My sweet Grandma Pearl passed away on July 15, 2017. She was an amazing woman that changed my life by her example. She was happy regardless of hardships, optimistic and had the most contagious laugh I have ever heard.
We were able to go and visit Grandma a few days before she passed away. She had been told that she had pancreatic cancer and had 3-6 months to live. She had been feeling unwell for several weeks and was so happy to finally know what was wrong. Grandma told everyone that she would "go on her own terms". She called hospice, told them she no longer wanted to eat or drink (which wasn't a hard decision when she got sick every time she tried to eat or drink) and passed away a few days later in her home with her family at her side.
This picture was in her sun room. I had never seen it before. Such a true depiction of her personality.
I loved her handwriting. So perfect. She would write on tiny pieces of paper so that nothing was wasted. Grandma never let anything go to waste.
This was the center piece on her kitchen table. Hilarious.
My mom made this pillow for Grandma a long, long time ago. She still had it in her living room.
I never met Grandma's sisters. This picture was at her home.
Back row: Grandma Pearl and Opal Valencia.
Front Row: Nola Fallows and Beth Forsgren
Grandmas family growing up. Grandma Pearl is in the back row, 3rd from the left.
These are Grandma's kids when they were little.
Left to right: Lenard, Ken, Les, Karen and Lucy. Chris and Pete weren't yet born.
The kids were laughing as they looked at this picture. Lucy loves how Lenard has his arm around Ken. She also told me that these were their "best clothes" at the time. My dad (Ken) has holes in his knees. They couldn't have cared less. Love their smiles.
Family picture once the kids were older.
Back Row: Pete (Dave), Les, Lucy, Lenard, Ken
Front Row: Chris, Gma Pearl, Gpa Leland, Karen
Family picture with spouses. My dad (Ken) is back row on the right. My mom is in the middle row on the far right holding my older sister, Cammie.
Grandpa Leland and Grandma Pearl divorced. She later married George Rogerson in 1979. I never knew Grandpa Leland very well but George was who I knew as "Grandpa". I had never seen these pictures. So fun to see her happy and smiling!
Grandma and George were called to serve a mission in Hawaii but George did not feel like he could go that far. They ended up serving instead in the Ogden Cannery Mission from 1994-1995.
Her great grandkids had drawn her pictures and letters.
They displayed Grandma's albums at the funeral. She had binders and binders FULL of every event, activity, photo she had received from any of her children/grandchildren. I found my mission farewell program.
Pictures from Cammie's wedding.
Old school pictures.
Everyone sent so many beautiful flowers. Many of them decorated my home for an entire week!
West Weber Cemetery
Graveside: Chris, Lucy, Ken, Pete and Karen
Grandma's staircase. The multi-colored linoleum stairs. I still remember them from when I was little. It has been years since I had been down them.
Love you, Grandma. We know you lived a full and happy life. I know that you are just as busy and happy where you are now. Thanks for being my Grandma and our Great Grandma. You have left a lasting impression on all of us. I hope to live a life even half as great as yours!
