Grandma Mary's funeral day

Last Thursday Dick and I left home by 6:30 am, headed to Fairview Reception Center in Lebanon County.  Grandma Mary's viewing was scheduled to begin at 9:00, and I wanted to be among the first ones there before it would get too crowded.  I knew my stepbrothers were making a lot of effort to keep things COVID-safe, but we really did not feel comfortable being among so many people.  

In the room where her casket was, there was a rope separating the seated family from the viewers.  I took this picture of the flower arrangement we Witmers gave.  My sister Barb in Idaho picked it out.  So gorgeous!!

Dick and I and my sister Mary Ellen were the only Witmers who came to this part of the service.  Dick and Nancy and Doris and Dale came to the graveside service later.  We and Mary Ellen were sitting at first at the end of that line.  However, Mary's beloved sister Nora was seated behind us, and so many people who came to the viewing had not seen Nora in a long time, so they just couldn't help themselves from coming back to talk to her.  

Before long Dick decided to go to the van.  Mary Ellen and I went to the big room where the service would later be held.  There was a slideshow running over there that we enjoyed watching.  We also got to see and talk with some of our cousins who came.   

When the service was ready to begin at 10:30 I went out to the van, and Dick and I used the phone number that was given.  We were able to listen to the service.  It was so loud and clear!  I think we were able to hear better than the people inside!   I had fun texting with some of my sisters who were also listening from out of state.  The best part of the service was when two of the Zimmerman granddaughters and two of my stepbrothers shared their memories and stories.  EVERYONE talked about her cookies!  Both sons mentioned how she would pull a straight pin out of her head covering and poke them in the behind when they were too rowdy.  Cracked me up!!  No wonder she was such a feisty lady - raising six equally feisty boys!!  

Afterward we drove to Myerstown Mennonite Church for the burial service.  Her first husband Paul was buried there.  Yes, she married two Pauls!  It was a sunny day, a bit windy at times.  

Mary's sons are seated across the front.  Roy, standing in the blue shirt, gave his chair to his Aunt Nora. Carl, Marvin, Jay, and Lester (also his wife Erma) can be seen on the front row.  Missing is youngest brother Gary.  I know he was there, but I'm not sure where he was when I snapped this picture.  I wish I had gotten a picture of all six of them together.  They are such wonderful guys, and so fun to be with.  No wonder - they are Mary's sons.  

After the service, each of Mary's children and stepchildren was given a rose from this bouquet.  Grandchildren were given the carnations. 

This was my rose, along with a spray of baby's breath and a fern leaf.  

The Zimmermans invited us to join them at a nearby restaurant afterward.  How we would have enjoyed that!  However, we again did not feel comfortable being indoors with a big group of people.  UGH!!   So instead we got takeout and ate in a park.  We were thankful it was such a nice day.  

Here's a slideshow I made of the years that Mary was part of the Witmer family, 1983 - 2020.  How BLESSED we have been to have her loving presence in our family all these years.  Thank you, Lord!