The many expressions of love, support & tenderness from Mom's many friends have been wonderful to read! We are grateful to have such a wonderful legacy to help us remember and honor Emma/Mom/Oma. I am including some of the notes from cards in this blog entry....hope it's OK with those of you who shared your thoughts with us. We value your friendship with Mom - she truly loved and was loved by her friends......thank you!
Dear Ted & Family -
We just wanted to send you a few words to say how sorry we were to have missed Emma's celebration of life. We have been following the blog so we know of the comforting words that were spoken and of the wonderful effort to ensure her flowers were bound in black and white check. How we smiled when we read that!
We didn't realize until rather late that we had scheduled a presentation in front of the Southern CA Council fo Quilt Guilds 'Meet the Teachers' session for the day of the service. Emma, as a former President of NCQC, knew the importance of these meetings, and we could just hear her telling us to go get teaching jobs. She was always touting our talent and business, so we felt we should honor our obligation (and Emma's confidence in us, too).
During lunch, we held our own mini memorial with fellow teachers, including Judy Sisneros, the current president of NCQC. We mentioned to them that we were so happy that Mildred was going to complete the Grant Wood quilt. We hope she is allowed to display it at the Folsom Quilt Guild Show in February. How we will miss Emma!
With fond memories and Best Wishes - Kris & Deb - Pixeladies
This anonymous poem holds meaning for me and I'm sharing it with you. I read of a person who at the funeral of a friend stood to speak.
"He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning to the end. He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke the last date with tears. But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For the dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth. And now all those who loved her know what that little line is worth. For it matters not how much we own, the cars...the house...the cash. What matters most is how we live and love and how we spend our dash."
I have found the above to be true in the case of the loved ones I have lost. I wish it be the same for you in your loss of Emma. We met once as she was the enjoyable speaker we had some years ago for Pajaro Valley Quilt Association. I joined Emma and Ted on the pier for dinner before the meeting.
My sister, Ardis Normanly, was a friend of Emma so she kept me up to date on the creative and vivacious Emma
Nora Naur Wilson
You have been in our thoughts and prayers. Emma was truly unique in her talents and caring for her family and friends. We'll all miss her, but know that you shared such a great companionship - what a blessing!
We are so sorry to have lost Emma as a friend and share in your grief at this time. May the Lord bless you at this time of parting, Emma was truly a magnificent wife, mother and friend.
Sincerely - Jim & Shirley Van Wagenen
I started making this card before Emma slipped through the veil but was too slow getting it done. The colors reminded me of her and all her beautiful stitchery. Two major talents she had were the ability to complete so many beautiful projects and have time for so many people, both in and out of the church. I was grateful for the time she took to come to my 50th birthday celebration five years ago. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Love, Bev Bair
(Written to Dad)
I have known Emma for years and bought lots of fabric from her! I was in Gypsy Traders with her and was at the meeting when you (referring to Dad) did a program for us on your wonderful art work. You and she were a very talented couple. Although we did not meet personally, I wanted to send you a card to express my admiration for her and the wonderful projects she completed and taught. I do hope the happy memories of your life with Emma will be some comfort to you in this difficult time. My sympathy to you and your family.
Pat Barrett
We all have such wonderful memories of Emma and your family. We know that she is adding much sparkle and joy to all those around her. The Gospel is true and we are so blessed with our testimonies of this knowledge.
Dorothy Miller & family
Remembering happy times at the shop -
In Christian Love - Margge Wood
I have always remembered how kind and helpful you and your family were when my Dad passed away. I pray others near you can do the same for you at this difficult time.
Sincerely, Kary Sutliff DeCoster
I have so many sweet memories of Emma - of lovely times in her home admiring her incredible talents. She will be so fondly missed by a host of friends as well as her dear family. My heart is saddened at her passing so suddenly. I trust you are finding comfort in the promise of a future reunion by Him who sends his comforter to us in such times of grieving. May all your loving memories bring you a measure of peace and solace.
Love, Joan Thomas
Dear Emma - (Oct 4)
I was so saddened to hear you have leukemia, while I so admire your tenacity and courage to let nature take its course. By that choice you have been given the incredible blessing of reconnecting with those far and near to say all that needs to be said, with no regrets. And that is my reason for writing.
....Your choice does not surprise me at all because in the short time I have know you, through SAQA (6-7 years?) I have continually been impressed by your presence in the world.
You are such a great role model to all women, but particularly to those of us in the next generation. You have aged with such dignity and graciousness. You shun the dull beige of old ladies and proudly wear your GORGEOUS hand-made clothing. You have mentored many women, probably without even knowing it, by refusing to be cast aside. Whenever I feel down-trodden by the ravages of aging, I will thank of you! You are a truly stellar example of a dynamic elder, and I thank you for that.
I wish you safe passage and feel so grateful that we crossed paths.
With blessings and love, Carol Larson
Finally, I am up and going enough to drop you a line and tell you how much you have all been in our thoughts and prayers over the past few weeks! We were so shocked and saddened at the sudden illness and loss of our sweet Emma. If only we had made our plans to visit just a few weeks earlier! How fortunate we are to have the gospel and many wonderful memories to cherish! We love you all and would love to see you...
Nolan & LeAnn Leishman
We here in this family extend our deep understanding at this loss you are experiencing with the passing to a better world of your wife and mother. At some time in the future you all will be reunited. The enclosed little verse expresses part of this process. We express to each of you our deep understanding and awareness of your inner feelings at this time. Her spirit, her love is as close to each of you as always. We all must go forward - bless each of you!
Alicia, Katherine & Gene Naumann..as well as Miriam, as she is a bit ahead of us at this time. Be well each!
Near shady wall a rose once grew,
Budded and blossomed in god's free light,
Watered and fed by morning dew,
Shedding its sweetness day and night.
As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,
Slowly rising to loftier height,
It came to a crevice in the wall
Through which there shone a beam of light.
Onward it crept with added strength
With never a thought of fear or pride,
It followed the light through the crevice's length
And unfolded itself on the other side.
The light, the dew, the broadening view
Were found the same as they were before,
And it lost itself in beauties new,
Breathing its fragrance more and more.
Shall claim of death cause us to grieve
And make our courage faint and fall?
Nay! Let us faith and hope receive -
The rose still grows beyond the wall.
Scattering fragrance far and wide
Just as it did in days of yore,
Just as it did on the other side,
Just as it will forevermore.
from the writings of A.L. Frink
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Emma's passing. I have so many fond memories of my service and association with her - and our two families' friendship. God bless you at this difficult time - my love to you and your family.
Barbara Walker
A member of your church came into Solar Cookers today.... She informed me of your wife's passing. I am truly sorry for your loss. I only met her the once, but she made a wonderful impression on me. I can not thank you enough for your passion about solar cooking. Your efforts have not been in vain. Again we are all sorry for your loss.
Yours truly, Rene Hamlin
We're thinking of you today - as we do each day - so we're dropping you a line. We hope you are doing as well as possible under the circumstances. We're sure your family and friends give you much comfort. How fortunate they are so near.
Fondly, Chuck & Liz Thayer
This is a birthday card sent from Mom's Relief Society Presidency (who are also good friends)....her 78th birthday would have been on Oct 23. (this was written before the seriousness of mom’s condition was evident)
You are an amazing woman with so many talents to share with us. Hope you have a fantastic birthday with a year filled with good health and lots of fun memories.
Love, Nancy Boyle
May this be a healthy, memorable year filled with new adventures. No one can fill your shoes in talent, service and support. You are a great missionary, mother, wife and grandmother. I love , admire and appreciate you! You have a strong testimony and are a great example to me.
Love you, Marilyn Johnson
You are so talented and so willing to share your talents with others. I hope you start to feel better soon. I miss you in Relief Society! Have a nice birthday!
Love, JoAnn Gray
Sure hope you are back to being healthy by Oct. 23. Relief Society hasn't been the same without you. (I'm writing this while you are still sick.) You truly are my most talented friend and used to be the best 'walking' friend.
Love, LeNae Snow
Jim & I were so sorry to hear of Emma's death. We so enjoyed our times with her when you had our Art class at your house. Please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Jim and I have both had health problems that have kept us from joining your class recently but we hope to come back in January.
Much Love, Elsie Hawkins
I'll miss seeing Emma and her wonderful designs.
Blessings, Sheila Bayley
I am so glad to have known Emma and have such wonderful memories of Emma. She is such an inspiration of creativity, generosity, and kindness. May your memories be a comfort to you. You are in my prayers.
Sincerely, Ellen Sly
I will always cherish my memories of Emma. She was so gifted and I am blessed for knowing her. My heartfelt prayers and love to you and your family.
Carol Saffold
I have just read of the loss of your loved one. It seems so unfair that death should have the power to take away someone you love. The thought of never again being able to see or speak to your loved one can be most difficult to bear.
The Bible, however, indicates that it is possible to be reunited with your dead loved one in the near future right here on earth under peaceful conditions. Jesus Christ promised that millions now dead will live again when he said..."the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear His voice and come out..." John 5:28.29
Jehovah God, Has promised to restore
Sincerely, John Novak
All of the Gypsys are so very blessed to have had 'Emma' in our lives for the time we were given. We all loved her and her humor in stories she shared.
Such a genteel, multi-talented and charming lady. I will never forget!
A fellow quilter and Gypsy, Varene Teresi
Sincere sympathy on the loss of Emma. We will all miss her - especially her Penwomen friends. I will keep you in my prayers.
Gloria Givens
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will miss Sister Allebes dearly. Thank goodness for Eternity!
Love, Kellee Crill & girls
My heart goes out to all of you, because I know what a great loss this is for you. Not only have I admired Emma for her many talents, but also for being such a positive, generous, up-beat personality and great friend. Ted, you and Emma had such a great marriage, and your close and loving family have been an inspiration to all who have known you. I know she will be sorely missed (even Jesus shed tears over Lazarus' death), but I pray that your love and faith will sustain you in this very sad time.
Also, I want to thank Shenna very much for e-mailing me about Emma's illness. I was in So.
Sincerely Yours, Pat Biasotti
We were away and when we returned, I found the sad news of Emma's death. She was an extraordinary woman and will be missed. Please share my sadness with your fmaily.
Sincerely, Eleanor Mitchell
Our Memory of Emma
We all belong to the Gypsy Trader Antique Club and met Emma there. She was such a funny, jovial and kind person. It was fun to see what kind of an outfit she would wear to our meetings because they all were so unique.
A few years ago at the yearly Gypsy fundraiser we bid and won a fabulous dinner for six that she had donated. As most people know, her house is like a museum. There is great art work on the walls done by Ted, Emma's beautiful quilts and wearable art and their Scandinavian collectibles...it was wonderful to see. We were all enthralled looking at everything. So much talent under one roof!! Our dinner was great and hearing all the stories told by Emma and Ted was so interesting. It was a wonderful evening and we all will never forget it. Thanks for being the gracious woman you were, Emma. We will miss you.
Our sympathy to Ted and family,
Shirley Cardinale Judy Becerril Mary Ann Ramos
Each of you has been so much in my thoughts and prayers since I learned of Emma's very serious illness and subsequent death a little over a week later. I was devastated when I heard the news, and I am still reeling from the shock. I feel very sad about her passing.
The service on Saturday was a beautiful and very fitting tribute to Emma. It was filled with love, warmth, and adulation interspersed with some humor. Shenna, your eulogy was wonderful as was Merritt's speech. And the musical selection performed by the grandchildren was very touching. You are an outstanding family, and Emma was so proud of you, as you’re proud, Ted.
Emma will live on in my mind and heart always. What an incredible lady she was - talented, gracious, accomplished, successful, and positive.
Ted, you and Emma were a great team. It was so enjoyable to be at your Wedding Anniversary Celebration and enjoy the beauty of your home and the artistic creations by each of you. You were equally talented.
Emma has left a beautiful legacy for you and all who knew and loved her. I grieve with you in your sadness over her loss, but I rejoice with you in the memory of her very fulfilling and outstanding life.
May God bless each of you and keep you during this very difficult time.
Very sincerely, Oleta
We were at Emma's funeral, but as it was so well attended, we didn't really get a chance to express our love and condolences to you all. Emma was truly an extraordinary lady! Please tell your daughter and son-in-law what a wonderful job they did on their talks. Both were so appropriate and well done especially considering the difficult emotional circumstances. We were so grateful we could be in attendance to honor Emma's life, and to have known her. Our love and prayers are with you.
Love to you all, Judy & John Hansen
The service was lovely! I'm sure your lovely church family-friends will extend their caring ways with calls, food and visits. Please know I would also be happy to help as well... I've been so thankful many times that I was able to 'recruit' Emma to come to Pen Women! What a joy for all of the members.- especially me! Her unwritten story will be beautiful!
Love, Lou Stewart
Bishop Allebes, I am so sorry to hear about Emma. I remember when our family was new in the Ward. Derek and Trevor were Primary age and Emma invited us over to get to know 'The Roberts' better. She was so gracious that way. Showed us around your house and all the beautiful artwork and of course her prize washer and dryer. I will always remember that time. I have fond memories of the FO Stake. Visited with a lot of them when they came to Derek's service! People still come up to me and ask how I am doing as I know they do to you. Pretty much the answer that summer was 'it sucks'! Even with the Gospel Plan and the knowledge that families are forever, I miss my son and I know you miss Emma! You and your family are in our prayers.
Love, Dennis & Willy Roberts
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