Grandma Dottie

(layout from December 2007 kit at MyScrapbookShoppe)

I am sad to report that John's Grandma, Dottie (Dorothy) Pebbles passed away last night at age 96.  It is both a sad time for our family, and a time where we consider how blessed Dottie was not only in life, but in her passing. Dottie was mostly self-sufficient until only very recently- last week she finally moved from her own apartment into full nursing care. Over the past few days, Dottie was visited by almost all of her grandchildren and each of her own children as well. Just after the family spent most of the day working together to help clear out her apartment, at dinner time yesterday we heard from the doctor that she wasn't doing very well. Our immediate family, (John, Sally and parents Ann and Harold) headed up to see her along with Pastor Crabtree from Dottie's church. We all had a chance to comfort Dottie, give kisses, say prayers and goodbyes. Only a few hours later, Dottie passed away in her sleep.

This is from the page I made about Dottie for our family scrapbook just before Christmas last year:

"Dottie Pebbles drove her own car until she was 95, and always over the speed limit. She played Scrabble like a champion, winning almost every game played with her children and grandchildren, only recently has her ability to play diminished. As a kid, she wasn't considered the "fun" grandma, but as John got older, he appreciated that she treated him like an adult. Dottie survived the death of her husband and her daughter Sally. Before Sally passed away from breast cancer, Dottie and her daughter would bake sourdough bread together. For 15 years after Sally's death, Dottie would still use the same batch of dough she made with her daughter to make new loaves, adding new ingredients to stretch the remains as much as possible. Dottie always dresses beautifully, she has to be the best dressed senior in Silverdale, still wearing Banana Republic and classic wool pants suits that look like they were just purchased at Nordstroms yesterday. Dottie still drinks her daily dose of one part gin to two parts water. We all swear that it's this, plus the loving sourdough, that has kept Dottie with us all these years.

Dottie was an amazing, spunky, smart woman; and we will all miss her greatly.
Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers.

Comments

[Nancy Comelab]

I am very sorry for your loss, John and Jennifer. You and your family are in my thoughts. Be strong. {{{hugs}}}

[Sara*P]

What a sweet tribute - thanks for letting us get to know her!

[Natasja]

such a beautiful tribute. Lots of strenght to you and your family!

Natasja

[giosmama26]

Awww what a wonderful tribute. Thanks for sharing her with us. =)

[Stephanie Jedlicka]

How sweet, Jen. Sending my best.

[Erin H.]

Sorry to hear about your loss...you and your family are in my thoughts. Take care.

[doris.sander]

such a touching post. amen for grandma dottie.

[Alison]

I am so sorry for your family's loss. We'll keep you in our thoughts and hope you all find peace soon.

[Steph]

I am so sorry for your loss. What an amazing tribute, it sounds like she was an amazing woman.

[corinne delis]

sorry to read this, will be thinking of you and your family. I love the lo you made of her, it belongs into a magazine.

corinnexxx

[jana]

i´m so sorry ! your layout and text is so wonderful- you couldn´t make a better way to say good bye ! thinkin of you and your family....

[Sasha Farina]

oh Jen. Those words on your layout, making me choke. I'm so sorry you lost this great person. But pls remember, she is somewhere in your heart, everyday.

[kristina]

That layout is so beautiful, Jen. Love that journaling. I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. Prayers going up for you all. Hugs, my friend.

[star8278]

So sorry for your loss. What a great tribute you have there... Keep the memories close to your heart and she will never be far.

[hanna]

What a blessing she was to be in your lives and though she may have passed away I know she will live on in your hearts. Hugs to you and your family you are all in my prayers.

[melissa deakin]

i'm so deeply sorry for your loss.
she sounds like an amazing woman and it is a gift that she went so peacefully.
you will all be in my prayers.

[Elizabeth Rosemond]

Sending good thoughts to you and John. She certainly was amazing!

[mR]

what a beautiful page and tribute.
sending comfort and prayers for you and the family.

[KellyB]

So sorry for your loss. I was very close with my grandparents (we even lived a block away from each other!) and we lost them both in the last few years & it's hard still. I wish the best for your family & you're all in my thoughts.
KellyB

[Dawn]

So very sorry to hear of your family's loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time of sadness..and what a beuatiful way to remember her by!

[Julie in Houston]

How lucky you are to have had so many years with a wonderful lady. She reminds me of a few of he seniors that I work with. Sharp as a tack and independent.

[KK]

I would pray to be so lucky in my life to be healthy & productive through my time on this earth and surrounded by loved ones as I peacefully pass. Such a beautiful tribute. Peace, comfort, & prayers to you & yours.

[Wendy]

So sorry for your loss. It sounds like Dottie was quite a woman. How wonderful to have such precious memories!

[fran heupel]

Sorry for your loss. Sounds like she was a wonderful woman.Great page lsyout Jennifer. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Julia Sandvoss]

I'm so sorry to read about the loss of such a neat grandparent! I love the layout. TFS

[Melissa]

I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful way to treasure the times spent with your grandma. My thoughts are with you and your family.
M~

[tami]

My sympathies. Your page & tribute are beautiful.