On Monday, July 18, 2022 my mom, Judith Heineman, went home to Jesus. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on July 22nd by my dear friend Fr. Sean Paul with Deacon Mark and Deacon Paul. My Church/St. John’s School/Alden family rallied in support of me and my family, and the celebration of my mother’s life was better than I could have hoped for.
As mom transitioned to palliative care I took my girls (Jessica, my daughter and Arianna, my niece) to move my car out of the ramp and to an ice cream place 9 minutes away from the hospital. I needed chocolate given the roller coaster we had been on since Ma moved to ICU three days prior. As we drove we discussed the funeral and 14 year old Ari said, “I can preach!” When I asked her what she’d say about her grandmother she spoke beautifully. My daughter noted that if any grandchild spoke at the funeral it should be Ari because she was the closest to her.
In the image is Arianna’s eulogy. I read it for her and she stood by my side. My mother loved to play with words and make rhymes and poems. Ari’s words reflect that gift and her great love for her grandmother.
