how I would want to go. You are a great family.
much love from Joyce in San Diego