a TRUE lady of the lake

[Mr. V]

Odds are pretty good that you don't know my mother, but I'm sure that some of you do.

She's a true lady of the lake ... and as I type this, she is about to pass from cancer after an epic battle of eleven years.

Mom has spent part of pretty much every summer on Winnipesaukee since she was a kid; her grandpa was one of the original tent campers at Lake Shore Park, a full of pep guy who loved the adventure of the open road.

She was a beauty, a finalist (or was it winner? I forget) in Miss Winnipesaukee.

An avid swimmer, a social creature always comfortable within the bosom of her family.

She counted the days year round until summer vacation time rolled around; we packed the car and made the long journey north to escape the stifling NJ heat and humidity, to renew and refresh ourselves at the lake.

A smart, loyal person, who never said a mean word against anybody.

She and my father finally gave in and bought a permanent retirement home up here about 14 years ago; she's been active in Episcopal church, adult literacy (tutor), canasta, and other activities.

Honest as the day is long...and I must soon say: "so long."

How do you say good-bye to a lady of the lake?

I don't plan to; when I next swim in the lake, I will say "hello."

It seems better that way.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Dear Mr. V,
I am very sorry for your loss and her sad struggle with this awful disease. No one should ever have to make such a journey.
It is wonderful that she was able to move to the lake permanently. Along with the support of her loved ones, it must have been a comfort to her during this time.
Perhaps you could share a photograph of her in a happy moment at the lake or a picture of her favorite spot.
My thoughts are with you in your sadness, let your memories keep you warm.
With sympathy,
Rattlesnake Gal

[Pepper]

Mr. V. is correct in stating that his mother is indeed a TRUE LADY of the LAKE. It is with deepest hearts that we find her slipping from us.

Her courage and strength for the past eleven years has been an inspiration to me and many others.

Her ability to awaken in others a love for not only our Lake, but all the wonders of nature, leaves a legacy of respect and admiration in the members of the younger generations who have had the priviledge to know her.

Her beauty - inside and out have touched the lives of many. It is the beauty from within her which will live on in the memories of so many of us.

Her heart will forever be among the hummingbirds and orioles off the back deck at the lake. Her spirit will forever sail on the winds across the top of the boathouse. Her memory will forever grace the steep banks of her beloved lakeside retreat. Her love will live on in the hearts of all who have called her friend, or family.

Mr. V, our hearts are with you and K. and S. today and every day. Strength, and peace, and love.

Pepper

[Acres per Second]

I'm very saddened to hear, as well.

My own mother was afflicted by cancer, and, as RG suggests, a photograph taken in a happy moment at the lake will ease. An elderly family friend said to me "You will never miss anyone as you will miss your mother". It is true.

Just before Mom was diagnosed, I took a photograph of her in a field of red flowers not far from here. We heard the sweet, plaintive song of a white-throated sparrow, and she commented how much she liked it.

Between the bird song and the photograph -- and whether indoors or outdoors -- I am reminded.

My sympathies are with you and your family.

[Island Girl]

Please know that my sympathies are with you at this time. I have found being at the lake a great source of comfort. The joy in knowing that I am closer to my Island Guy when I am at the lake keeps me going.

Here is my hand to hold at this difficult time.

[trfour]

MR. V ,

Our prayers are with you and family.


My Mom passed away in Sonoma California. She also loved this Great Lake Winnipesaukee and told me many times of how much it reminded her of her birthplace, Saint Anns Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island. She so enjoyed the craft fairs in Alton. I was so very blessed for the time that we spent here.

God Bless.

[upthesaukee]

Cherish your fond memories, remember the light that her smile brought to those who knew her, and know that every sunset, every rainbow, every beautiful moment is her way of letting you know she will always be with you in spirit. Our sympathy to you, your family, and friends.

[Mr. V]

She has left her body...

"Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old Time is still a-flying;
And this same flower that smiles today
Tomorrow will be dying."

Goodbye, Lady.

You were the best of us.

[Island Girl]

I am so sorry. Words never quite fit at this time. Just know that we are thinking of you at this time. I learned to let others help when I could not do, weep when I needed and laugh when I could. The passing time does not diminish the loss, just makes it more bearable.

You will always have her in your heart and soul and mind.

IG

[Just Sold]

Mr. V please know that my thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.

Cherish the memory of her in your heart and she will be there with you forever.

[Tired of Waiting]

Mr V

I'm sorry to hear of you loss. But your loss is heavens gain. From what has been written I'm sure that she is with God.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and all that now miss her.

ToW

[Skipper of the Sea Que]

I echo the sentiments already posted. Any words I could use would be inadequate.

My thoughts are with you and all those that knew your mother.

[Pepper]

... You were the best of us.


Indeed.

We loved her dearly, respected her immensely, and cherished her warmly.

All my special "birding moments" will now be made more special with the thought that each new "special" bird was sent to me by her spirit.

There will always be that very special place on the lake that will forever be hers. Her spirit will forever grace the cabins there, and all who visit will feel her presence there. Her license plate spoke her love for "her" place, and she scheduled "the rest of life" around her time there. May we all be as wise as she was - and spend every moment we can there. It's a magical place, our Winnipesaukee.

[jkjoshuatree]

Thank you for that beautiful description of your Mom. I had tears in my eyes reading it. It takes such a courageous and strong person to look at things the way you are. My thoughts are with you and the Lady Of The Lake.

[Mr. V]

Thank you all for the kind words and thoughts.

I flew to NH this past weekend for the funeral and burial service; she is now in a cemetery adjacent to the Lake she Loved, just as she wanted it.

Winnipesaukee: "Smile of the Great Spirit," indeed.

R.I.P., lady...

[gravy boat]

Thank you all -- Mom found her strength and peace at the Lake. A true champion of Lake W. (and the environment in general) Mom ended up passing on Earth Day.

On the morning of the burial, I went down to the family place on the lake, said a prayer and scooped up some of the lake for her take with her.

Peace out, Mr. V....
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