Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara logo

Goodbye to a Wonderful Lady

My aunt passed away yesterday. She was an amazing lady and I wish I had known her better and been able to spend more time with her. I wish I had learned to cook cajun food from her. She wasn’t someone who loved to cook but she definitely knew how to cook cajun dishes. She loved collecting old dishes and has an amazing collection. She knew more about old dishes than anyone I’ve ever come across.

She and my uncle were pretty much the perfect match. They did so many things together. The had a motor home for years and traveled the country in that. They traveled overseas. They enjoyed antiquing, spending time at their place on the lake . . the place they’ve so willingly shared with us and with Chad, Nicole and Addie. I’ll never forget when we were trying to find a house in Texas and were meeting roadblock after roadblock and not finding anything. Dorothy read my blog without fail and one day she called me and said “Why don’t you go stay at our lakehouse until you can find a place in Texas?” I was shocked . . I thought . . I would not offer my lakehouse for someone to go stay indefinitely but that’s the kind of person she was.

She and her daughter are as close as any mother/daughter ever. I cannot imagine anyone ever being closer. Her daughter is also an amazing person. She was so devoted to her mother and to my uncle, who is her step-father. They also have a great relationship and I’m so happy she is here for him. Dorthy took such good care of my uncle . . spoiled him rotten but they loved each other, respected each other and were so happy together.

Addie loves them and they love her. When Addie was a bit younger, any time Chad or Nicole would say “We’re going somewhere fun” or something like that, Addie would say “We’re going to Goob & Dorothy’s”. We’ve called my uncle Goob since we were little kids and I think that was his nickname when he was a boy. For several years, Addie called them “Goof and Dawthy”. I was sad when she started saying their names correctly.

I will miss her but I will also miss knowing that my uncle is being well cared for. One of the things she told me when she called to tell me about her diagnosis was “Take care of your uncle for me”. I have big shoes to fill but I will do my best. Her daughter will do way more than I will because she is right her close (in proximity and they have a close relationship) but I will also do what I can . . and I won’t forget that I promised her I would take care of him.

They will find a new “normal” but it will never be the same for either of them. 

She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late February. They were so determined she could beat it, even though they knew the odds were totally against winning that battle. She gave it a good fight but in the end, like so often happens, cancer won, leaving grief and broken hearts to carry on without Dorothy.

Dorthy was loved by so many and will be greatly missed. Heaven has gained an angel and left lots of sad hearts here on earth.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I’m so sorry Judy, I’m glad you got to spend some time with her & your uncle, hugs.

  3. I’m so sorry to hear of your aunt’s passing. She sounds like a beautiful woman who lived a wonderful life and was loved by all her family. I know she’ll be missed so much.

  4. I am so sorry for your loss. Your Aunt Dorothy sounds like a fabulous woman who was blessed in many ways. You are an angel to her, your Uncle Goob, their daughter and her family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Peace to all of you.

  6. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your aunt….you and your family are in my prayers….

  10. It’s wonderful that you were able to spend what time she had left with her and Goof (love those Addie pronunciations). That’s the way it was as well when my DH died..left so many who loved him grieving greatly at his loss. And how wonderful that your aunt had such a close relationship with her daughter..something many moms never experience. Sounds like a life well lived. So sorry for your loss, Judy.

  13. Sorry to hear of the loss of your Aunt. What wonderful memories you will carry with you always. So glad you’re u could be there to help as I am sure it meant more to her than you will ever know. Hugs and Prayers for one and all.

  14. So sorry to hear about the loss of your Aunt. What a beautiful tribute you wrote. Keeping your family in my prayers.

  16. So very, very sorry, Judy…..so glad you were able to spend some time with them and be there for them. Prayers for comfort for all of you.

  17. I am so very sorry, Judy. I am glad you could be there for them now and you will always remember her with love. Prayers for all of you.

  18. I’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you have some wonderful memories to help navigate thru the grief. Take care. Hugs and prayers to you and the family.

  19. Judy, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your post is such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. So thankful you were there with her and your uncle and were able to spend the last days with her. Hold the good thoughts in your heart forever.

  20. Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. Your tribute to Dorothy is beautiful and I am very glad that you were able to see her before she passed. Lots more cyber hugs, prayers, and good thoughts are on their way to you.

  21. Judy, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that I will be thinking of you,your uncle, and all of those who loved your aunt and will feel the pain of her passing. I hope that soon you will all reach the time when memories bring comfort rather than sorrow. Sandie Mackintosh

  22. I am so sorry Judy – she sounds like a wonderful adventurer! I am so glad you could be there for them at this time. But remember you are grieving too and you need to take care of yourself in the process of taking care of others.

  24. I am so sorry for your and your families loss of such a wonderful and well loved member. My prayers are with you and your kin.

  25. Hugs to you and your entire family. Dorothy sounds like such a special person, and she chose such a special family to love her in return.

  26. So sorry for your loss Judy. Hugs and prayers for your family at this sad time. Dorothy sounds like a wonderful person!

  27. I’m so sorry for your loss, but I am so happy for you that you had the opportunity to be there with your aunt before she passed.

  28. What a nice tribute to somebody who will be dearly missed. I’m sorry for your loss.

  29. wonderful tribute; thanks for sharing a bit of this lady with us. she was obviously special to many and will leave a lasting impression on them.

  30. Judy, I’m just now getting over here to read your tribute to your Aunt Dorothy. I know this has been a rough few months for all of you. Your aunt loved you so much and so does Goob. I know you will do all you can for him. I’m just so glad you were able to go to spend some time with Dorothy before she went to heaven. Know that you have another wonderful guardian angel looking down on you from above. Stay strong, grieve and take a deep breath. Let me know if I can do anything for you. Love you!

  32. So sorry for your loss, but so lovely you could spend time with her and your uncle. You have so many happy memories of your Aunt.

  33. My condolences to all of you. She sounds like a person you were fortunate to know, let alone have as a relative. I’m so glad you decided to go and help for as long as you needed to. Since she’s in your heart, and so many others, she will never be truly gone.

  34. Been through pancreatic cancer with my m-i-l and two of my dear friends. It is a hard thing to have and deal with. I am sorry for your loss and the family.

  35. I’m so sorry, Judy. She sounds like a special person who made an impact on those around her. What a wonderful legacy.

  37. Sorry to hear about your loss.. but glad you got to spend some time with her and the family… God bless.

  39. Judy, I’m so sorry that you have had such big losses this week… first Speck and now your aunt. Your family is lucky to have you, and you to have them. Take time to grieve and don’t worry about us. We will be here when you return. Dorothy is looking down from heaven, keeping you all safe. Prayers to your family…Cynthia

  40. I’m so sorry, Judy. And I’m so glad you were able to go and spend some time with her.

  41. I’m sad for you and your family but so glad you were able to be there for her last days. She is now an angel watching over you and your uncle.

  43. I’m sorry you’ve had a run of bad news/experiences lately. My thoughts are with you and your family.

  46. we, too, thought we could beat my husband’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis, but God had other plans. I still don’t know why, but I do trust that He is in charge. God bless you and your family as you transition to the new “normal” which is so hard. I have recently become “Gwanmaw” instead of “Danmaw” and I, too, am not sure whether I prefer the newer version or not. Prayers for your family.

  47. What wonderful memories! No one can take those from you. May God bless you and your family in you time of need. And may He comfort you in the knowledge she is in a better place with him. May He also guide your mind and hands as you travel with your dear Addie! We miss you and are anxious for you to come home soon. Probably not as much as Vince though! Be safe and know my prayers are with you always.

  48. My deepest sympathies. You were so fortunate to be able to spend time with her at the end. Safe travels back home.

  50. I’m so sorry for your loss, Judy. It was wonderful you were able to spend some time with your aunt before the end.

  51. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Sorry, I am just getting around to reading this one. Just been under the weather .

Discover more from Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading