Grandson Alexander shares his thoughts

"When I think of Manna (thats what we called her), I think of sunny days and everything nice and comforting."

Family friend, Pam, shares a memory

I have many memories of your mom and would love to share them with you.

The 1st time I saw Roxanna she came to give Jan and I a ride to St. Placid. She was beautiful and had a little tiny baby with her, Jerry. She was always kind and loving. I felt like I found Janet my new sister and friend and then a big sister in Roxanna.

I spent alot of time with you all when you were little. Jan and I babysat and spent time just doing family stuff.

I remember all the times Roxanna did all of our hair. Dances and especially for my wedding. One time she cut my hair when we first met in 1969-70 and I wasn't very happy with it and she told me it looked alot better than before she cut it and I had to agree with her, we had a great laugh and thats when I knew I had another big sister to look out for me.

There was always several kids running around and I don't ever remember your mom yelling or raising her voice. now Mummum was another story.

My greatest memories are of a loving and caring friend. Sweet, nice and beautiful. Someone who was always happy to see or hear from you and always welcoming.

I'm sorry I wasn't around more. I only could find 1 picture i'll include it. This was at my wedding and my dad was pinning her flower on.

Love you all hope to be able to get together some time with your family.

Love ya,
Pam

All Souls Day

All Hallow's Eve or Halloween is the day before All Souls Day. This is the day we especially remember our loved ones who have passed away.

We beseech Thee, O Lord, according to Thy loving-kindness,
have mercy upon the soul of Thy handmaiden Roxanna,
and now that she is set free
from the defilements of this mortal flesh,
restore her to her heritage of everlasting salvation.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today, I will celebrate the birth of the most important woman in my life, my mother, my mentor, my confidente, my friend.


I will resolve to spend the day in observance of her life, to remember the love she gave, the laughter and tears she shared and the joy she brought into so many lives, especially into my own.


And, I will do it with a smile. I will not give in to the temptation of tears, to feel sorry for myself for the ache I feel, for I miss her so very deeply.
I will strive to reflect the love she gave me onto those I love. By her example, I will learn to be a better mother, a better wife, a better sister, a better friend. I resolve to love as freely as she did, to give of myself as freely as she did.


For the past year and a half, I thought my greatest regret in losing my Mama was that I was not able to get to her side to say good-bye again before she passed. But that would have been for my own comfort. Only recently, have I realized that truly, my greatest regret in losing her was that I was only just learning to be the friend to her she had always been to me.


Mama, you gave me birth into the world, love to sustain me in it as I grew, and by your example I will reflect this love more purposefully, more intentionally, more faithfully, not only to those closest to me, but to all those with whom my path crosses.
Happy Birthday, Mama. I remember you...I celebrate you...I love you.