Grandma's Funeral

Living so far away from extended family is hard, especially during holidays and special family events. Last month my family had such an event - a funeral for my last living grandparent, Grandma Lillian May Belliston Farrell. 

Grandma was 95 years old and had a bright, vibrant personality. She was a skilled musician on the trumpet and piano, loved to play card games (especially Bridge), and had an elegant and stylish taste in dress and jewelry. Grandma married her high school sweetheart and followed him around the world as he served in the United States Air Force. They lived in China, Japan, England, and many places in the United States. They had 3 children (my Dad's the youngest), 17 grandchildren, and 52 great-grandchildren.

The funeral was a beautifully, upbeat celebration of Grandma and her amazing life. Her children gave fantastic talks sharing many stories, memories, and even a few recordings of her voice. It was a great way to remember Grandma. I even learned a few things about her, like how she had Tea with Winston Churchill. I had an opportunity to share a few thoughts about my Grandma too. It was a special treat for me to participate and express my love and admiration for my Grandma publicly. My talk is included at the end of this post.

One of the best parts about attending Grandma's funeral was being with family. Not only was I so happy to be with my brothers and sisters (although I felt super short),

I also got be with all my cousins (still waiting for Dan or Amy to share the cousin picture), aunts and uncles. I don't remember the last time we had so many of the extended Farrell family together - it was awesome!

Here's my talk that I shared during Grandma's funeral

Funeral Talk for Grandma Lillian May Farrell

May 23, 2014

I remember sitting on the floor of the Hales’ living room with my brothers, sisters, and cousins. Around the perimeter of the room sitting in chairs were Dianne and Devon, Linda and Roy, my Dad and mom, and Grandma and Grandpa. The room was filled with laughter and excitement as we unwrapped and stole white elephant gifts. It’s the annual family Christmas party. As we neared the end of the gift exchange, I overheard Grandma as she surveyed the room, turned to Grandpa and say “Look what we started”.

Yes, Grandma, you and Grandpa started something; something special! You started a wonderful family (most of whom are here today) and left a lasting legacy.

Grandma showed me how to enjoy life. Grandma was a very happy, positive, fun loving person. She liked to talk and tease and had a memorable laugh that often included a cute, little snort. I have many memories of Grandma at the annual family Christmas party giggling and laughing at some of the outrageous white elephant gifts she brought. Remember the cork screw, she’s probably still laughing about that one. Grandma definitely knew how to brighten up a room. 

Grandma was an example of true devotion. Grandma showed me her devotion in many ways. She played Bridge a couple times a week with her friends for more than 60 years. She was a card shark but devoted to the game and her friends. Grandma also was a devoted dog owner. Her last dog, Beau, became her special companion, for a few years after Grandpa died and she took great care of him.

Grandma was foremost devoted to Grandpa. They have such a sweet, endearing love story that started in high school and took them to many parts of the world. Grandma’s love and devotion to Grandpa was most evident to me in the way she cared for him, especially during his final years with his many health problems.

Grandma was a strong and amazing woman! She was sharp and witty, spunky and fun, adventurous and energetic. kind and sincere, devoted and loyal, compassionate and loving.

It’s a blessing to be a part of the awesome family that she and Grandpa started and be touched by her legacy of love, devotion, and happiness. 

I’ll miss Grandma but look forward to seeing her again someday.

I love you Grandma!