My beautiful mother entered her heavenly home peacefully Saturday morning around 8:20 am. Two of my sisters were styling her hair when they left momentarily to answer the doorbell. At the door was a long-time friend of mother's. They invited her in and then all three discovered she was no longer breathing. Tatiana and I were at the grocery store in Austin at the time and Tom delivered the news as we opened the garage door. As some of you know, we found out about her cancer in early to mid-June. We only saw her suffer minimally and we never resorted to around the clock morphine. We know she probably developed it long before the discovery, but we are indeed grateful that she did not suffer for a long time. Again, as most of you know she died just ten days short of her 87th birthday.
Tatiana and I spent the day with her on Friday--again what a blessing. I painted her nails, read prayers and scripture to her and held her hand for as long as I could. The last time I got to spend the night with her was on Wednesday, went to work on Thursday, and then returned again on Friday when I had the day off. We kept a constant vigil around her with candles lit and she was able to die in her own bedroom. Tatiana gave her a kiss before we left--Mom knew we were there (actually you can't help it because Tatiana has a very loud voice!!!!) I gave her a kiss and said, "Goodbye sweet angel," thinking that I'd see her again on Saturday. My sister Carmen and I were scheduled to stay Saturday night with her, but that was not to be.
When my sister called the priest we found that a lady who lived across the street from my mother also died that morning--sadly she was in her 60's. She had had a heart attack about a week prior. They want her funeral Tues. morn at the church, so we're thinking about having it Tues. p.m., but we're not entirely sure because there is a chance these other people may change their plans. We are also concerned because of the hurricane. Mother's funeral will be held in Weimar at the same Catholic church where she was baptized, made her first holy communion, was married, and the church in which she volunteered most of her life. The church is literally in her backyard. I wrote a eulogy for her years ago and if you want a copy, just let me know.
I thanked my mother countless times for the gift of my seven brothers and sisters. With all their children and grandchildren, our immediate family is easily over 40 people. This is very comforting right now.
If you want more information you can call me directly and my former co-workers can contact Mary Alford.
Thank you for your love and support.
Love, Mary Wiggins
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--- Mary Wiggins wrote:
> We had a great time. Temps in the 70's and sunny.
> I think I'll let Brian fill you in so as not to
> spoil anything. They saw all Haiduseks except Gail
> who had to work and was taking a test and couldn't
> walk outside for a second.
>
> Only when I saw them did I know they were in Austin.
> Brian's email said they would fly into SA and the
> other info I had was he would be in Weimar on
> Wednesday. That was all, but Vicki said she was
> very busy. They actually stayed pretty close to my
> job and I wish I had known so I could have at least
> had lunch with Vicki.
>
> Sandy took lots of pictures.
>
> Please pass this info on to Vince, too.
>
> We miss you guys.
>
>