On Wednesday afternoon, in a sunny little cemetery, we laid Old Gertrude to rest. There were flowers, and songs at the grave, and there were memories shared. The service had been a great comfort to us, as people who cared about her and about us, shared so freely of their gifts to bless all who had come to remember. Once again, we thank all who so eagerly agreed to be a part of the service. It meant so much to us, and it touched the hearts of people there. My nurse from Stockley Center, a crusty, sometimes tough and always feisty gal said to me today, “Mary Ann, that was the nicest service I have EVER been to.” I was so thankful to our friends, but also to our Heavenly Father, because I had prayed specifically that it would be meaningful to the state workers that had come. On Wednesday evening, our church family planned a meal, and there was time given there for sharing memories about Old Gertrude, and that was incredibly healing for me. I looked around at the faces of the people who make up the church family, and read their notes of encouragement and sympathy, and it just was such a special thing that they did for us. I am also realizing how good it is to finally have some closure. It has been a stressful two weeks, and I am glad to be on this side of it. The following is an account of that service, and it pretty much happened just like it says here.
Celebration of Life
for
Gertrude Finnegan

November 2, 2005
11:00 AM
Chapel at Stockley Center

10:45 Prelude …………………………………. Karen Bontrager
11:00 Welcome ……………………………………… Brent Zook
11:02 Invocation ………………………………..Mark Yoder, Sr.
11:05 Congregational Singing ………………….. Jesse Bontrager
“Old Rugged Cross”
“Jesus Loves Me”
“Suppertime”
11:15 Reading of Scripture …………………………Deborah Yutzy
Psalm 23
11:20 Song ………………………………Mennonite Antrim Choir
“No Disappointment in Heaven”
11:25 Meditation ………………………….Pastor John Ivan Byler
11:40 Song ……………………………………J. David Hertzler
“It’s not Home”
11:45 Brief comments and Closing …………………..Daniel Yutzy
11:48 Song ……………………………………….Kirk Talley Serenaded by Angels”

11:50……………………… adjournment to the Stockley Cemetary

12:00 Graveside Services ………………………..c/o Funeral Home