DIFFICULT NEWS
After a difficult week, my mother, Monique Olmer, passed away on April 28. It was very hard not being able to visit her while she was in the nursing home, not being able to hold her hand or kiss her goodbye.
But a few hours earlier in the day our family gathered with her on Zoom. We were able to see her face, see how peaceful she was as we all told her how much we loved her. And for us, seeing each other—her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends who are part of the family—all gathered together to be with her at the end of her life, though different from what we expected, it ended up being incredibly comforting. It wasn’t what we wanted but it was perfect as it was.
Her life did not come to an end, as so many people’s have, from the coronavirus; at one hundred and a half, she just wore out.
After this pandemic comes to an end, we will all gather to celebrate her life.
For today, I am going to leave my thoughts at this, but in the next few weeks, as I process my emotions at losing such an extraordinary woman, mentor, and, most of all, my mother, I will write more about all I’ve learned from her.
9 Responses
Susan Wohlforth
Dear Adeline,
I am so sad to hear of your dear mother’s passing. I was a customer of both your parents and later your mother at Antan. Adrisse designed and executed my kitchen. I subscribe to and enjoy French Secrets.
Your mother was a woman of extraordinary courage, strength, grace and beauty. She was chic. She was elegant and she was real. I admired her greatly.
Please know I hold you,Adrisse and your family in my heart and prayers as I do your beloved mother.
With true sympathy,
Susan Wohlforth
Zoe Greenberg
Dear Adeline
We spoke with Tony and Theo and heard of her passing and the incredible family send off.
She was such a beautiful, elegant, inspiring lady. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to know her. Both tough and tender.
Beth Holland
Adeline, your mom was a delightful, exceptional woman and I’m so glad I had the pleasure of knowing her. So glad she had an extraordinary and extraordinarily long life. Losing a mother whom you’ve loved is never easy but I think you’ll find she will always be with you-you’ll hear her words and know just how she would react to any situation. Please send our love to Adrisse as well.
Beth
Jane
Adeline, I am so sorry for your loss. From everything I’ve heard she was an extraordinary woman.
Judy Hamby (formerly Malone)
She was beautiful just as you are…sending love and hope during this brutal time when your heart aches.
Cary Galbraith
Dear Adeline,
I am so sorry for your loss. As we go back so far to Davenport Ave I am heartbroken for you and your family. God bless your beautiful mother. Her extraordinary longevity is an inspiration.
Love and condolences,
Cary
Roberta Waldman
Sending my love and prayers from the bottom of my heart.
Dr Julio Szmuilowicz
Adeline,
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother, specially in this circumstances.
I wish you LONG LIFE! May God help heal you among all the mourners of the world.
Julio
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Judith Harrison
May 01, 2020
Dear Adeline,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother must have been an extraordinary woman; I see so much of you in her photo.
Wishing you love, strength and peace.
Judith