The memories of Nana are reserved for some of the sweetest spots in my heart. My last visit with Nana her body was frail, her mind was resting, yet she managed to reach her hands to my face and smile. How grateful I am that her tender hands touched my face one last time. And in that moment I saw a women that lived each day life in the present, genuinely loving the people she came in contact with. During the last days of her life hands rested on a satin pillow, rosary in hand; she was comfortable, at home with family surrounding her-my Dad was at her side for her last breath. My Aunt Joanne brought the most stunning roses from her garden and my cousins friend dropped of fresh bread from her bakery (Nana was a baker for many years-I appreciated this coincidence).
The day's after she passed gathered her 4 children, 8 of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, bingo friends (who were surprised by her age-she never let them know), extended family and friends. We ate, loved, laughed, reminisced, and tried to pinpoint the light with in Nana that allowed her to live so healthily and fully to the very end. I beleive that the light with in Nana lives with in all of those she touched, that was her gift, and it is something I will cherish. 
My dear Nana thank-you for your life, thank-you for your memeories, for your examaples and your smiles. You will live eternally in my heart.
GRACE MARY MANN
NANA
March 26th, 1914
~to~
October 21st, 2011
Eulogy written and given by my Dad at Nana's funeral mass:On behalf of Mom’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren I would like to welcome you to this Catholic Mass celebrating the life of Grace Mary Mann. We are honored by your presence here.
Where to begin… Our mother had such a full, rich, inviting personality that had an ability to draw you in quickly, making you feel comfortable, safe, intimate and most assuredly loved. Children immediately warmed up to Nana, who was quick to smile, hug, and kiss them, bringing them close into her web of love. She considered all she met precious and had a very engaging way to make them feel that way.
Where did this openness to others come from? How was she able to so quickly unburden others of their problems and make them feel better about themselves? How was she able to love and be so positive in life?
I believe that the strength and gifts of her personality were directly tied to faith in God, Jesus and most especially Mary, the mother of Christ. She considered Mary her best friend and believed she had a direct line of communication with her. I will always remember my mother praying the rosary, keeping the beads close by her, keeping the faith. I believe that she lived her life on the premises that there is a spiritual solution to any of life’s problems and that prayer and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary was the path to peace. She died with a rosary in her hands, surrounded by images of the holy divine mother surrounding her. This strength of faith, devotion and prayer was her pillar during the trials and tribulations of life. Of the many gifts given to me by Mom was the gift of prayer, belief in a higher orders, and faith in spiritual answers. And this will be the way I choose to remember her. She would always advise to ask Blessed Mother for help, comfort, and answers to any problem I might have.
Mom lived a long and full life. During her life, her health was amazing. Until the end of her life she was never hospitalized, except when she birthed her kids. No surgeries, no immunizations, minimal contact with the health care system. She didn’t like it and it scared her to death. When asked what was her secret of longevity and health she was quick to answers with one word: VITAMINS. She literally had a drawer full of them that she rotated through the week. I don’t know how she was able to keep it all straight.
During her 97 years she lived various places, NY, CA, and AZ. She was a full time working women throughout her life, providing a living example of the valve of work. She was not extravagant and lived simply, there also providing a positive example for us all. Her only indulgence and one of her true joys in life was playing bingo and going to the casinos.
Entertainment for her was socializing with friends and family around a bingo card or slot machine. She visited the casinos several times during the last week of her life. She lived close to her children throughout her life supporting and being supported by them. We all carry the memories of having her close.
She is survived by 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by two husbands, Ernest Mann (my father) and Joe Garibaldi, son-in-law Lenard Lisowski and a granddaughter Linda Lisowski.
I believe that Mom is in a better place now, maybe on a porch swing attached to a cloud smiling at us, at all of creation, with the love of the precious mother.
God bless Grace, Mom, Nana, may she rest in peace.
_____________________________________________
Some Some other things I have leaned from NANA:
Where to begin… Our mother had such a full, rich, inviting personality that had an ability to draw you in quickly, making you feel comfortable, safe, intimate and most assuredly loved. Children immediately warmed up to Nana, who was quick to smile, hug, and kiss them, bringing them close into her web of love. She considered all she met precious and had a very engaging way to make them feel that way.
Where did this openness to others come from? How was she able to so quickly unburden others of their problems and make them feel better about themselves? How was she able to love and be so positive in life?
I believe that the strength and gifts of her personality were directly tied to faith in God, Jesus and most especially Mary, the mother of Christ. She considered Mary her best friend and believed she had a direct line of communication with her. I will always remember my mother praying the rosary, keeping the beads close by her, keeping the faith. I believe that she lived her life on the premises that there is a spiritual solution to any of life’s problems and that prayer and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary was the path to peace. She died with a rosary in her hands, surrounded by images of the holy divine mother surrounding her. This strength of faith, devotion and prayer was her pillar during the trials and tribulations of life. Of the many gifts given to me by Mom was the gift of prayer, belief in a higher orders, and faith in spiritual answers. And this will be the way I choose to remember her. She would always advise to ask Blessed Mother for help, comfort, and answers to any problem I might have.
Mom lived a long and full life. During her life, her health was amazing. Until the end of her life she was never hospitalized, except when she birthed her kids. No surgeries, no immunizations, minimal contact with the health care system. She didn’t like it and it scared her to death. When asked what was her secret of longevity and health she was quick to answers with one word: VITAMINS. She literally had a drawer full of them that she rotated through the week. I don’t know how she was able to keep it all straight.
During her 97 years she lived various places, NY, CA, and AZ. She was a full time working women throughout her life, providing a living example of the valve of work. She was not extravagant and lived simply, there also providing a positive example for us all. Her only indulgence and one of her true joys in life was playing bingo and going to the casinos.
Entertainment for her was socializing with friends and family around a bingo card or slot machine. She visited the casinos several times during the last week of her life. She lived close to her children throughout her life supporting and being supported by them. We all carry the memories of having her close.
She is survived by 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by two husbands, Ernest Mann (my father) and Joe Garibaldi, son-in-law Lenard Lisowski and a granddaughter Linda Lisowski.
I believe that Mom is in a better place now, maybe on a porch swing attached to a cloud smiling at us, at all of creation, with the love of the precious mother.
God bless Grace, Mom, Nana, may she rest in peace.
_____________________________________________Some Some other things I have leaned from NANA:
PTA baths are perfectly acceptable (If you don't know what a PTA bath is look it up).
Gambling is also perfectly acceptable and quite enjoyable.
Always sleep on a satin pillow to avoid a wrinkled face.
If you are a bit overweight you will look younger.
Money was made to be spent.
Talking in the 3rd person as you get older is endearing.
Never reveal your "real" age even if it makes you younger than your children.
Hug every child you come in contact and tell them "NANA loves you." They will believe you and hug back (reference #5).
Keep a detailed address book (this was HYSTERICAL to read after she died, she labeled almost every one like "#1 son," "dear, dear friend," "southwest shuttle," "Moriah's girlfriend," "bingo friend"--birthdays were listed--it was impressive and sweet).
Send cards.
Pray.
2 comments:
My favorite memory of Nana: walking to her house with you (and always walking on top of instead of beside the painted tires lining the drive), where she would give us each a piece of saltwater taffy from the glass candy dish in her living room and then push us on her porch swing. I never eat a piece of taffy without thinking of both of you.
that was bueatufil, love you
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