Here is my tribute to Mom, which I read at her Memorial service, as part of my introduction to the photo slide show.

The past few years my Mom wasn't able to do all the things she'd always done. . She'd decorate our house for Christmas and the other holidays, and always seem to have cut flowers in the house.  She'd organize family gatherings such as birthday parties for each of her kids and grandkids, and always prepare a special birthday meal for each one.  If there was a special event that was happening for one of her grandkids, such as a graduation from elementary, middle school or high school, or dance performance, or talent show, or special award, she'd be there. She was also the first to make reservations at Leavenworth for our annual family trip to help us celebrate Christmas. She'd also visit extended family, or vacation regularly with family or friends. When I was growing up, she'd work part time jobs in order to make money to take us on camping trips during the summer. I most remember our annual summer camping trip to the KOA campground outside of Leavenworth where Mark & I each got to bring a friend.

So, this slide show is my tribute to my Mom, based on the two bookcases full of photo albums that she collected and cataloged over the past 40 years or so.  In a sense, she unwittingly wrote her own tribute, based on all the time and devotion and love she gave to all of us.

I wanted to explain the song choice for the slide show we're about to see.  According to Mom, "Some Enchanted Evening" was Mom and Dad's special "song", so this is a tribute to their relationship which lasted through 40 years of marriage.  The next song -- "The Bright Side of the Road" by Van Morrison, is a song that she may never have heard. But, it reflects my memories of the optimistic, positive atmosphere and attitude that my Mom created for me while I was growing up.  The third song - "Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer (May This Journey)" is an Irish hymn that I know she would have liked.  After my Dad passed away, my Mom had a difficult time.  Even though her grief seemed to lessen over the 20 years since then, this last song reminds me of the journey she still had to take without my Dad around.  

By the way, my Dad passed away in the early morning of March 10th, 1991. My Mom passed away in the late evening, in her sleep, on March 9th, 2011 -- exactly 20 years to the day of my Dad's passing.  I remember Mom mentioning in an offhand comment that she wanted to go just like her brother Ray did -- in her sleep.  While she needed more and more help from us, and her caregiver Susan Harris, to continue living in her home in Maple Valley, she wasn't suffering from any acute illness. Also, she never indicated that she even had any pain at all, so her sudden passing was a surprise to everybody.  It's like God's grace being poured out on her, and on us through all this.

So, here's a look back on my Mom's life.

We write you with heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Just as you have been for us, we are always here for you.

My sincere condolences Steve and family on the passing of your beloved mom. She was a gracious and kind neighbor to me when I moved into her neighborhood 19 plus years ago. May God give your comfort and a measure of peace in this time of your loss. Becky Rask

David and Colette, I was so sorry to here of your loss.  Maxine will be missed.  I always enjoyed talking to her when I was out walking here in Water Gardens during the summer.  I have an art book from Italy that Maxine loaned me.  I need to return it to you some day.  Peggy Levien

My sincere sympathy to David, Carole, Brian, Mark, Steve. I hadn't seen your Mom for over 30 years but her broccoli casserole recipe which she gave me when we were neighbors on 122nd Street in Bellevue, has remained a huge favorite in our family.
I'm sure Maxine will be sorely missed by all her family.
Anne Farmer

Auntie Max, was a huge part of my young life growing up.  She is forever in my heart and memories.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Maxine M. Dudgeon

15 juin 1928 – 9 mars 2011

Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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