Our mother passed away at home while her family kept vigil. During her remaining days, she was held and kissed and soothed. She was given so many “I love you’s” and told “don’t be afraid.” She was comforted by the knowledge that she had her Last Rights and all of her blessings. Many times Mary Ellen Strauch Gafford said that she would go “home” one day. Yes, our mother has gone, but she was reminded that she would live on in our hearts forever. She was told that we understood she was on her way home and we spoke to her of the loved ones she was soon to see - her beloved mother and father, sisters and brothers, and especially her precious son, Steve.
We watched our mother’s acceptance of her illness with the same quiet acceptance she showed throughout her life. She always left everything “in God’s hands.” Our mother has been our compass, showing us the way to navigate in life, and in her dying she showed us the way and how of that, too. Dear sweet, brave Momma, you leave behind your daughters, Mary McCollough, Sue Mutter, Karen Burnett, and Ann Nursey and her husband Tom. And you leave behind your loyal husband of 61 years, Paul Gafford. Grandchildren and great grandchildren are many and were a source of abundant joy and pride for you. Home is where our mother is for she was the heart of our house. One day we will be home again, yes Mother, because home is where you await.
Services will be held at Wylie Baxley Funeral Home in Merritt Island, Monday, April 2nd, at 5:00 p.m.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wyliebaxleymerrittisland.com for the Gafford family.
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