Mother at her 80th birthday party
Helen Louise
June 27, 1929 – December 28, 2009
My mother passed away this morning about 9:30AM. It was about 6 weeks ago that she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She was admitted to the hospital Saturday as she was very dehydrated and had a lot of pain in her stomach. The CAT scan showed air in her stomach and liver lining and in an artery. The decision was made late yesterday afternoon to take her off all meds and give her morphine to try to make her comfortable. She went into a coma last night and was gone this morning as I said around 9:30. She made it to Christmas which was her favorite day of the year.
After all of the family in the area came to say our goodbye’s mother’s eyes were going to be donated to Devers Eye Institute. Although she was blind in one eye from a stroke years ago and had been treated for glaucoma they said that she would be an excellent donor for research purposes.
My mother had the foresight a few years ago to make cremation plans through the Neptune Society. We will have a small memorial service in three weeks or so.
Jackieinpdx's Blog 
I’m so sorry, Jackie. I wish I had the words to give you peace. She’ll always be with you, know that.
Thank you Joyce. If mother hadn’t passed away today I was going to cancel my trip to Isla. My flight leaves tomorrow morning. There is nothing that I need to do here so I am going to Isla to meet up with many friends who are there or arriving in the next few days. To me there is no where better to grieve than my favorite place in the world.
You know that you randomly popped up on my FB as a person I may know the other day. I always check to see what friends are in common and I saw that you know Diane MacFarlane. I have worked with Diane for I think about 11 years and Bill for many of those too before he left Qwest.
So sorry to hear this, Jackie. Glad your mom is at peace and you were able to be there to make the difficult decisions. I hope you find your time on Isla as one of healing.
So Sorry to hear about your Mom. I know your trip will be a healing one.
:-(( hugs….:-((
I went to high school with Diane and was friends with Bill during high school as well (ran with the same group of friends, worked at Farrell’s together). Such a small world, but I guess not really if you consider that Portland isn’t that big a place. Feel free to friend if you’d like.
I’m glad you are taking your trip, something about that water that sooths the soul. Maybe the universe planned it that way. 🙂 Safe travels ~
I am so sorry for your loss! Moms are the hardest. Indeed, may she rest in peace!
I love that pic! Your Mom looks so happy and like she is ‘Queen of the World’! A beautiful tribute.
Jackie – I’m so sorry to hear about your mother.
Thank you Bennie. It was so sudden.