Ilene was two years older than I, so she was always in my life.
Two years later we were joined by a third sister, Laurie.
From there the family grew some more, until we were a whole tribe of Norquist kids.
While most of our lives Ilene and I have lived nearly two hundred miles apart, we stayed connected. Ilene loved her family and loved hosting big family gatherings. We made many trips to her home in Vernonia, Oregon for the annual celebration of our Mother's birthday on December 28th, our way of getting the whole tribe together for Christmas. As our families grew, it became quite a houseful.
Ilene knew tragedy in her life. Two sons preceded her in death, as well as a beautiful young granddaughter. Her husband of over 50 years, Mike, died in 2015. But even as there was loss, there was renewal. Grandchildren and then great grandchildren filled her life. Oh how she loved those babies!
She also had many other children in her life. She worked for many years as an aide in the local schools, and at age 50, she completed her college degree and earned her teaching certificate. After substituting in the Vernonia schools, she was hired as a fifth grade teacher. Everybody knew Mrs. Grady, and it seems that everybody loved her.
Ilene spent her entire adult life in the small Oregon town of Vernonia. Our sister Laurie, who spent most of her life as a nurse and caregiver, saw Ilene through her illness and end of life. As the end drew near, she posted on Ilene's Facebook page to let her people know. The expressions of love came pouring in. What a legacy she has!
Ilene was a much loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. We, her family, will mourn our loss, and her many friends will miss her dearly.
Rest in peace, dear sister.
Linda I am so sorry to hear this. I know your family was close and this has to be difficult. You and your family have my sympathies.
ReplyDeleteOh Linda. What sad news. I’m so sorry to read of the loss of your sister. This is a beautiful write up honoring your sister. Please accept my deep sympathy.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is heavy and tears are many tonight at the loss of a dear friend. I will miss her so much. She was such a strong person and was such a great example for all. Thanks for sharing a part of her life. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
ReplyDeleteJan Bernardi
Sorry for your loss and others who were touched by this wonderful lady.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I'm so sorry for your loss. Ilene must have been a lovely person and a sweet big sister. Sending thoughts of comfort and prayers for peace, GM
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry for the loss of your sister.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers to your family.
She sounds like a well loved mother, grandmother, sister, teacher and friend to many. What a nice collection of thoughts and photos to celebrate her life...
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to have read about your sister's passing. Take care. My prayers are with your family.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry Linda that you lost such a beautiful person from your life. My deepest sympathies to your family and hers.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing some of her life with me, Linda. I am so sorry for your loss. She was fortunate to have those grandchildren in her life. I am the older sister in our family and am also 78, which once seemed old, but now not so much. May she rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister - for you, your family, her loving community. You have given her a heartfelt and fitting tribute. Your words have made me want to visit my own sister as soon as I am back in Vermont.
ReplyDeletePlease accept my condolences. Your tribute was beautiful, and there is no greater thing that to leave this world well loved and loving it right back.
ReplyDeleteOh Linda, I am so very sorry. This is very sad news. What a beautiful picture of Ilene. Sounds like she was just as beautiful inside too. You are such a close family, I'm sure you will all miss her.
ReplyDeleteYou've written a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to your dear sister. It sounds like she has left behind a legacy of love and many wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteHer strong will and cheerful smile was always an inspiration to me. As I commuted to work each day from Vernonia, I would see her walking and we waved every day to lift each other's spirit. She was an icon to our community and will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your lost of your much loved sister.
ReplyDeleteSending my sympathy. Any woman who loses sons and carries on is special.
ReplyDeleteI loved Ilene as a co worker, PEO Sister and friend. She loved her family so much as well as her students. Ilene this isn’t goodbye it’s just see you later!🌹😢😘
ReplyDeleteMy sympathies on the passing of your sister Ilene. What a lovely tribute to her, she was obviously a strong and loving woman.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this. This is a part of life that is most wrenching. You have my deepest sympathy.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read this but also know how fortunate you were to have her in you life. She made great contirbution while on this earth.
ReplyDeleteIt was quite a day, wasn't it. "May her memory be a blessing" is a saying... for Ilene, it is a truism. Take care <3 KNow you are loved <3
ReplyDeleteab
My sympathy to you and Tom and all who loved your sister. Such sad news for you.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I am so sorry. Please accept my condolences.
ReplyDeleteYou were truly blessed to have such a loving, gentle sister. I'm so sorry for the pain you are going through but hope you'll always keep her smile in your heart.
ReplyDelete