RIP Irene Michul, 1919-2014

[kmusser]

Tomorrow I'm headed to Ohio for the funeral of one of the most amazing people I know.  I'm not sure when it was that I realized I was very lucky when it comes to my family.  Ours is a large family, and the relatively frequent family gatherings were always filled with fun and love and Irene was always at the center of it.  She had 7 children, each of whom is an awesome person in their own right.  I think being able to create a loving family is a truly unappreciated gift.

I visited her last weekend, she got to spend her final days at home, surrounded by family.  While her body failed her, her mind stayed sharp almost to the very end.  It felt almost like the Jewish custom of sitting shiva, accept that the person we were mourning and celebrating was still with us.  Stories and food were shared, games were played, sympathy given.  Irene was ready to go.

It's hard to even imagine how different the world was when she was growing up, to me she was one of my constants, seemingly unflappable through all the change.  One of my fond memories will be of her sitting quietly with her Kindle. Thank you grandma for your lessons that family is a gift, that there is strength in kindness, and that one should be ruthless in cards.  You will be missed.

http://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/obituary.aspx?n=irene-j-michul-reinke&pid=170514564&fhid=6267

Comments

[museclio]

May the beauty of her life shine from generation to generation, and may your life always be an honor to her memory.

[castalusoria.livejournal.com]

Please accept my sincere condolences. Thank you for sharing your memories of her!

[sethcohen.livejournal.com]

Condolences to you and your family, Karl.

[vvalkyri.livejournal.com]

I am so glad you got out there last weekend. When I saw your post on FB I wasn't sure. :hugs: she sounds fascinating.

thank you Karl

[jim lavelle (from livejournal.com)]

I could not agree more. I most fond memories are at Grandma's house in Tiffin. Maybe for Thanksgiving, playing cards, or just sitting quietly. I will miss her and always remember her and try to live up to her example.

[evcelt.livejournal.com]

::hugs:: and condolences...

[selki.livejournal.com]

Thank you grandma for your lessons that family is a gift, that there is strength in kindness, and that one should be ruthless in cards.

What a great woman. I'm glad you got to see her again recently, and that you'll have good memories.