My partner's mother died last night at the nursing home. She was 93.

She immigrated from Canada just after WWII. My partner, was 7 yrs. old when he immigrated at same time.

He found out from the nurses that before she went to bed last night, she and few other nursing home residents, happily sang "Edelweiss", the song from the "Sound of Music". Appropriate, because it is a song of memory (of Germany), longing, love and renewal in a new country since the von Trapp family immigrated to the U.S.

A few hrs. after we found out about the news of her death, we cycled over to a popular French bakery and each had lovely French fruit gourmet tart ..in her memory.

She was an accomplished baker and cook which everyone who knew her skills talks about. My partner's boyhood is of his mother's 1-3 multi-layered tortes or kuchens for every Sunday meals... Mocha ganache filling, hazelnut crumb, handmade marizpan, ..she could make puff pastry..from scratch. Not even many Iron Chefs can do this sort of thing. It's a lost art. Baking and cooking was her creative outlet and she was happiest creating in this way.

Ironically she was visited by her German relatives just last week in their trip to western Canada. In her mild dementia, she kept wanting to show her "home" and offer refreshments.

She died peacefully and was actually quite active and social the day before. Yesterday and today it has been beautifully sunny and summer-like.

I'm sorry for your loss, Orchid. It does sound like the most peaceful way to go, though, doesn't it? Living to a ripe old age, having the ability to still be a little active and social to the end, and only mild dementia.

Sounds like you/your partner have some wonderful memories.

K

I too am sorry for your loss, Orchid. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into the life of this multi-talented woman. God rest her soul.

She sounds like a beautiful, heart-lifting woman, Orchid. I'm glad she richly blessed and graced your life and the world around her. My heart and prayers are with you as you and your partner journey through your loss.

Heart-lifting is a very good word to describe her capacity of gentle giving..over and over. Right now, my dearie is checking on the strange results of German translation software used on his long letter for informing rest of relatives in Germany. Lots of manual editorial corrections right now...

She was an observing Catholic but didn't wear it much on her sleeve. She had a rosary which most interestingly her adult granddaughter really would like to have as a keepsake. But we think it got lost in the nursing home somehow a few months ago.

And Dancing Dolphin, yes her death is probably the most ideal and peaceful way to end.

Orchid, I am so sorry for your loss. Big Hugs!!!

Orchid, I am very sorry for the loss suffered by you and your companion. The lady mentioned sounds like a grand lady that lived a long and wonderful life. God bless you all...

Sounds like a gentle passing..
Please accept my thoughts at this time.
Singing cannot be underestimated as a tool
for unity and joy..
Mountain ash

Dear Orchid

I'm sending lots of hugs and prayers to you and your family. This sounds like a woman many of us could emulate and I soooooo appreciate you sharing the Light of her with this group. I find it amazing to hear of the gifts she shared with you, your companion and the world at large. We can't underestimate the joy she shared in her long life. I know you will miss her a lot and I *love* the tribute you gave her.

Orchid, it's true that some people choose the time to let go of this life and pass on. She had so recently received the gift of visits from loved ones. It could be that after singing she fell asleep in a very deep peace. She sounds like a wonderful lady and you're blessed to have had her for so long. Bless you and yours.