Gifts from Mary Ann

elpasorudy said:

More Mary Ann

A steady stream of visitors came to the home the day before Mary Ann died. It was a beautiful day. Friend Francesca, a certified yoga instructor, sang and chanted mantras, clearing the path for a tranquil transition. Judy Lee and Judy Beaumont, ordained Roman Catholic priests who serve the poor with their unsanctioned church in Fort Myers, prayed and administered the Healing of the Sick sacrament. Mary Ann was able to receive communion. Friends Sue, Irene, and Mario shared stories. Neighbor Beverly delivered a homemade pumpkin pie, and Mary Ann ate most of a slice, her first food in two days ... Mary Ann has a photo she wants me to post to the site. When I figure out the technology, I will do it, perhaps later today .... I had asked Mary Ann to give me a sign of her well being after she died. When I telephoned her brother John yesterday and started giving him the details of Mary Ann's passing, the phone disconnected and I was unable to reach John for five minutes. He called back and said a lightening bolt struck near his house when I told him his sister had died. It knocked the power out. Coincidence or was Mary Ann strutting her stuff? - Rudy

Please accept my condolences and deepest sympathy on the demise of your beautiful wife Mary Ann. It is comforting that in her final moments on earth she was home, surrounded by loving family and friends, music and prayer. There is no better way to transition. She will be watching over you forever and always.

elpasorudy said:

More Mary Ann

A steady stream of visitors came to the home the day before Mary Ann died. It was a beautiful day. Friend Francesca, a certified yoga instructor, sang and chanted mantras, clearing the path for a tranquil transition. Judy Lee and Judy Beaumont, ordained Roman Catholic priests who serve the poor with their unsanctioned church in Fort Myers, prayed and administered the Healing of the Sick sacrament. Mary Ann was able to receive communion. Friends Sue, Irene, and Mario shared stories. Neighbor Beverly delivered a homemade pumpkin pie, and Mary Ann ate most of a slice, her first food in two days ... Mary Ann has a photo she wants me to post to the site. When I figure out the technology, I will do it, perhaps later today .... I had asked Mary Ann to give me a sign of her well being after she died. When I telephoned her brother John yesterday and started giving him the details of Mary Ann's passing, the phone disconnected and I was unable to reach John for five minutes. He called back and said a lightening bolt struck near his house when I told him his sister had died. It knocked the power out. Coincidence or was Mary Ann strutting her stuff? - Rudy

I am so sorry to hear of Mary Ann's passing, Rudy.  There are no words I can offer to make this time easier for you, but please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  I am sure that the lightening was, indeed, a sign that Mary Ann is settling into another place.

God bless you and your family
Helen

elpasorudy said:

Mary Ann

I read Mary Ann your posts yesterday. She smiled and briefly opened her eyes to acknowledge her understanding. Thank you for the kind words. Mary Ann is at peace now. She died at 5:35 p.m. yesterday in my arms, with Phoebe, the cat, sitting on the edge of the bed. The sounds of soft Native American flute music eased the transition to the next life. The house seems so still without her presence. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out, who showed incredible courage and spirit in fighting an aggressive cancer for nearly five years. Her spirit lives on in the lives of those she has touched over the years as a friend, therapist, advocate, teacher or mentor. Mary Ann is missed ... This discussion board and your feedback and support were a great comfort to Mary Ann. Cancer is a beast. I am a 6-year survivor of prostate cancer; Mary Ann's sister Rita died several years ago from pancreatic cancer. I would like to do something to get the word out about uterine papillary serous carcinoma. Need to think about it a bit more. God bless all of you.

Dear Rudy:

Thank you for sharing Mary Ann with us at your time of tremendous sorrow.   I was sadden to read about Mary Ann when I logged in today after not being on the site for several days. Please know that I pray for her, you, and your entire family.   Although I did not post much these last few years, I will miss seeing her posts, but as you indicated her positive spirit will always be here.  It is comforting to know how loved she was and how much strength, courage and comfort that you gave to her.

((Hugs)))

Kathy

Rudy,

Mary Ann was so special to all of us on CSN.  She was so kind and I appreciated her insight on how to deal with cancer. 

My deepest thoughts are with you and your family.  As you live life going forward, you have many wonderful memories to reflect back on and also CSN family is here to support you too.

God watch and bless you and your love ones.

Sue

elpasorudy said:

Mary Ann

I read Mary Ann your posts yesterday. She smiled and briefly opened her eyes to acknowledge her understanding. Thank you for the kind words. Mary Ann is at peace now. She died at 5:35 p.m. yesterday in my arms, with Phoebe, the cat, sitting on the edge of the bed. The sounds of soft Native American flute music eased the transition to the next life. The house seems so still without her presence. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out, who showed incredible courage and spirit in fighting an aggressive cancer for nearly five years. Her spirit lives on in the lives of those she has touched over the years as a friend, therapist, advocate, teacher or mentor. Mary Ann is missed ... This discussion board and your feedback and support were a great comfort to Mary Ann. Cancer is a beast. I am a 6-year survivor of prostate cancer; Mary Ann's sister Rita died several years ago from pancreatic cancer. I would like to do something to get the word out about uterine papillary serous carcinoma. Need to think about it a bit more. God bless all of you.

Taken to soon by this relentless disease.  We will all miss her greatly although her contributions to this board will remain a continuing legacy.  I extend my deepest sympathy to you Rudy and your families. May you gain comfort in the days ahead from the memories you have and the experiences you've shared.  Thank you for taking the time to write and let us know about her passing.  Thereis some comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering.   

Sincerely.  Susan

Nothing to add as tears stream down my face as memories of the strength she gave us suffuse. I know and pray that her spirit of love will give you solace.

Sar in

soromer said:

My deepest condolences, Rudy

I am so very sorry that Mary Ann has died. 

You have shown us great courtesy by coming to tell us the news. I appreciate your kindness in the midst of your grief.

And yet, I also hope that you can experience some gratitude and peace, even now, for helping your beloved wife make such a calm transition.  Everyone dies; you know probably better than most (given your profession) that not every death is a good one. The scene you describe of her last days is very touching. Clearly she was much loved and will be sorely missed by many.

I look forward to seeing a more recognizable photo of your darling Mary Ann.

May the memories of the life and love you shared bring you comfort, now and always.

Peace,

soromer/Kate

When I read about MaryAnn, I was deeply saddened for you and tears welled up in my eyes as I read your post to my own husband. Your wife was a very brave woman to share her journey with us, thank you for sharing her with us. It helps us face our own mortality someday. None of us know the number of our days that we have, but God knows. The picture you painted for us was one with dignity, love, and no suffering. May you now allow the Lord to wrap his arms around you as you did for MaryAnn, during your time of grieving. Love in Christ, Tami (a UPSC sister) 

The picture was taken April 20th in Fort Myers at The American Rhapsody concert presented by the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida. It was Mary Ann's last singing appearance, about three weeks before she lost her hair to radiation treatments. Mary Ann was an alto with the group. Her funeral Mass is scheduled for noon Saturday, June 15, at St. Andrew's Church in Cape Coral. Her obituary and a video tribute should be posted on www.mullinsmemorial.com in two or three days. - Rudy

sunflash said:

Dear Rudy,
Please accept my

Dear Rudy,

Please accept my condolences on the passing of your lovely wife, our dear Mary Ann. What a beautiful face with such a sweet smile, to match the everlasting impression she has made on our hearts. We will forever remember her wise words of comfort and direction as we traveled this road we've been given.........but never alone, due to God's grace and spirit exemplified in special angels........such as Mary Ann. 

Please take care, Rudy, and thank you for sharing Mary Ann with us. 

It's a wonderful picture, Rudy.  I'm so glad to have a face to go with Mary Ann's words.  Thankyou.  Take care.