Condolence: We met Charlene when she moved into the neighborhood. Our backyards were divided by raspberry bushes and a fence.
Both the fence and raspberries gave us a friendship that we will never forget.
We first met her because John’s ball went into her yard one day. We started talking and getting to know each other. After that John would hear her dogs outside and he’d climb up on our wobbly fence to say hello. We would end up talking.
One summers day we noticed branches coming into our yard, and we knocked at Charlene’s door. She walked to the back of her yard with us and told us how the house came with raspberries. She told us to enjoy them if they came through the fence.
We were all thrilled because raspberries are our family’s favorite fruit and it was the closest I have ever become to having raspberry bushes of my own.
This one day John was on our fence and asked John not to bother Charlene if she was busy. As she said I always have time for John. She was telling John how she had 3 new raspberry plants starting and wanted to show them to us.
We went to her house and as we were walking to the back of her yard. She started talking to John about raspberries. Charlene wanted John to have the 3 new plants because he loved them. She made us promise if they grow like wildfire like hers that we give new bushes to someone else someday.
They are still too young but last summer we had quite a few John ran to a neighbor’s house( his teacher) who had love for raspberries too with a small bowl for him. As soon as we have a strong crop like hers we will pass along new plants to a family who will treasure them.
Every year we have raspberries we will remember her. Even though John is almost 16 he will miss his summer day chats with her.
He loved hearing the stories about her grandchildren. He felt so sad for the loss of Robert. He too knows the sting of not having siblings because his two siblings went to heaven before he even had a chance to know them.
John always wanted to know how Robert’s siblings and cousins were doing. We wanted to know how all of you were doing as well.
She had such faith and her prayers were always about her family. She was always talked about each and every one of you.


Charlene was a comfort to us and will be missed terribly. We are so sorry for your loss. May you all find peace during this difficult time. God bless you all,
Lynne, Ron, and John

Condolence: Lisa - I am sincerely sorry for the loss of your mother - there’s a special place in our hearts for our mothers, just like there’s a special place in every mother’s heart for her children. I know you will continue to carry her memory in that special place in your heart. Please accept my condolences for your entire family.