My Grandma passed away peacefully in her home on August 17th. I had been in touch with Mom and Dad and knew the end was near. Sweet and inspired Steve set up a family video call for all of us the Sunday before she passed away, it was the last time I was able to see and hear her voice. Grandma had lost so much weight-- it was hard to see her on that video call. But as soon as I heard her same spunky voice I felt that familiar love.
My wonderful parents paid for my air fare to be able to go out for the funeral. I did my best to make my time away easier for Dan and the kids with crockpot meals assigned to Jake and Tess and baby sitting itinerary printed out on the fridge. I'm grateful for Patti Lui who is always so ready to jump right in when I need her and Dan who makes things work.
I love to see the mountains and smell the clear dry air of Utah! I was able to go to the temple with Emily and Liz and Kent one morning. I wanted to be more helpful to Dad and the tremendous amount of responsibility it will be to sort through Grandma's home but it just wasn't the time yet. So, I helped Lizzie and Kent move in and unpack their Wymount Married Student apartment.
I was able to go with Mom to dress Grandma in her temple cloths. Aunt Mace, Aunt Sheryl, and Grandma's sister-in-law were all there to help. When I first saw grandma's body it was startling and I fought back the tears. It's amazing what our spirit adds to our body. Clearly Grandma wasn't there. I felt really grateful to have been a part of that last act of service we could do for her. I tied bows with Mom's help. Then we stayed and made suggestions to the mortician who put on Grandma's make up. Once the makeup was on it was a lot easier to see Grandma. Mom brought nail polish and did her nails. It was a reverent and sweet experience.
Everyone but Chuck and Ken were able to make it for the viewing and funeral. Friday night we met as a family, a very large family, at the funeral home and took some time to share memories of Grandma. That was my favorite part which unfortunately was cut short. There weren't many there who weren't family since Grandma was 93 years old and had been home bound for awhile. It has been years since I've seen the Duerden family, Uncles and cousins. All of Aunt Karen's kids were there and then Lesa and Mace's family too. We had a family prayer and closed the casket before opening the doors to the public.
Before the funeral service started we all met in the Relief Society room for one last family prayer. I was asked to conduct the music which made me a bit nervous but it went fine. Every one of the Duerden boys spoke. I especially loved hearing about Grandma. I was really touched by Scott sharing how he had knelt by his Mom's bedside crying with her as she tried to understand why Claud had died. Then in return when he had his own personal crisis and called Grandma she had Grandpa Breinholt in the car and on their way to support Scott within minutes. They were best friends. I love that Grandma was so fiercely loyal to her boys, to her family. The was a spit-fire of a lady and had to be to endure all she did. Dad, Brad, Steve and the Duerdan boys all sang "Spring time In the Rockies" with Landon on the guitar. I think Grandma probably loved that. Then Steve had everyone in tears as he sang "How Great Thou Art" . It was BEAUTIFUL. Mace and Lesa spoke together using the theme of Grandma's "hands" and had us in tears and laughing. Dad ended the funeral with sweet and soft words of Grandma and the plan of salvation. It was quite the tribute to Grandma. The chapel was packed, mostly with family. After the grave side service we returned to the chapel for a dinner. It was fun to visit with family I haven't seen in years and may not see again for who knows how long!
After the dinner we went over to the home to take pictures one last time before everything changes...something I really wanted to do.
The front room. This picture doesn't do it justice. I will always love those white couches and huge Grand Canyon painting.
That lamp taps on and off...quite the temptation to play with as a kid from what I remember.
That clock, just as you walk in, was a surprise gift from Grandpa for Grandma and the first thing in their new home.
Many memories eating and talking around the kitchen table. Through that window was once a tire swing Lizzie and I spent hours playing on and a path that led to the "mighty forest" where we collected acorns for pennies.
I will always remember my grandparents bed room. I loved the wall of family photos. And those beautiful aspen tree paintings my grandpa did are a favorite! Grandma had my bridal picture on her dresser that she often mentioned she'd look at when she woke.
THIS backyard... where I cartwheeled and broke my arm, spent many 4th of July's viewing fire works and eating licorice, and had my wedding reception in. Oh, I'll miss it and that view.
This is the door leading to Grandpa Breinholt's studio where he painted. I love the I'd Rather Be Fishing sticker he had there.
Grandma Claudia's Family Tree
Church Rock owned by Grandma. This was where her father had the accident that took his life.
Grandma Tess, then Grandpa. Then Karen, Dad, Mace and Lesa.
Grandpa Harm then his first wife and their two kids.
The Duerden pictures were taken down at the time to use at the funeral.
Grandma's boots.
I sure love you Grandma. I'm grateful I was able to be a part of this family time.
