My Loving Family,

If you could see me now you wouldn't shed a tear,
Though you may not understand why,
I am no longer there.
Remember my spirit,
That is the real me.
Because I'm still very much alive, I've just been set free!
Oh, if you could only see!
I have beheld our Father's face and I've touched my Savior's hand.
All of Heavens angels' rejoiced as I entered the promised land.
Beyond the gates of pearl, I've walked on the golden streets,
I've touched the walls of jasper and dipped my foot in the crystal sea.
The beauty is beyond words and nothing could compare,
I've even seen your mansion and someday, I'll meet you there.
Let Jesus be your guide because His Word will show you the way!
So, please don't cry because we will meet again someday.



My Loving Grandmother, Marka, Ya Ya

When I think of you, as I do so often and have for years, so much comes to mind. I think of how you exuded Strength, Class, Beauty and Grace. I remember times I'd stare at you (usually while in the kitchen) and be in such awe of your physical beauty. Your presence, for me, brought a solid sense of belonging, comfort, love and safety. My favorite, a certain time for tons of laughter! 

My first memory of your humor is one I still talk about and will never forget! I was begging you for McDonald's. With as much detail I find appropriate, You came out of your room, hair in disarray, and in a raspy voice said, "WANNA BURGER"? I was so shocked! We laughed so hard! And Christopher's face was priceless!

Christmas time was another favorite, full of memories playing with my cousins. Running up and down the stairs using the laundry shoot for our entertainment. The living room full of family, gifts and again laughter. I remember being so excited to watch you open "THE" gift. I think everyone was just as excited for you to open that "ONE". Uncle Bill's. It was always a major! But what I remember most is the sparkle in your eyes as you'd roll them and  say "oh gosh Bill"! I remember how happy I was for you and how deserving I thought you were of it. 

Our shopping trips to Jacobson's was were I learned about quality, class and Ferragamo shoes! You were always seemingly and effortlessly so well put together. Your hair was so strikingly beautiful, always in place.

I always enjoyed our late nights watching your talk shows and eating ice cream! I believe Jerry was our favorite show lol. How about the count down to Aunt Tina's arrival from work! You would say, "Neen you better get outta there. Tina is going to be home in 5 minutes!  Did you put her makeup back? Wash your face in my bathroom!"  Ya Ya I hope you know how much you mean to me. You're an Angel now so fly high and I'll see you again. 

Love Your Granddaughter, Christina

(continued)

No matter who you are referred to, Marka, Ya Ya, Dama or Mother, you stood for Family.  The ultimate matriarch of our family.  I pray we can all keep your legacy going as you would want.  Until I see your angelic face again, it isn't goodbye, its see you later.  I love you with all I have Marka.

Your Granddaughter,
Stephanie 

My Dearest Marka,

When I think of you, the first words that come to mind are humor, wit and the glue that held it all together.  For me, the latter being the most important.  You somehow raised six children seemingly effortlessly and yet we know, it wasn't effortless at all.  Your quiet strength is no less admirable and something we all strive for. Thinking back to my childhood, my most memorable times were with you on Greenbriar.  Staying up late watching your talk shows or pretending that the laundry shoot was solely there for mine and my cousins entertainment.  There were a handful of times I pretended I didn't feel well because I knew it meant skipping school and a trip to Jacobson's meeting you for lunch.  I'm sure my mom knew what I was up to but enjoyed those times as much as me.  I remember a time being in Greenwich and it was just you and I and you made a joke that had us in tears.  I asked you to repeat it several times and you did without hesitation.  We laughed harder each time.  Then there was my all-time favorite, Christmas.  A time we all looked forward to every year as you made it so special.  From your famous cheesecake to the tree to the bells ringing outside the living room window letting us little ones know Santa was near.  I've always hoped I made Christmas as special for mine as you did for us but its been a hard one to top.  You will never know how much it meant to spend your final months with you here on earth.  Yet, I'm sure you know and that it was equally meaningful to you.  Even in your final days you kept us all crying of laughter.  Your typical Marka nature.  You made it a point to hold on so you could speak life into each one of us, your focus still on everyone other than yourself.  Referring to your children, you said "I'm so glad they have each other".  I know how much you meant that as I felt it to my core.  I pray that your children become that glue for one another and carry on what you worked so tirelessly and effortful for.  

My dear mama,

Although I have already shared a memory, I decided to share another, as we have just celebrated our first Christmas without you.

I could go on and on about what an amazing mother you were but  there is not enough space in this book to do so, therefore I just want to reflect on my Christmas without you this year. It was a  difficult one for sure but made me think of my younger years and Christmas on Edwin Place. How you made everything so special from the smell of your cooking to the footprints left by" Santa" at the fireplace. And Oh how we loved your baking, your sour cream cookies, your raspberry cheesecake and your famous baklava. You took time to make sure everything was  just right, and I can honestly say that no matter how hard I try to duplicate one of your recipes,  it's never perfect like yours was.

I remember the night that one of us knocked over the Christmas tree in the living room while you were making dinner and you came running out to pick it up, but instead of sitting it upright you threw it down in the opposite direction only to discover the bubble lights broke and stained the wood floor for years.

This Christmas as I sat at my kitchen counter with your picture next to me trying my hand at your special cheesecake I had never attempted before, a calm came over me and I felt  at peace, I felt the same feeling when I went to your gravesite on Christmas morning.  Although you were not here, you were with us all this Christmas.

As we go into another year, I want to  thank you  for being the best mother, grandmother, and great grandmother there ever was. Mason still talks about his YiaYia, and when I cry he tells me not to be sad. When I show him your picture he asks if you are home. Yes mama you are HOME and I know that one day when my time is up  you will be there with open arms to welcome me HOME, until then I will try to be everything I loved about you.

Love You,
Gail 

To my beautiful, loving, caring Mother.  I know I have already shared a memory but I did so the day you passed away and what was fresh in my mind at that moment was your final hours with us.  I needed to say what I was feeling at that very moment.  Now that some time has passed and we have been through the first holidays without you here, I am reflecting back on so many wonderful memories that I will forever cherish in my heart.  These holidays have not been the same without you.  Your loving touches that were so evidently missing.  Your warm hugs and smiles as we all gathered to celebrate the season. 

 My life will not be the same without you.  You were my ROCK, the one person I could ALWAYS turn to when I needed to and the one who always made me feel better no matter what I was struggling with.  I will never forget some of the toughest situations I faced in my life were always met with such loving strength, support and unconditional love from you.  That will be one of the biggest voids I will endure without you here.  But I also know you will be with me in spirit and you will send your signs to me from heaven.  I have tried to be as good of a mother as you were but I know I will never measure up to the perfection you were. 
 
I learned more than ever in your last few months how much you and I are truly alike in so many ways.  Bill always teased us about our "Oh gosh, Oh geez" response we both would say when someone made us laugh.  I will carry on that saying in your honor and I will be proud when Bill teases me about it in the years to come because I know that is something that I got from you!  When Angela and I laugh long and hard over the stupid things we do, I will always remember how much you enjoyed it! I love you with all I have mom and I will see you again one day when our Lord decides that it is time to reunite us. 
 
Forever your loving youngest baby girl,

Tina Marie 

Ya Ya,

I will never forget that unique smile/laugh you always had.  You could bring joy to the most dull room and that is one major things I will always remember of you.  I also was very honored to share the same birthday as you.  It's always special to have someone in your family's birthday the same as yours but for it to be my grandma that I look up to the most is extra special.  I will never forget about you Yaya, you will always have a huge place in my heart.

Love your Grandson Will

Ya Ya,

I miss you so much and think about you daily.  I'll always remember your laugh and still hear it sometimes when I think about you.  I will always admire your ability to put a smile on everyone's face even in times of heartache.  I know you're smiling up there looking down on all of us.  I know I'll see you again one day and hear that laugh.  I love you very much.

Your loving Granddaughter Elizabeth

Dear Ya Ya,

I miss you and I hope that heaven is as beautiful as it sounds.  Even though we didn't really get to spend a lot of time together, I will always hold the memories we shared close.  You always exuded elegance and grace, even in your last days.  Even in the most serious of times, you could always make everyone in the room crack a smile.  I will miss your grace and whit.  I know I will see you again some day in paradise.  

Love always, your Granddaughter Emily. 

My YaYa,

Between bowls of  Breyer'sVanilla Bean Ice Cream and sharing with me the latest on "Dancing With The Stars", "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance" you were always so taken back by peoples' talents and personalities, while possessing the very best yourself. I remember asking you when I was little what made Breyer's Vanilla Bean Ice Cream the best and your response was that the ingredients contained only a few things; milk, cream and sugar, it didn't have all that extra junk. I believe your life was so full and satisfying because you knew the simple ingredients it took to make such; love, family, laughter and SHOPPING! I love you YaYa and I know I have you as my angel😇 rest in peace beautiful soul.

Love, Alexandra

To My Loving Mother,

Mom there aren’t enough words to describe how much you meant to me, and what a loving and caring Mother you were. You were the best mother a son could ever ask for and I will miss our conversations, your sense of humor and your quick wit. I want to thank you for teaching me what unconditional love meant and showing me what selflessness looked like.

When I was growing up as a child and starting school I had the hardest time going because I didn’t want to leave you. I always said to you will you be home when I get there and you always told me yes, I will be waiting for you when you get home. Just like the Mother and person you were you never disappointed me, you were always there when I got home. I remember when you would go out shopping or to bingo I would always look out the window when it was about the time you would get home, looking at the headlights reflecting off the windows across the street to see if you were coming. I was always so happy when you got home. I will cherish all of our time together and remember all the good times we had.

Now  I look up into the heavens knowing you are looking down on me and you are not that far away. I know now I do not have to ask you if you will be home when I get there, because I know you will be in our final home waiting for me with open arms when the Lord calls me home for the final time. Until we meet again Mom, I will hold you in my heart forever.

I Love You with All My Heart and Soul Mom, and miss you every day.

Your Loving Son, Greg


To Our Loving and Dearest Ya Ya,

Every time we were together we had such a wonderful time with you, and when were were not together we thought about you often. We loved all the memories we had together, like playing one of our favorite card games "Go Fish" which we looked forward to playing with you. When we knew that you were going to cook for us we would always want to come over quickly because we knew the food would always be great. To us you were a professional Chef, because everything you made was so delicious. We know that the last year of your life was hard for you with all your aches and pains but you never lost your sense of humor and spirit. We are so glad we got to spend so much time with you and we will cherish our memories forever. You will always be in our hearts forever and we look forward to seeing you again in heaven someday.

Your Loving Grandsons, Joe & Nick 

Mary came faithfully to the fundraising dinners of the Greek Orthodox Church in Lansing.  And she used to seek me out and greet me personally each time.  She always had a humorous observation to share, and it brought her joy to reconnect with her Greek Orthodox heritage.

It was a privilege to serve her as a priest at the time of her departure from this life.  Even in illness and pain, she remained upbeat and joyful with each visit.  She was one of a kind.

May God grant His servant Mary rest among the saints and memory eternal!

To My Loving Mother,

What does one say to appropriately honor the woman who lovingly brought you into this world and so unselfishly gave of herself each and every day of your life?  I’m quite certain that words alone can never fully express all that you were to me, to all of your children.  

Unusual as it may be, my first memory of being alone with you was on the day President Kennedy was assassinated.  Although I was just over three years old, the memories of that day will stay with me forever.  Not only is it my first memory of our time together, it was the first time I was consciously exposed to any real human emotion; particularly of that character and magnitude.  All I knew was my mother was struck with immense grief, a pain so evidently gut wrenching, I didn’t quite understand it, yet hurt deeply for you.  My first thought was to comfort you somehow, as I felt an innate desire to protect you; reflecting on our life together, I’m most certain that proclivity came from you.  From that moment on, I felt a closeness to you that was undeniable in its depth and purity.  Your unconditional love throughout our life together only solidified our bond and immortalized it in my soul.  You are such a large part of me, I can’t imagine who I would be without your love and angelic presence in my life.  I deeply miss your loving spirit, your home-cooked meals, our long discussions about your favorite fashions and your detailed stories about your childhood memories and Greek heritage; no matter how many times you shared them, I always learned something new and was eager to relive those moments.  Somehow, you had a way of making me feel that I too was a part of them as they will always feel like cherished memories for me as well.

(continued)

Mom, you were always my guiding light, my strength when I needed it and my first place to go with uplifting news.  You always celebrated my accomplishments and bestowed upon me an inner confidence that drove me to pursue my passions in life; never wavering from, nor doubting my path.  You made my dark days shine brightly, and brought immense joy to my life through your infectious sense of humor and zest for life.  I have such fond memories of our time together, both as a child and as an adult.  You knew just the right time to transpose your parental oversight into a loving, yet firm guidance that culminated with your child’s adulthood.  Raising children was so natural for you; my admiration for your many loving talents is endless.   

Although you always worried about your children, it was your nature, you also possessed the understanding that to truly love someone, you must encourage them to pursue their life’s passions—no matter the distance it may create, as was the case with me.  I hope you know that from the day I moved away, it was equally hard for me to not be with you; I kept you in my heart every day of my life.  The memories of my visits home, as well as your many visits to Greenwich, Connecticut and then California, will remain fresh in my mind as I continue on without you here.  It was the most surreal feeling when I would come home to visit; we just picked up where we left off, as if I never left.  Our bond was unbreakable and I always relied on that to see me through.  There is no doubt that my days will feel emptier without your heaven-sent presence, but I will always remember the example you set for all of us; especially the graceful, fearless and loving way you lived your last days with us.  Your faith in God was exemplary and impactful.


(continued)

To say you were truly a remarkable woman and loving mother would be an epic understatement.  Your unconditional love for your children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren, has spawned a unique and selfless love for eternity, which we all will nurture in your memory.  You were a blessing to us all and the greatest mother a child could ever “wish for”.   I am grateful and humbled to be your son.  I am also grateful that I had you as a role model as a parent; I certainly am a better man because of you.  You taught me how to show unconditional love to my children and what it entails to truly be a loving father.  Your precious “gift” gloriously lives on through my priceless bond with Alexandria and Lauren.

I thank our Lord that I was able to be by your side, caring for you each day for the last two months of your life.  Although it was a difficult and heartbreaking time, our conversations, laughs and tender moments will remain among my life’s most special memories with you.  I will never forget the heartfelt things you said to me during that time.  When you told me that you got your strength from me, I was deeply humbled, but felt it was quite ironic as YOU were always the source of mine.  I deeply miss your soothing voice, your warm touch, your charming laugh, your loving embrace and your heavenly soul.  As you look down upon us from Heaven, please listen for my voice as I will never stop reaching out to you; I trust you will never be far away, as always.  I love you Mom, more than words alone can express.  May you rest in peace with your loving family, relatives and friends.  Until our great Lord reunites us once again, you and our loving memories together will remain ever-present in my heart.

Your Devoted and Loving Son, Bill Jr.



My Loving Yia Yia,

Finely tuned wit, quiet strength, and nurturing maternal softness—these are the words that describe you.  Even in your final moments, you were quick with sarcastic jokes, as I massaged your legs with soothing oils… You never did lose your sense of self, and you never failed to find the humor in things.  

I cherish the memories we made together—our Breyer’s ice cream indulgences; the special way receiving your birthday cards always made me feel, or that prized Eloise doll and the Wednesday baby doll I so loved; the sound of your laugh when my dad, Greg and Tina were dancing at a get-together; and our late-night chats in your kitchen during a visit.  Even with so many grandchildren to love, you always found a way to make me feel individually special.

And I know you haven’t gone far.  You will be a butterfly in the backyard, or a memory that somehow finds its way to me.  It’s funny you know, since you’ve passed, I’ve already been uncannily reminded of you.  One day, I had the odd compulsion to play “Fever”, a song whose lyrics I can still hear you singing.  Then, a month into school, a young Greek girl came to work with me, and we became fast friends.   And lastly, when looking for vanilla ice cream in the supermarket, my eye fell to a pint of Breyer’s, which I’ve never seen in Spain before… Some may think it’s funny to interpret these occurrences as signs, but I feel I can’t ignore them.

Aside from these little messages, you will live on in my heart and in my habits, with every purchase I agonize over for weeks before finally returning; in my self-deprecating humor, and through your recipes, with every Grecian orange cake, zucchini cake, and banana cream pie that I make.



(continued)

Thank you for bestowing upon my father the special bond that is forged between mother and child, a bond that will always be nurturing and humbling—the ultimate expression of love.  Your love was the origin of us all and the foundation of the family; and even though we continue on without you, we will all continue on with that love at the core of our being.  May you rest in peace with Grandpa Poulos and all the rest, until the day we meet again.

With My Eternal Love, Your Granddaughter, Lauren



Dearest Yia Yia,

As the years go by, I’ve become increasingly attune to the universal sanctity of motherhood—it is the beginning of all life, the first chapter of each of our stories.  A woman myself, I feel the real pull to nurture and to love in my very bones and in my heart.  It’s this perspective—this intuitive “womanness”—that makes me especially grateful for you.  You were a special mother to my father from the moment you first held him in your arms.  In life, you perennially put your children first, always leading with love and selflessness, and, in turn my father grew up to treat his children, my sister and I, the same.  I’m not sure that there is a more beautiful circle of life than that of an unconditionally loving family, one in which each generation thrives from the outpouring of love from its predecessor.  Thank you for the many smiles you brought to my father’s face, for the words of encouragement you gave him in trying times, and for the endless love and safety he and the rest of our family infinitely felt in your presence.  Great mothers are angels, on earth and in heaven.  Rest in peace Yia Yia.  Your legacy of love lives on.

Your Loving Granddaughter, Alexandria Mary


To My Beautiful Wife
“My Everything”

Mary, I just want to tell you how much I LOVE YOU! You are everything to me. You gave me so many beautiful memories and six wonderful children. I miss you so much honey. You always told me how much you loved me and I was the only one you wanted forever.
I want to thank you for making me so happy with all those memories. I have always been so proud of you in every way possible, you are the Queen of our family and loved so very much.
You are so beautiful inside and out. I can vividly remember seeing you for the first time in the 8th grade at West Junior High School. You were going up the stairs and I was going down. I thought, “wow”, I am going to spend my life with her and I was right.
Honey, the first and last thing I do every day  and night is to tell you I love you and kiss your beautiful picture. You will live deep in my heart forever and ever.
Someday, we will be together again for eternity.

Good night my love!

ALL MY LOVE, BILL





My Dearest Mary,

I feel so blessed to do this for my dear, dear friend Mary, who was always there for me.  I loved knowing I could call her anytime and talk to her if I was having a bad day and my dear friend Mary would always make me feel better with her quick sense of humor.  We loved shopping and going out to lunch together.  When I do these things now, you are still with me and always will be.  I Miss You!

Love Always,
Bonnie Cook



My Dear Dama,
 
It’s hard to put into words how much you meant and will always mean to me. I look back at the 25 years I was lucky enough to have with you, filled with wonderful memories that I will forever cherish and hold in my heart. You were everything a person could have asked for in a grandmother and so much more. Any time you were near, I knew a warm hug and your classic kiss on the cheek were in store – the kind where you’d tuck in your lips, so you wouldn’t get your lipstick on our cheeks. 
 
My earliest memories began with you and grew stronger through the years. I remember sitting at your table in your home on Greenbriar when I was young, you were trying to teach me how to blow my first bubble with none other than your favorite, Juicy Fruit. You probably got tired of hearing, “Dama, do you have any gum in your purse?” but you would look at me with a grin on your face and hand me a piece every time. Of course, you’d offer a piece to everyone else too even if it meant it emptied the pack, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from you. Every time I see Fabiano’s, I’ll think back to the candy canes you’d have hung around the brim of your decorative vase in your dining room, ready for the grandkids to hand pick. I always knew that one was chosen particularly for me, and you always knew my favorite was wintergreen. 
 
I recall Christmas Eve nights growing up, the one night of the year I looked forward to most. You never failed to show up with that famous raspberry cheesecake and a card for each grandchild in hand. You had great taste in food and poured all your love into the recipes that you’d make. Bravo became a second home where you, my mom, and I would frequently go to unwind after a successful day of shopping. I remember always being able to tell when you and my mom had gone out shopping because I could smell the scent of your perfume on the seatbelt and often find a strand of your hair on the seat when I got in the car after school.

(continued next post) 

(continued)

You often reminded me of my strength, but we all know you were the strongest of all. Even through your final months and days, your strength & courage were unwavering. I’ll never forget the day you came up to me, held me, and told me after Zoe passed that God had a plan for me and that I will find happiness again when Sam and I get a dog of our own someday. There is just something about words spoken by your grandma – that whatever the situation may be, you made it feel like everything would be okay. 
 
Before I left the night before you passed, you wished me the best of luck in all the next stages of my life and told me that you wish you could be here to see it all unfold. I can promise you that you will not miss out on any occasion, because I know you’ll be looking down from above every step of the way. I know you will be with me on my wedding day, smiling because you know I’ve found the kind of love that you’d always wished for me. I know you’ll be here in spirit to see me grow older and have children of my own someday. I can’t wait to tell them all about their great grandma and share with them the memories, photos, and stories I have of you. I promise to fill the home I build with the love and traditions you filled yours with.  

Thank you for the person that you were, for everything that you taught me, and for always making me feel loved. Thank you for always putting others before yourself and teaching us to do the same. I see a lot of you in my mom and am certain she is the selfless mother that she is today because of the love that you provided for your own children. I hope to one day be half the woman that you were, and to love everyone in the selfless ways that you did. I promise I’ll think of you every time I hear a Michael Buble song, and every time I wear or see the color white, I’ll smile because we all know white was your color. I miss you more than words can begin to express, until we meet again my sweet angel. 
 
All my love,
Your “Caroliney"

A Loving Tribute To My Beloved Grandmother “Dama”
From the time I was a small child , I can still remember all your love, kindness and wisdom you so graciously gave. The lessons you taught us and how and why they were so important to our upbringing and of course, always listen to your parents! 
In the early years , I remember how you and Mom would pick me up from preschool and I couldn’t wait to see your smiling face from afar. Not to mention the frosted cookies from Jacobson’s that I knew you would have for me.
I fondly remember all the holidays and family traditions you made so special. The infamous Greek spinach pie, baklava and my very favorite pink jello cheesecake for us in the freezer.
More importantly, I will remember all your love and wisdom. The stories you told us of all your favorite childhood memories. You were so proud of your Greek Heritage and of your family.
The core values and morals you were raised with certainly were an inspiration to us all. These values are what molded you into the beautiful, kind , loving, compassionate person that I was lucky enough to call  “my grandmother,”
The morning I visited you at The Willows was so memorable to me. We were able to enjoy quality time alone together. Our conversation we had and the sentiments we shared will live in my heart forever. I can’t express how meaningful that was for me. Your courage and faith throughout the difficult days were an example of what a strong and resilient person you were.
I will never forget the last words you spoke to me. They will stay in my heart for the rest of my life. You were the best grandmother a grandson could ever wish for. I was honored to be your grandson.
Dama, you brought so much joy and happiness into my life. I will forever be thankful and grateful for you!
Until we meet in Heaven, I love you and cherish you forever. Love, hugs and kisses.
Your Grateful Loving Grandson, Jonathan

 

To my loving Grandmother (Marka),

Ya Ya, Grandma, Dama, Marka, it's quite obvious that each of us grandchildren referred to you differently, although one thing we could agree on is how much we loved you. When my son asks me someday about his great grandmother, I will tell him all about you. Many joyful memories come to my mind when I think of you and the way you lived your life. Beautiful, humorous, loving, genuine, caring and wise; just to name a few. However, most notably your strength and selflessness stand out to me the most. I can honestly say that you were the strongest person I have ever met. You raised six wonderful kids, you faced adversity with grace and elegance and I never saw you shed one tear when learning of your illness. Which was unbelievable to me! In my mind there is no question that you are the true definition of strength. You were also an incredibly unselfish person. You ALWAYS put your family first, living your life centered around the needs of your children and what was best for them. You were always just a phone call away if anyone had a question about one of your delicious recipes, or if we just needed to hear your soothing voice and reassurance, that only you could give, letting us know that everything was going to be alright. You made sure to give each and every person a piece of your time. Even in the last few hours of your life, sharing with us little visions of what heavens glory and beauty looked like beyond the gates!

I love you and the life you made possible for us all. Your positive, loving spirit and all of the beautiful memories we've shared will live on forever in my heart. Until we meet again, my sweet guardian angel! I love you, Marka. 

Love your Granddaughter, 
Angela 

To my wonderful Grandmother (Marka),

  There are not enough words to describe the amazing person you were. I had the honor of spending 39 wonderful years with you in my life. I have so many fond memories of you throughout our years together. For instance, the many road trips we took to Florida and Connecticut throughout the years. You always made sure to have  a cooler packed full of delicious turkey sandwiches on pumpernickel bread. Who could also forget your annual Pink Jello Cheesecake you made every Christmas year. I always looked forward to my preferred "frozen" slice. I will always remember the times we sat in the family room of the Greenbriar house, laughing, watching "Saturday Night Live", as I gave you that "famous back scratch" you so much loved.  Those are just a few of the many wonderful memories I have to cherish from our time spent together. 

  I also want to take this moment to thank you for always being there for me in life. I will always cherish the memories of our time together. Like most grandparents do, you spoiled me with many nice gifts throughout the years, but your greatest gift of all,  was the love and support you gave each and every day. I will never forget that October 4th 2018, during our final moments together, with all that you had been going through, mind still sharp as a tack, you found the strength to look me in the eye, and say "happy birthday". Just a perfect example of how truly amazing you were. Although you may not physically be here with us today, I know you're here in spirit, watching over us from the heavens, like the true angel you always were.  I love and miss you more than words can describe Marka! Rest in Peace.

Your loving Grandson, 

Christopher 




To My Dear Loving Mother,

How do I express into words what you meant to me.  From early childhood you nurtured, loved, cared, protected in ways only a devoted Mother would do. I learned early on that my Mom was a true blessing from above. I always felt safe  knowing you were always there for me. Your lessons to me  were always do what’s right in life, be kind to others  and stay true to yourself,  I’ve lived my whole  life in that manner all because of you. I am a loving, devoted Mom to my children because  of what you instilled in me. You made our house a home filled with lots of family traditions, warm memories and unconditional love  that I will cherish forever, As I grew older our bond became even stronger. The weekly shopping and luncheon trips, the long talks we shared telling each other our thoughts, hopes dreams and wishes. Sometimes we even shared some tears but we both knew we would always be there for each other no matter what.

I will forever cherish our quality time we spent as Mother and Daughter together. You were not only my Mom you were also my best friend. The day you were called to heaven a part of me left with you. Your Mom teaches you everything in life but she doesn’t teach you how to live without her. The greatest love in life is between a mother and child. I know you’re at peace now out of pain, singing and dancing with the angels and your Heavenly Family. You truly have earned your angel wings. You will live in my heart forever Mom. You were the best role model a daughter could ever have. Life will never be the same without you. Until the day we are together again, I’m sending you sweet kisses, hugs and all my love forever and ever, Rest In Peace my sweet angel. 

Your loving daughter, 
Marcy

My inspiration, my sweet mother,

I cannot begin to put into words the values you gave me and, most importantly, the love for family and how important it is to be the best, nurturing, mother I could possibly be.  Your example was not so much with your words, but for me, your actions.  No matter what obstacle you faced, you always pushed through; truly showed me what strength and faith is all about.  I remember reading your Bible as a young teen, and watched you live out the values He requires from us.  Your inner strength spoke volumes to me.  Up to last summer when I had the privilege to care for you; we spent so much precious time together, and I cherished every minute.  It was a God appointed time for me.  We bonded, we laughed, we talked about clothes, shoes, and all the things you loved to talk about... I will forever remember those few months, and what it did for me... Right up to your final moments, still giving, as each of us received an appointed message I will hold in my heart forever. 

Proverbs 31:28-31:  Her Children arise and call her blessed.  Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring praise at the city gate.

Highly blessed my mama, and highly favored.  Until we reunite again, my memories and all you taught me, I will hold in my heart. Thank you for your love my blessed mama, I LOVE YOU!

Your Loving Daughter, Michelle

Momma, I will never forget our last conversation, the things you needed to say to me, making sure I had the things you wanted to leave for me or the advice you gave me before you could pass into heaven.  As always, you thought of your kids before yourself.  I know how very important it was for you to deliver to each one of us a special personal message and as always, you made sure we were all taken care of before you could move on.  You were so very special to me, to all of us.  You will live in my heart forever.  I love you more than you could ever imagine.  Rest in Peace Sweet Angel. I know I will be with you again one day. 

Your Loving Daughter, Tina Marie

My dear sweet mama, I already miss your smile , your jokes, the way you made us all feel better with just a few words or the look on your face.  You were our pillar of strength and what held our crazy family together.  We loved you more than words can express and will always remember everything about you, from your love of shopping to your stories of your Greek heritage.  I was honored to be your daughter and I will always cherish our last few months together, as I learned so much about you and your childhood I never knew before. 

This is not goodbye, it's until we are together again.

Love you with all that's in me

Your first born daughter,
Gail

Always knew her as a beautiful, classy and loving lady. You will surely be missed, but never forgotten.

OBITUARY

Mrs. Mary G (Poulos) Geisler

June 1, 1932 – October 5, 2018

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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