Yesterday, we lost a very special woman in our family. Dan’s grandmother, Norraine, passed away, after spending 96 years here on this earth. I’m so thankful for this woman, and thankful for her daughter, who had a son, who I get to spend my life with, and raise a family of my own.
I’m thankful my kids were able to have her in their lives. Thankful indeed.
Will be back next week. Heading up North for the funeral. To celebrate her amazing life.
reflections:0) says
So very, very sorry to hear of your loss.
reflections:0(
Steph #1 Buckeye Fan says
Cathy, my condolences to you, Dan and your family.
Cathy says
God bless you all… I know how this feels having lost my grandmother in August (she missed her 90th birthday by 2 months)
Meghan E says
So sorry for your loss 🙁
Monica says
I am so sorry for you & your families loss. Travel safely.
Lee says
So sorry for your loss.
Judy in Huntsville says
Sp sorry to hear of your loss – praying for safety and comfort as you go through this time – J
Krys says
You’re all so lucky to have had her as part of your lives for so long, even though on a day like this, it doesn’t seem anywhere near long enough.
My grandmother died in 1985, 14 years before I got married, she never met my husband, or her great grandchildren…
We miss her every day.
Enjoy your memories!
Lisa says
I’m sorry about your families loss. She looks like an amazing woman, who really lived life.-L
sev from france says
I’m sorry for your loss.
Allison Gottlieb says
So sorry to hear about Dan’s grandmother. It’s wonderful that your children got to know her and are able to have special memories of their great grandmother.
Mel says
Very sorry for your families loss.
jenn b says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. We celebrated my grandmother last year and it truly was a celebration of her life. Enjoy the time with your family–it goes by quickly.
Joni says
So very sorry for your loss….I love that you’ll be celebrating her life! Safe travels my friend!
Hillary Chybinski says
Cathy – our warmest sympathies go out to you and your family –
hugs,
Hillary
Julie Mitchell from Montreal says
My sympathies to the family. She sounds like an amazing woman.
Gab says
Very sorry for your loss
ashley says
I’m sorry for your family’s loss.
Bec says
My heart felt sympathies to you and your family. How blessed you were, indeed, to have her looking over the family for so many years.
Laura from Calgary says
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your strength, love for her and memories of her will get you through this hard time.
Lisa says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your grateful post is a wonderful testament.
Marcie says
Cathy I’m so sorry for your families loss. You’ll be in my prayers.
Peggy says
So sorry for your family’s loss.
melanie says
I remember your post about her, and it was one of my favourites. She must have been quite a woman.
My deepest condolences to Dan and your family.
joanne (spagirl) says
sending condolences to you and your family cathy… never an easy time. what a lovely post. do take care.
Sidney says
Losing a beloved grandmother is so sad. But your family was blessed to have her for so long. My deepest condolences to you all.
Katie Scott says
So sorry. (She looks a lot like my Nana whom we lost a few years ago). Have a safe trip.
Margaret C says
I’m sorry for your loss. Take care of yourselves xx
colleen says
i am so sorry for you loss, you are all in my prayers.
Melissa says
Oh, what a sweet woman. May we all be so blessed as to live to be that old, that kind, and have such loving family as Norraine.
Praying for comfort and strength for you and your entire family…
Diane Roberts says
Sending you all lots of hugs on this sad loss. I never knew any of my grandparents, so your children have been so blessed by her presence in their lives. Thinking of you all….
Carrie says
I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. Grandparents are such gifts to our children and families. I’m so happy your children experienced such a wonderful women. You will all be in my thoughts & prayers!!!
Wendy Holifield says
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss!!! What a beautiful lady. I absolutely love that picture of her with your kids! The sweet expression on her face is priceless.
miss h says
I’m sorry for your family’s loss. It is very special that your kids got to grow up with a great grandmother. Have a safe trip.
Linda J says
Sorry for your family’s loss – glad you have such fond memories to hold dear.
KellyM says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Enjoy the celebration of Norraine’s life, we should all be so blessed as she was.
KellyM in MN
Kirsten says
Oh so sorry to hear. What a beautiful lady! And 96!! It’s great she was here to know your children. Those pictures are priceless.
Candi Tardio says
cathy, so sorry to hear about your family’s loss. take care!
bri says
thinking of you and your family.
StacyS. says
So sorry for your loss. What a great picture of your kids with her – I’m sure she will be greatly missed. 96 is pretty amazing:)
StacyS. (Alberta, Canada)
Anne Thurlow says
So very sorry for your loss.
Deborah P says
Safe travels and my sympathies for your loss. Grandparents (and great-grandparents) are so special. I’m glad Aidan and Cole are old enough to have solid memories of her that they’ll have the rest of their lives. My nieces knew my grandmother, but were too young to have retained those memories. She loved them so; I regret they cannot remember that themselves.
Suzanne says
So sorry for you loss, I remember that photo with the kids and how gratefuly you were that she made that trip with your family. No one can ever take away the memories!
kelli says
So sorry to hear of your family’s loss.
Have a safe trip.
Micki says
Cathy, my heart hurts for you and everyone who loved this woman! You are definitely in my thoughts & Prayers.
Rose says
So sorry to hear about your familys loss of this special woman.
Lovebug Kat (Chatty Kathy) says
thoughts and prayers going out to you and yours Cathy, she sounds like an amazing woman.
((HUGS))
Tya says
My prayers go out to you and your family. She looks and sounds like she was a wonderful person! {{{HUGS}}} for you all. 🙁
kellyv says
Hi Cathy,
I think that it must be amazing to have a woman with so many years and so much history be a part of your family story. I am sure she will live in your hearts and her goodness will live on through you and Dan and your children. Condolences on your loss.
Kelly V
Denise in AK says
Cathy, What a blessing your kiddos had in knowing and loving such a person. Praying for a peaceful time with all who loved her.
Rhona says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Spend the time with your family remembering the wonderful woman she must have been and celebrating her life – we had a celebration of my husband’s aunt’s life last weekend and it was good to have the chance to talk and remember the woman she had been. Safe trip both ways.
Rhona
Jana D says
I am so sorry for your loss. How wonderful that you got to know her for as long as you did.
Ann says
Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. How amazingly blessed you were to have such a wonderful woman in your lives. Hold tight to your special memories.
Izzy says
What a blessing to have her around for so long. She looked like such a sweet lady. Hugs to you and your family. Safe travels.
Izzy
Kathryn says
I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
It is such a blessing to have special people in our lives like Grandparents. We lost my Grandmother 2 months ago. I was fortunate to have a really close relationship with her and my children did as well. She will be greatly missed. We are better people having known her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family this weekend.
jenny says
My thoughts are with you all – the gratitude in your post is such a good reminder to be thankful today.
LeeAnna says
My thoughts are with you and your family. God bless.
Dana J says
How wonderful you and your children were blessed with her. May your memories be your source of comfort and keep her memory alive.
Lorenda says
My sympathies to Dan and your family for your loss.
Peace
Ann says
So sorry to hear about your family’s loss. But, like you said, how wonderful to have her be part of your family’s life. May the warm memories of her help you through this difficult time.
Ann
kp says
Ninety seven years deserves to be celebrated-my deepest sympathy to all of you. This is when we are so glad that we document our memories.
Michelle says
How wonderful that your children had a chance to have a “great” Grandma in their lives!
Hugs
sue Treiber says
Sorry to hear of your loss. She looks like she would’ve been a fun chica!
cyndi says
So sorry for your loss. What a blessing for your kids to have her in their lives so long.
Lisa says
I’m so glad you had such a wonderful woman in your lives!
falwyn says
My heart goes out to you and your family.
Kris Lindsay says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
sara says
I’m so sorry for your loss. My Gram has been gone eight years and I just wrote a post about her last week because I didn’t want to forget the little things… I’m so glad you do what you do so you have photos and memories that your kids will never forget.
Will be thinking of you this weekend and saying a prayer for your safe travels…
Jill says
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. She sounds like an amazing woman.
Lauren says
96 years and people who love you, will miss you, and were blessed by you. Now THAT’s a life.
Robyn says
I am sorry for your loss. What a special time for your children, not many of us get to know our great grandparents.
bobbieh says
Hugs to you and your family~
Kim K says
I remember when you posted that shot of Dan’s grandmother earlier this year (I think it was this year?) She seems so “with it” in those pictures, and I just love her sense of style!
I’m sure those are terrific memories for your kids and your family!
Norraine was the same age as my grandfather, who passed away just last Sunday. It was wonderful getting together with family to remember him. I hope you have the same experience with your extended family at the celebration of her life! Your “virtual friends” here on the net will be thinking of you…
yanina says
Cathy,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Safe trip!
Sandee says
May she travel in God’s grace and rest forever in your hearts.
Donna says
So sorry for your family’s loss, thinking of you all.
x
Rebecca K says
Very sorry for you and your families loss. My thoughts are with you.
rocky says
what a blessing to have had such an valuable part of Dan’s history to fill a place in yours and A/C life. My most favorite alltime project was a vintage “celebration of life” I made for a 90 grandmother– pictures from 1890-1900 what an honor. I know you will honor her memory in a creative way. God Bless your family.
Shari from Denver says
Cathy,
I’m praying for you and your family. Norriene was a very cute, sweet looking worman. I am glad you are celebrating her life, and the fact that you were able to spend so many years with her.
blessings from Denver
Jeannette P says
Sending sincere condolences to you & your family. Have a safe trip & enjoy celebrating & remembering Norraine’s life as much as you can in this sad time.
Marianne says
Your husband’s grandmother sounds like she had an amazing life and touched a lot people. May your sweet memories of her comfort all of you. May she rest in peace…
Jean Leone says
How lucky you are that she graced your family and you have the photos nad memories to keep near and dear to your hearts. My deepest condolences to all.
J.Leone
mandyk says
So sorry for you loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
amy staats says
So sorry for your loss. It is a sad time when you loss someone extra special, but you always are grateful for the memories you have to cherish!
Erika says
Thoughts & prayers go out to you, Dan, your kids and the rest of the family on this great loss. It’s times like these when you know you’ve been truly blessed to have known such a great woman. She almost had a century of wisdom and love under her belt to share with those she loved. What a gift! Treasure those amazing photos and the warm, loving memories that go with them!
Jody says
My sympathies to all your family- especially to Dan. It’s never an easy thing to say goodbye. Even after 96 amazing years. I hope you have a good weekend remembering such a special lady…and likely taking in some beautiful fall northern MN colors too. Grandma looks like she would have loved this time of year. Take care.
Jennifer Larson says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. What a treasure that she was with you for so many years! Such good memories for your family.
Amy says
I am so sorry for your loss! Your post made me teary for my own grandmother – who also hit 96, and passed away in 2001. We should all be so blessed!
Linda says
I’m sorry Cathy, for your loss. They are lovely photos. It reminds me to never be afraid of the camera, just to let it be.
Becky says
I’m so sorry for your loss. But what a wonderful way to honor her – a celebration, not a funeral.
Heather S says
Oh, Grandma Norraine reminded me of my grandma. So sorry for the loss…
Dana says
I’m sorry for your loss. May all your memories keep her alive in your hearts forever.
Pam says
I’m sorry for your loss. It just seems so sad when a generation leaves this earth. How wonderful that she blessed your family for so many years.
Tammy says
I am sorry.
Nanette says
My condolences to you and your family. I can see in her face that she loved life. I’m sure you will miss her a lot. Have a safe trip.
Hugs…Nanette
Stephanie says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family, but wow…96, and she looks like a spry little lady…how fortunate that she and your kids were able to know each other and hopefully reminisce about all the experiences and struggles she had endured in those 96 years of life.
Hugs to you and yours…
Megan Hoeppner says
You and your family are in my thoughts, my prayers, and my heart. So sorry for your loss.
Karen Kelly says
What a blessing that you all have had her in your lives for all of these years. Travel safely and enjoy gathering with friends and family as you celebrate her life and legacy.
Krista O' says
I hope your fond memories bring comfort. Thinking of you & your family!
kass says
much love to you and Dan and the family. She looks like quite the lady.
Linda says
So sorry for your loss. She looks like she was a happy soul.
AnnB says
So sorry for your loss. What a great, long life she had and what a gift to be able to celebrate it this weekend. Hugs.
alexara says
Thinking of you all at this time…
Lucy says
Caring thoughts at this sad time xxx
Denine says
My sincere condolences to you all, Cathy. I am attending my grandmothers funeral today, so I can relate as to how hard it is to lose such a wonderful person. We can only be grateful for the time we had with them. God bless.
Barb says
I’m sorry for your loss. I can see just from these two pictures that she was a neat lady.
Sharon says
My condolences to you and your family. We lost my grandmother (she was 93) in July. While a sad time, it truly was an opportunity to celebrate her life. Wishing you all peace and many hugs.
Erin Glee says
Cathy and Family~ so sorry for “Grandma” making her Transition, and so glad she had a full, wonderful life, and that you got to be part of it!
Heidi P. says
Sorry to hear about this….my sympathy. Dan sure looks alot like her. Eyes and smile 🙂
Tina Brown says
Cathy,
So sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my grandmother last year and it has been so very hard. She was a wonderful seamstress and there are many days where I think I will just give grandma a call…and then remember that I can’t. I will be thinking of you and your family. God bless you all.
Michelle Davies says
So sorry that your family had to lose such an obviously special woman. My condolences.
Bethany says
She looks like an amazing woman who lived a long, rich, joy-giving life. Hope you throw a wonderful party to celebrate her life. Prayers and peace to all of you.
Janie says
Cathy, My sympathy to your family and especially Dan for the loss of his Grandma.
Jen says
Hi Cathy,
Here a Dutch condolences….
What a beautiful age this beloved lady has received! And then….Great to be so beloved!
I think the loss is awful, but the memories must be wonderful!
I hope you all will be okay there!
Take care and hang in there,
Jen.
keely says
Cathy & Dan, your kids are so lucky to have known their great-grandmother! What an amazing life she must’ve led in her 96 years. So nice that you have photos to spur your memories.
Jana says
I’m sorry for your family’s loss. What a wonderful photo of her and your kids. What joy!
Mary M. says
My condolences to you and your family. Keep the wonderful memories you shared with her in your heart forever.
Tracy says
I read your note in our classroom and wanted to express how sorry I am for your loss. I loved seeing the photos you have here of her with Dan and the kids. I wish I had more pictures of my maternal grandparents (with me and my brother), and because of that, I make sure I take lots of my paternal grandparents whenever I see them.
Houston says
Oh Cathy I am so sorry. What a huge blessing for your kids to have known her.
Ali says
That pic of her and the kids is awesome – you can just tell she was one awesome lady. Love you –
liz says
Sorry to hear of your family’s loss.
Heather V says
Soo sorry for your loss!! you guys will be in our thoughts tonight!
Hugs,
Heather
karin says
So sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts.
Barb A. Stewart says
Dear Cathy and Dan,
I’m sorry to hear of the loss, of who looks to have been the sweetest little lady in the world! Your children are so blessed to have known her…what a gift!
I hope that your family finds great peace as you celebrate her life.
Big Hugs to you all…
Sharon F. says
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. It’s so wonderful that you were able to spend as much time as possible with her. Our relatives have so much to share, especially those with so many miles logged. My deepest sympathies.
Victoria says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Dan and the kids.
Hugs,
Victoria
Missus Wookie says
So sorry to hear of your family’s loss. What a wonderful legacy to leave behind – a family who treasured you and loved you. Great-grandparents are a special blessing.
Hope the trip Up North went well.
Monica Brown says
Cathy,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am so glad that your children had a chance to know her. You can see how much she loved them in those photos.
Monica
jen says
I’m so sorry. What a long and blessed life she had.
Holly Denghel says
Very sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Shelly says
I am so sorry to hear about Dan’s grandmother. How amazing that she was in his life for 96 years! What a legacy…
Karen says
I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss. I also just lost my grandmother last week, she was 86. I love the picture with her and the kids. She looks so sweet.
emily ruth says
i’m so sorry…
suzanne says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Melissa (MilliD) says
I’m so sorry for your loss; she sounds like a very special lady.
Stephanie says
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. She has such a radiant face. How lucky your family was to have her for so long.
Sonda T says
Hi Cathy! I am just now seeing this today. She is one precious little lady! Much love and hugs to you and your family!
terry says
i am so sorry for your loss.
jenn says
So sorry for your loss. (hugs)
Denise says
So sorry for your loss, but so glad that she was a part of their lives for so long.