Back in January, shortly after her 100th birthday, Grandma Jean fell in the bathroom. She hurt her ankle and was taken to the hospital and later, rehab. It was then that she started to decline, both mentally and physically. She wasn't the grandma that we used to know. Here's one of our last pics together on June 27th. It was a good day she talked about Kiera and the other grandkids and also my job as a teacher. The second pic was taken on July 18th and she had become more frail and was barely eating. She had her last rites read to her by Father Matt from St. Barabas. On July 20th she went to Heaven into eternal rest.
Genevieve Dragan 1/3/1919 - 7/20/2019
I had the privilege of giving her eulogy....
We’re here today to celebrate the century of life Grandma Jean lived. Though we are saddened by the loss of our family’s matriarch, we know that she is no longer in pain and is together again with Grandpa Bill and Bushy, her mom. I hope the memories I share about gram make you smile as you probably have similar recollections. But don’t worry, if I get teared up, I’ve got a tissue up my sleeve, I learned from the best.
She could be called old fashioned and simple to some, but to us, that was just part of her charm. She had a rotary phone for years and lived more than half her life without air conditioning, which she never liked anyway, since it gave her laryngitis. If she was in AC too long, she’d spend a day or two of what she referred to as “doctoring up” and she was as good as new. She never had a cell phone or used a computer. She got all the information she needed from the church bulletin, the Plain Dealer or the local television channels. Her idea of a perfect meal was a well done steak and water with no ice. She loved dessert and always had cookies, cake (white was her favorite) or pastries on hand. To her, no dessert was complete without a cup of instant coffee. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, gardening, cross word puzzle books, scratch off lottery tickets and enjoyed sitting in her chair at the kitchen table or in her recliner in the living room. She had a strong work ethic, working in the drapery room at Higbees and later, upon retirement from Higbees, the Toscana Party Center Catering. She also worked hard to keep a clean and tidy home. She was quite set in her ways, stubborn at times…I guess living to 100 has its privileges.
She had a strong faith, which started when she was a young girl at St. Stanislas Catholic School and continued through adulthood at St. Monica’s Parish. She was a member of the the St. Monica's Women's Guild and the Catholic War Veterans and Auxilary. She was also proud of her Polish heritage and had a fondness for pierogis and kolaczki.
She never learned to ride a bike or drive, but that didn’t slow her down. From walking, to public transportation, to rides from family or friends, to senior bus trips, she got around just fine. She enjoyed many a day trip to the casinos or Amish country, but her favorite places to visit were the homes of her children or grandchildren. She never missed a holiday or a birthday. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
May you always keep memories of Grandma Jean in your heart.
I am going to share a poem, titled Memories in the Heart, Author Unknown
Feel no guilt in laughter, she knows how much you care
Feel no sorrow in a smile that she’s not here to share.
You cannot grieve forever, she would not want you to.
She’d hoped you can carry on, the way you always do.
So talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared
The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared.
Let memories surround you,
A word someone may say
Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day
That brings her back as clearly as though she was here
And fills you with the feelings that she is always near
For if you keep these moments, you will never be apart
And she will live forever, locked safe within your heart.
Grandma’s 100 years on this earth were simple, yet beautiful. We are so fortunate to have spent so many years together, and her legacy will live on for generations to come.
