Yesterday we finally laid our beloved Auntie Dee to rest. She died on March 15th, 2020, but as a family who loves hugs we decided to wait until it was safer to get together after vaccines were widely available. We didn’t expect the Delta variant and some of us were more comfortable wearing masks, but we went forward on a most beautiful September day.
We had the great fortune of having St. Francis Xavier church’s Deacon, David Pepin (no relation that we know of) eulogize our matriarch. He knew her well but not long as she was homebound only very late in her life. He visited to give her Holy Communion and provide company, but he made sure she was his last stop so he could spend extra time with this special lady. And his eulogy reflected his feelings, providing comfort to our big family – Dee had 23 nieces and nephews, their spouses and families, and her immediate family of 17 children, spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
For those who haven’t read her obituary it is available here: Adrienne Oliveira
After her funeral and burial we celebrated her life at The Century House with a luncheon and testimonials. Her obituary reflects a request she made of her grandson. But the backstory is better than that. When Marcus was a kid and was first learning to play the sax she told him she wanted him to learn “Misty” because she wanted him to play it at her funeral. Marcus did indeed learn the song and told her, “Memere, I learned Misty. You can die anytime.” Thankfully she stayed with us for another 30 years or so. And Marcus Monteiro, an accomplished musician, did indeed play “Misty” for his grandmother.
Another story her grandchildren Marcus, Vanessa and Alex told was when they were kids Dee would pick them up and get them belted into the car. She asked, “Is everybody happy?” To which the required reply was, “AMEN!” The three of them said it still makes them laugh to think about it today. They adored their grandmother and she adored them.
Can I get an AMEN?
A special shout out to Holly at her Mattapoisett florist’s shop Blossoms for the beautiful arrangement.
This is, I think, the first photo I have seen of Dee – and Deborah, that Pepin blood line certainly carried through in you! What a wonderful tribute that you resemble her – a great lady – and one who was key in so much of your life, and your dear dad Norman’s as well. Making others laugh is the greatest gift. Amen!