Today, we are saying goodbye to a sweet, wonderful woman —my grandmother, Colleen Turner.

Grandma Colleen, as I always addressed her, suffered with a horrible disease called Alzheimer’s for several years. Today, we can take comfort knowing that this affliction has finally ended. I believe that Grandma is now in Heaven, looking down on all of us with the same beauty and charm that she always possessed. Now, she is once again able to smile and laugh—as she did so often during her lifetime.

In remembrance of my grandmother, I’d like to share a few of my thoughts and memories, which in some ways, defines the kind of person she was and how she would want to be remembered.

My grandmother adored her husband, Harlie. Their marriage never seemed to lose its spark. She was a devoted mother to her children, Denny and my mom, Sue. And, when it came to her 5 grandsons, she spoiled us rotten with more of her unconditional love.

Occasionally, my two brothers and I would spend the night at grandma’s house when we were little boys. One morning, grandma asked us what we’d like to eat for breakfast? We each shouted out a different response: Pancakes!, Waffles!, French Toast! Instead of telling us no, without hesitation, grandma promptly prepared each breakfast item. After a few years had passed, my brothers and I realized how inconsiderate we had been and asked grandma why she went through all the trouble of preparing three different meals? Her answer was: “I love my grandsons!”

Grandma Colleen always took great pride in her appearance. She was such a beautiful and youthful looking woman—even in her later years. Her hair was a gorgeous red color and was always neatly styled. She had stunning eyes, and her lips were glossed with a pretty red lipstick.

As a little boy, I was taught to give grandma a kiss when saying goodbye, or to thank her for something nice she had done for me. However, after our embrace, I’d always be wearing some of her lipstick as a souvenir. To a young boy, a kiss with lipstick, was almost like getting cooties from a girl! Now, today it is a memory that I will always treasure.

Grandma was always cheerful and carefree. She was so easy-going and never appeared to get upset. She never raised her voice to me, or anyone else for that matter—including Grandpa—who probably could have used a tongue lashing from time-to-time. One of grandma’s favorite activities was playing cards. Grandpa Harlie and Grandma Colleen would often be partners. When the score was close, the pressure would mount. Sometimes grandpa would have a quick outburst if he felt grandma had thrown a bad card. Grandma Colleen would simply reply “OKAY Harlie”, smile at his lecture, and get ready for the next hand. Her non-confrontational attitude made her such a wonderful person to always be around.

My Grandma was also a master at frying catfish. Year-after-year, family and friends would come over and enjoy a catfish dinner at the Turner household. Not only was Grandma great at cooking fish, but she also enjoyed catching them. Grandpa and Grandma loved to go fishing and sometimes took me along. I remember Grandma always wore a sun hat or scarf on her head to protect her hair from blowing. I can still see her relaxing in her seat with a beer in one hand and a fishing pole in the other.

At holiday times, Grandma was never outdone when it came to cooking. My mouth waters thinking of the awesome meals she would prepare. Her oven-baked turkey was incredible. But, if you didn’t like turkey, not to worry, she also served ham! She prepared all the fixings including the best dressing, sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes around. Speaking of potatoes… she would carefully prepare them for everyone at each meal—but she, herself, would NEVER put them to her lips. She HATED potatoes! Then of course, there was the highlight of the meal – her deserts! You could always count on at least two choices of deserts; one being her specialty – pumpkin tort.

I thought Grandma Colleen was the best cook alive—with one exception. Homemade, buttered noodles! Everyone ranted and raved about them, but they only made me gag because my dad would make me eat them. Sorry Grandma! But I think you’ll understand since your parents did the same thing to you with potatoes.

These are just a few, special memories I have of my grandmother. She loved her family and friends and always knew how to have fun in life. She was a person who preferred to give of herself and receive nothing in return. Her generous nature was one of her greatest gifts to us all.

As Grandma looks down from Heaven today, she’d wish us all happiness and to remember the good times we spent with her.

I love my grandma Colleen, and I will miss her. May God rest her soul!