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Posted by susan about 6 months ago
Memory
Memories of my Mom by Susan (Wheeler) Dahl
I am so blessed to have had her in my life for 67 years. So many families have lost their Mom's, spouses, siblings far less younger than I.
She was very involved in both Bob and my lives. When Bob and I were growing up in Manhattan Beach she was a Den Mother for Bob's Boy Scout Troop helping with dinners or Award presentations. I also remember her stocking and working in the snack shop at Bob's baseball games. When Bob joined the Junior Lifeguard's, she took us to the beach, he would join his team and her and I would go further down the beach but close enough for her to watch both of us.
As for me, she took me to my dance classes (Ballet, tap, gymnastics and baton twirling), dance recitals and walked along the sides of every parade with me. She also participated with me in the Brownie's and the Girl Scouts.
She alway demonstrated her strong ties to family. She was very devoted to her family and loved family visits, get togethers for Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries or just a visit. I remember her throwing a large get together for Grandma's 70th birthday party. Everyone had a great laugh as she accidently put 80th on the birthday cake.
I remember going to church as a family every Sunday morning as well as Sunday School. She also taught Sunday school as well. If we were not entertaining at our house or going to other families homes, we would occasional drive by Olvera Street and drop Mom off at the corner, Dad would drive us around the block and pick her and the Taquitos she bought to share. After enjoying our snack, we would continue to Grandma and Grandpa Wheeler's house in Downey for lunch. I have fond memories of playing with Susie on Sunday's and visiting with the Wheeler's side of the family.
Once we moved to Concord, she organized several trips to the Fremont Drag Strip and Oakland Boat races packing lunches and snacks.
Once we moved to Concord Esther and Ronald wanted to upgrade the kitchen. Unfortunately, the contractor took the money and 1-2 months became over two years long to complete (no stove or cabinets). With only one electric skillet and a toaster, she made the most wonderful, full feeling meals ever. We were amazed at her talent.
Although camping was not one of her favorite things to do, we went on a few trips. She loved the ocean and the Red Woods further north. Her favorite places were Fern Canyon and Coos Bay. For Bob's high school graduation, she helped Dad and Bob organize, planned menu's for meals, packed, sewed a new outfit for me while entertaining friends of the family who were camping in our front yard. We have great memories exploring and visiting Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks as well as traveling through Washington and Oregon and all the campgrounds along the path.
When her sister Eva passed away, she became a devoted Aunt to Carol and Kathy and their families.
She loved entertaining especially when family visited. I have wonderful memories of Thanksgivings, Christmas's and many summer visits with family or friends of the family.
She was a devoted soap fan of All My Children, One Life To Live and General Hospital. When the VHS recorder/players were created, she was thrilled to own one. Due to her hectic schedule, she usually missed these shows but once she could set the recorder and watch them the following day was exciting for her. She could wash and fold laundry, tend to her mother and get involved with these shows again. I started watching them during that time as well so I could get to know the characters better. We have stayed connected by talking about stories and who did it for over 40 years.
She wished she could have made more trips to Los Angeles area however she did the best she could.
She taught me the "love for family". In doing so, I would travel with Grandma Gilbert on the airplane down to Los Angeles area when she would stay with Eva or Carol. I would enjoy the weekend with Eva or Carol, Tom, Teresa and Teena. After Grandma Gilbert passed away, I continued making many trips down either by flying or driving and stayed at Carol or Kathy's homes enjoying my time with the families.
As I grew older, Greg and I would travel as often as we could to the LA area and visit our cousins and families. Once Mom retired, she would travel with Greg, Amanda and I and create many special memories. She went to Disneyland a few times with us, always with a stop at Carol or Kathy's before heading back home.
Mom had a love for animals especially dogs. I remember when Bob was stationed at Edwards AFB and his friend was being shipped out and couldn't take his dog with him. Bob showed up at our house with a bouquet of flowers and a 90 lb St Bernard dog name Johnny. Of course, we all fell in love with him. He became her best friend and my protector when friends came over.
In looking back through the years, she always made time to talk, no matter what project she was involved in. In her older years, I would call her and we could chat about this, that, something and nothing for hours.
She loved mystery TV shows or movies. It all started with the Fugitive airing in the 60's, Murder She Wrote, Columbo, McCloud, Diagnosis Murder, etc. When she was 90, I would ask what she was watching and she responded with Golf. We were so surprised however she watched it faithfully knowing the Golfer's names and their stats. It became a new way for her to relax.
These are thoughts she shared with me from her Journal
"Want to make sure my children, both of you brought me so much happiness. I never had the terrible two's with you. I loved every stage of your lives and so very proud of both of you. Love Always"
She was generous, kind and a loving Mother. I will miss my Mother dearly and her presence on earth!
I would like to close with this poem I found among her belongings at home.
God's Garden
God looked around his garden and found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain,
he knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids, and whispered, "Peace Be Thine".
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone,
for part of us went with you the day God called you home.
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Posted by Teena DeChenne about 5 months 2 weeks ago
Memory
My Great Aunt Esther by Teena DeChenne
She was the greatest! Her sense of humor was marvelous! She always worked hard to make sure everyone’s story was heard. When her sister, Eva Neahr, who was my grandma, passed away, Esther kinda took over for her. Esther always made sure my sister, Teresa, and I had a birthday card with cash for every birthday. Say hello to Eva for me, Esther! You will always be wonderfully loved!
Posted by Sherry Anderson about 5 months 1 week ago
Memory
Remembering Esther...
I have only known Esther for a short time. After reading her whole life story, I wish I would have known the younger Esther. I met "Miss" Esther in 2014, after moving into Brentwood Senior Commons. I'm not sure why we all called her Miss Esther, but it was meant as an endearment. I loved her sharp wit, sense of humor and how she always seemed to find the positive in any situation. I got to know her during our many fun Tuesday coffee hours, monthly potlucks and bimonthly Pokeno games at the complex. I looked forward to our daily chats on the bench outside her apartment, after my 4PM dog walks. She was indeed a very independent person! She always declined the many rides I offered her, preferring to fend on her own.
Unfortunately, the pandemic changed how we all lived and interacted. I moved to Livermore, but still kept in contact with Esther through texting and Facebook. I will remember my friend Esther always for her wonderful personality, faith in God, and gentle spirit. Rest in peace Miss Esther.
Love,
Sherry Anderson
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Posted by eric about 2 months ago
Memory
Do as I say, not as I do.
My Grandmother was one of my all time favorite people. She taught me and my Sister to be strong. To enjoy life. To never settle for second best and to always get back up.
Some of my favorite memories are of my grandmother picking me and my sister up after school every Friday. She would either take us to pick-out our favorite fast food, (usually Taco Bell), or take us to the store to buy our favorites there. We bonded over 'chipped creme beef'. This was my favorite and she would tell me about how she used to eat it all the time.
She would spend time in the den with us at the Concord house giving us the latest and greatest new toy. I'm not sure how she always knew what was hip, but she did. Sometimes she would take us to the music store, and she never really questioned what new tape we wanted. She allowed us the freedom to discover ourselves, and trusted that we would do the right things.
I always marvel at the amount of change she got to see in her life, and how quickly she incorporated the changes into her own life. When telling friends about my 90 year old grandmother texting, going on Facebook and even playing some of the games, I would be greeted by wide open mouths telling me their grandmother doesn't even have a phone.
She was a remarkable woman, and I will always treasure the memories I had the pleasure of creating with her over my life and hope I am even half as feisty and on the ball as she was when I am older.
I am thankful that she had a chance to meet and spend time with my wife and her great grandchild. She will always be in my thoughts now and forever.
Memories of my Mom by Susan (Wheeler) Dahl
I am so blessed to have had her in my life for 67 years. So many families have lost their Mom's, spouses, siblings far less younger than I.
She was very involved in both Bob and my lives. When Bob and I were growing up in Manhattan Beach she was a Den Mother for Bob's Boy Scout Troop helping with dinners or Award presentations. I also remember her stocking and working in the snack shop at Bob's baseball games. When Bob joined the Junior Lifeguard's, she took us to the beach, he would join his team and her and I would go further down the beach but close enough for her to watch both of us.
As for me, she took me to my dance classes (Ballet, tap, gymnastics and baton twirling), dance recitals and walked along the sides of every parade with me. She also participated with me in the Brownie's and the Girl Scouts.
She alway demonstrated her strong ties to family. She was very devoted to her family and loved family visits, get togethers for Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries or just a visit. I remember her throwing a large get together for Grandma's 70th birthday party. Everyone had a great laugh as she accidently put 80th on the birthday cake.
I remember going to church as a family every Sunday morning as well as Sunday School. She also taught Sunday school as well. If we were not entertaining at our house or going to other families homes, we would occasional drive by Olvera Street and drop Mom off at the corner, Dad would drive us around the block and pick her and the Taquitos she bought to share. After enjoying our snack, we would continue to Grandma and Grandpa Wheeler's house in Downey for lunch. I have fond memories of playing with Susie on Sunday's and visiting with the Wheeler's side of the family.
Once we moved to Concord, she organized several trips to the Fremont Drag Strip and Oakland Boat races packing lunches and snacks.
Once we moved to Concord Esther and Ronald wanted to upgrade the kitchen. Unfortunately, the contractor took the money and 1-2 months became over two years long to complete (no stove or cabinets). With only one electric skillet and a toaster, she made the most wonderful, full feeling meals ever. We were amazed at her talent.
Although camping was not one of her favorite things to do, we went on a few trips. She loved the ocean and the Red Woods further north. Her favorite places were Fern Canyon and Coos Bay. For Bob's high school graduation, she helped Dad and Bob organize, planned menu's for meals, packed, sewed a new outfit for me while entertaining friends of the family who were camping in our front yard. We have great memories exploring and visiting Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks as well as traveling through Washington and Oregon and all the campgrounds along the path.
When her sister Eva passed away, she became a devoted Aunt to Carol and Kathy and their families.
She loved entertaining especially when family visited. I have wonderful memories of Thanksgivings, Christmas's and many summer visits with family or friends of the family.
She was a devoted soap fan of All My Children, One Life To Live and General Hospital. When the VHS recorder/players were created, she was thrilled to own one. Due to her hectic schedule, she usually missed these shows but once she could set the recorder and watch them the following day was exciting for her. She could wash and fold laundry, tend to her mother and get involved with these shows again. I started watching them during that time as well so I could get to know the characters better. We have stayed connected by talking about stories and who did it for over 40 years.
She wished she could have made more trips to Los Angeles area however she did the best she could.
She taught me the "love for family". In doing so, I would travel with Grandma Gilbert on the airplane down to Los Angeles area when she would stay with Eva or Carol. I would enjoy the weekend with Eva or Carol, Tom, Teresa and Teena. After Grandma Gilbert passed away, I continued making many trips down either by flying or driving and stayed at Carol or Kathy's homes enjoying my time with the families.
As I grew older, Greg and I would travel as often as we could to the LA area and visit our cousins and families. Once Mom retired, she would travel with Greg, Amanda and I and create many special memories. She went to Disneyland a few times with us, always with a stop at Carol or Kathy's before heading back home.
Mom had a love for animals especially dogs. I remember when Bob was stationed at Edwards AFB and his friend was being shipped out and couldn't take his dog with him. Bob showed up at our house with a bouquet of flowers and a 90 lb St Bernard dog name Johnny. Of course, we all fell in love with him. He became her best friend and my protector when friends came over.
In looking back through the years, she always made time to talk, no matter what project she was involved in. In her older years, I would call her and we could chat about this, that, something and nothing for hours.
She loved mystery TV shows or movies. It all started with the Fugitive airing in the 60's, Murder She Wrote, Columbo, McCloud, Diagnosis Murder, etc. When she was 90, I would ask what she was watching and she responded with Golf. We were so surprised however she watched it faithfully knowing the Golfer's names and their stats. It became a new way for her to relax.
These are thoughts she shared with me from her Journal
"Want to make sure my children, both of you brought me so much happiness. I never had the terrible two's with you. I loved every stage of your lives and so very proud of both of you. Love Always"
She was generous, kind and a loving Mother. I will miss my Mother dearly and her presence on earth!
I would like to close with this poem I found among her belongings at home.
God's Garden
God looked around his garden and found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain,
he knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids, and whispered, "Peace Be Thine".
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone,
for part of us went with you the day God called you home.
My Great Aunt Esther by Teena DeChenne
She was the greatest! Her sense of humor was marvelous! She always worked hard to make sure everyone’s story was heard. When her sister, Eva Neahr, who was my grandma, passed away, Esther kinda took over for her. Esther always made sure my sister, Teresa, and I had a birthday card with cash for every birthday. Say hello to Eva for me, Esther! You will always be wonderfully loved!
Remembering Esther...
I have only known Esther for a short time. After reading her whole life story, I wish I would have known the younger Esther. I met "Miss" Esther in 2014, after moving into Brentwood Senior Commons. I'm not sure why we all called her Miss Esther, but it was meant as an endearment. I loved her sharp wit, sense of humor and how she always seemed to find the positive in any situation. I got to know her during our many fun Tuesday coffee hours, monthly potlucks and bimonthly Pokeno games at the complex. I looked forward to our daily chats on the bench outside her apartment, after my 4PM dog walks. She was indeed a very independent person! She always declined the many rides I offered her, preferring to fend on her own.
Unfortunately, the pandemic changed how we all lived and interacted. I moved to Livermore, but still kept in contact with Esther through texting and Facebook. I will remember my friend Esther always for her wonderful personality, faith in God, and gentle spirit. Rest in peace Miss Esther.
Love,
Sherry Anderson
My Grandmother was one of my all time favorite people. She taught me and my Sister to be strong. To enjoy life. To never settle for second best and to always get back up.
Some of my favorite memories are of my grandmother picking me and my sister up after school every Friday. She would either take us to pick-out our favorite fast food, (usually Taco Bell), or take us to the store to buy our favorites there. We bonded over 'chipped creme beef'. This was my favorite and she would tell me about how she used to eat it all the time.
She would spend time in the den with us at the Concord house giving us the latest and greatest new toy. I'm not sure how she always knew what was hip, but she did. Sometimes she would take us to the music store, and she never really questioned what new tape we wanted. She allowed us the freedom to discover ourselves, and trusted that we would do the right things.
I always marvel at the amount of change she got to see in her life, and how quickly she incorporated the changes into her own life. When telling friends about my 90 year old grandmother texting, going on Facebook and even playing some of the games, I would be greeted by wide open mouths telling me their grandmother doesn't even have a phone.
She was a remarkable woman, and I will always treasure the memories I had the pleasure of creating with her over my life and hope I am even half as feisty and on the ball as she was when I am older.
I am thankful that she had a chance to meet and spend time with my wife and her great grandchild. She will always be in my thoughts now and forever.
I miss you Grandma and thank you.