Sandra Irene Midiri

Entered into Peace on Friday, August 8, 2008.

Loving Mother of Michelle (Patrick) Flynn,

Monica (Domenic) Tricamo, Mary (Jason) Long

and Marsha (Phillip) Midiri-Lawber.

Dear Grandmother of William Flynn, Jessica Votaw,

Rachel Linder, Tommy Absolon,

Tori and Tia Tricamo, Jason Long, Jr.,

Keyerah Lawber and Payton Midiri.

Beloved Sister, Sister-in-Law, Aunt and Friend.

MOM

Written by Michelle Flynn-2005

Sandra is a fifty eight old mother of four daughters. They were and still are in her life. But in a very different way now than in the past. The unconditional love and sacrifices she made for her children shaped them into who they are today. She gave so much, to so many, but has trouble accepting being on the receiving end of those who now give to and care for her.

In 1980, she divorced. But she was a strong woman with self esteem and confidence. Decisions she made always revolved around her daughters. She took her first job outside the home but it was short lived. She quit when faced with working outside the home or the well being of her daughters. She opened a daycare in her home. This provided her with needed income and care for her own children.

They were not well to do , but by no means poor. She often found ways to give them what they wanted. The love in their home was overwhelming. She made up for any shortcoming with unconditional love, devotion and understanding.

Her children thrived , her social life did not. She taught them that family was the most important thing in the world. It was them against the world. Together they would be alright. She instilled a great sense of pride and fierce independence. She raised them to be outspoken and stand up for what they believed. Her needs and desires were second to those of her children. That left little chance for am man in her life.

As they became teenagers she was the "cool Mom". Whenever they needed a ride she took them . The house was stocked with food. She gave to a fault and not only to her children, and helped anyone in need, rarely saying no. Because of her leniency, her house was a constant revolving door.

Then in 1991, life dealt her a devastating blow.... She had developed seizures in 1978. Her daughters knew how and what to do when she had one. They often varied in severity , but in 1991, she quit breathing during a seizure. She was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with brain cancer. They operated only to discover that it could not be removed. Radiation and chemo came next. She was in a coma for a month and not released for another 5. She had to re learn all basic motor skills. Thought patterns were no longer clear, short term memory was non-existent, and walking and speaking became difficult. Her spirit and independence were shattered.

She could not work anymore. Two of her children were young adults, and two were still young. They sorted their way through the bureaucracy and applied for disability and food stamps. The finances were deplorable, she had no savings. She could not drive anymore. Her children took over the finances , paying bills , shopping and her many doctor appointments.

The younger daughters still lived at home and took care of her. But as the years past they too wanted to move out and begin their lives. Her health deteriorated with age, and suffered two strokes. She began using a walker but had serious falls. She suffered many broken bones. Once breaking some ribs in a fall she was sent to a nursing home to recuperate. The bones mended but the emotional stress of being in a home almost killed her. No longer able to feed or bath herself and restricted to a wheelchair , she could not live alone.

It was decided that she would move in with the oldest daughter. All of her daughters have assisted in her care in different ways ,at different times. A home was built for the daughter/mother with special care. Everything handicap accessible. The lower level was a separate living space complete with its own kitchen , bathroom, and living room. This was done so she could retain dignity and a sense of independence. She does not like being cared for and suffers severe depression. She cries often and feels like a burden. When this happens , her daughter asks her , what she would do if it were the other way around. She replies that she would take care of her as she always did. Her children do what they do out of Love. She raised them to stick together and take care of each other. And that is exactly what they will do for her.

Mom and her girls finally lost their long and courageous battle on 08/08/2008. Mom left this earth with but of course Her daughter ( Michelle ) by her side.

Anyone that knew MOM or didn't know her is welcome to leave a tribute. It means alot when we hear how she had touched someone's life. It is comforting to know that her memory and her impact on others lives on as you share your stories about her.

Services: The funeral service will be conducted in the

Chapel of COLONIAL MORTUARY

HOFFMEISTER-KRIEGSHAUSER

Funeral Directors, 6464 Chippewa,

at Watson, on Tuesday,

August 12, 2008 at 11:30 a.m.

Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

If desired, please make expressions of sympathy

in Sandra's memory to the American Cancer Society.

Visitation at Colonial Mortuary on

Mon. from 3-8 p.m.

Please visit www.mem.com.