Goodbye Nan

My Grandmother passed away this morning. It’s a sad time for all of us. I received a phone call at 4 am letting me know the news. Shortly after me and Siobhan were on our way to see her. I’ll be the first to admit that I am not the strongest of people when it comes to death and sickness. I’m quite proud of what I was able to do today. When we arrived at her house prayers were being said. After the prayers were over I immediately made my way to her and gave her a kiss on the forehead and told her I loved her. I somehow held myself together and waited until after her body was removed before we left.

This evening I had a bit more of an issue with the whole situation and it really made me think. Me, Siobhan and Nicholas went to visit Granddad to see how he was doing. As soon as I turned off the key he started crying. We let him have his time and finally, after peeling him away from the Argo, we made our way into the house. He was still crying but we eventually managed to calm him down after he spotted some clocks. Nan always said she knew when Nicholas came by as he usually entered the house wailing for some reason or another. We then hunted for some more clocks as the little guy is fascinated with them. We ended up in Nan’s room, where Nicholas had seen her at Halloween. He pointed to the clock and then immediately concentrated on the bed, pointed his finger and said “Nan”. I more or less freaked. I didn’t know what to make of it and broke down all the while squeezing Nicholas close to me. I was scared, upset, amazed, and very curious at the same time. Did he simply recognize the room? We will never know. I can only hope that he keeps some memory of this special woman strong in his mind for the rest of his life. We left the house then as I was having a hard time dealing with what had just happened. Later that evening, Nicholas and I dropped back to try visiting again. Granddad jokingly commented on how something must be wrong with Nicholas as he wasn’t crying and we all had a good laugh. He was perfect this time around and I brought him back into the bedroom again and he looked at the clock and other things but made no comment. I picked up a picture of Aunt Geraldine, her daughters and Nan and as soon as Nicholas saw it he stuck his finger on it and pointed to “Nan”. Tomorrow she will be back at her home and he is going to see her again. I hope he cries a bit when we get there as Nan would want that. 🙂
We miss you Nan. We love you.

I thought I’d share the obituary written by my Uncle Phil. It’s to be published in next week’s local newspaper.

Pauline (Collier) Jeddore

April 17, 1927 – November 13, 2007

 

A beautiful person left this world this morning to enter into the company of loved ones who passed before.

We, the family of Pauline (Collier) Jeddore, age 80, would like to inform her friends and relatives that Mom crossed over to be with her Lord and God on November 13 at 3:05 am after a short battle with Cancer. She showed her strength and courage to the end, remaining upbeat and cheerful to her remaining hours.

Mom was totally devoted to her God and her Catholic faith and to her family. Mom spent her whole life looking after us and making sure we were comfortable and taken care of.

Mom was the daughter of Alphonsus Collier and Angela (McDonald) Collier. She was born in Burnt Woods, Newfoundland on April 17, 1927.

She leaves to mourn her loving husband John N. Jeddore, Daughters Patricia Hoskins (Gerard W. Collier), Marietta Drew (Rod), Genevieve Drew (Ken), Mary K. John (Wayne Hodder), Geraldine Jeddore-Caul (Gordon Carey), Lorraine John (Daniel Willcott); Sons Josep M. Jeddore (Gaylia Reid), Philip Jeddore and Dan Jeddore (Brenda Lucia); Brothers Edbert Collier (Laura), Mike Collier (Helen) and Clayton Collier, son-in-law Gervaise John.

She was pre deceased by daughters Mildred and Madonna, her Father and Mother, sisters Marcella Collier (Phil) and Margaret Lorraine Hoskins (Cliff, deceased), by brother Pius Alexander in infancy and by Special Friend Lucy Jeddore.

She was also pre deceased by grandson Broderick, granddaughter Gail and sons-in-law Martin Hoskins and Bob Caul.

Mom was grandmother and great grandmother to 56 children.

Mom worked side by side with her husband, in their General Store until she could no longer do so. Besides her family, she loved Hockey, Bingo and her hockey Pool and visits and tea with Lucy.

We want to thank Fr. Houlanan for his visits; Jean Jeddore and Nurse Practitioner Ada Roberts, for their excellent care in mom’s time of sickness and mom’s granddaughter Gwen Goodyear for being with Geraldine and helping her with mom in Mom’s last hours.

Visitation was held November 14 to 15 at her home in Conne River. Memorial Mass was on November 16 at St. Ann’s Church, Conne River with Fr. William Houlahan officiating. Cremation followed, under the care and direction of Coast of Bays Funeral Home. Interment is at St. Ignatius’ Cemetery in St. Alban’s.