Sunday, March 28, 2010

My Mom

My Mother, Jacqueline Lucille (Jones) Schroeder, was born on February 6, 1930 to Marian & Kenneth Jones. She grew up in Milwaukee & SW IA. She graduated from Mt Sinai School of Nursing in Milwaukee in January 1952 and was in SW IA for a visit when she went to a dance & my Dad, a 6'8" gentleman named Bud, asked her if she could dance. "A little" she replied. I've hear my Dad repeat that story many times over the past 10 days. They married in February 1953 in Virginia Beach, where Dad was stationed in the Army. 
They returned to SW IA to live & farm. I was adopted in 1957. My brother, Jason, in 1960. Then in 1969, years after being told they could not have children, Tim was born! We lived in SW IA until I was 15, then lived in Western NB until I was 18. Then to MS where Dad took a new job. Then to Dumas, the year before I graduated Pharmacy School. They retired in 1992 and moved to the Hill Country of TX. 

Mom & Dad traveled extensively, mostly via RV, but did take a couple of cruises. One to Alaska and one to Europe. They made many, many friends along the way. That has been evident in the past 2 weeks. More friends than my Dad can even thank. Many he doesn't know. Mom played in 2 or 3 Bridge clubs, painted china, and recently took on learning My Juong (sp?). I have made many phone calls to these people these past few days and the response was always the same. Shock at her sudden illness & then stories of how Mom had impacted their life. 
Mom left this world on March 17, 2010, at home, with her family by her side. Mom wanted to be cremated and have no funeral. So, Dad decided the heck with the funeral, so we held a celebration of life. It was a wonderful service. The church was full. My brother, Tim, is in law enforcement and there were 20+ officers in attendance, all in full uniform. My dad was in awe of all the well wishers. People he had never met, but told him stories of how Jacquie had impacted their life. 
We have heard stories from Dad, too. Stories we hadn't heard before. It has been a great time of getting to know each other again. We kids & our families. Time apart has made the bond even more strong. We haven't always gotten along, as kids or adults, but we pulled together these past 2 weeks. Helping dad sort through papers, pictures, and memories. Trying not to change too much too soon. I am glad my brothers live close by and their wives are beyond words! 
Jacqueline Lucille Schroeder leaves behind, her husband of 57 years, Bud, her 3 children, Shellie & husband Ted, Jason & wife Kim, and Tim & wife Pam. A plethora of grandchildren, Amanda, Colette, & Heather, Nicole & Ashley, and Raine, Ashley, Garrett, Maegan, & Sydney. And great-grandchildren, Kate, Marissa, Michael, Cassandra, Stephen, & Matthew, and Cooper, who has a sister on the way!
Jacquie enjoyed every minute of her life and her friends. She was always on the go. We may not have been close the past 2 years, but the love has always been there. I felt it when she saw me in her hospital room 2 weeks ago yesterday. All the unsaid words in her eyes. I will treasure her last 3 days. I love you, Mom!

5 comments:

TJ Conwell said...

What a wonderful tribute to your mom, Shellie. We've been praying for you, and thinking constantly. May the Lord who provides it all, continue to sustain and bless your family.

Jessica said...

Tears this morning and I didn't even know your mom. A "Celebration of Life"...so touching.
I am sorry at your loss. Praying for you and thinking of you.
Jezamama ;)

Schromom said...

Shellie, that was beautiful. I am so glad you had those days with her and the past melted away. She was lucky to have you as a daughter. BTW, I loved seeing your precious daughter this weekend, well what little I actually saw her! She's a great kid and Kristin is blessed to have her as a friend (and future roomate!)
You are in my prayers as you work through the grief of loosing your mom.

Lisa said...

I'm so glad that you got to spend that time with your family, despite the sad circumstances. We've all missed you.

Paisley said...

That was beautiful. I am sorry for your loss but glad you got to spend time with her. I've missed you.