IRVING BERLIN, songwriter and author of God Bless America, once stated,
“The song has ended, but the melody lingers on.”
This is true as well for an ICON, a cherished loved one who has gone from our lives, while the melody lingers on in sweet and treasured memories.
How do you pay tribute and recognition for someone who so selflessly gave her life in service to others, tending her home, her family, cherishing those she loved, welcoming stranger as well as friend to her door and treating all like family? How can you honor and pay respect to someone who loved and raised her own child, gave up her golden years to tenderly raise and nurture her grandchildren, and finally, was blessed to hold and rock and love 5 great-grandchildren?
This is how. As the memories and the melody of a life well lived lives on in our hearts, we treasure them, hold them, guard them and pass them on to the next generation. We remember every detail that touched our lives, from her beautiful smiles, happy hugs, award-winning pies and cakes and other goodies, the constant caring and sharing with everyone, the welcomed wit and wisdom she shared, to the endless little sacrifices that went into making a home, keeping a family and building a community.
Then, we go out and do likewise.
And the melody lingers on.
IN MEMORY OF
PATRICIA RICHARDS BEEN
1928 - 2017
