Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Home at Last

Dear Friends.

Joe finished his journey on earth and went to be with the Lord last night about 11. Cassie and I were both with him and were able to hold him at the end. We will miss him terribly but we know he is free now.

The visitation will be Friday from 4-9 P.M. and funeral will be Saturday at 10 A.M.
Both will be held at Anderson Memorial Chapel, 606 Townhall Drive, Romeoville,60446.

Should friends desire, contributions can be made to Community Christian Church (http://www.communitychristian.org/locations/carillon/)
or Joliet Area Community Hospice.
( http://www.joliethospice.org/donations.shtml)

Our prayer requests now are that the out of town children can make it in without weather related problems as the forecast is not very good. How do I thank all of you for your prayers and support? Just know that I ask God to bless you in a special way this Christmas for reaching out to us in our time of need. Take care and God bless. Mary Anne

13 comments:

amy said...

God bless you and your family. Thank you for sharing your story. May you find continued Peace throughout this time.

Mike Martorano said...

MaryAnn,
Janet and I have been following Joe's, story on your Blog...he was a hero. We have respected your privacy and haven't called but he has been in our prayers. The last time we saw you and Joe was when you visited us in our Scottsdale home. We had some fun times together on our trips and I'll always remember his humor, sence of style and competitivness in cresting the 'perfect' memory book of his trips! Janet and I hope to see you in the near furture...and Joe again one day soon.
Mike & Janet Martorano

Anonymous said...

My family extends their deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Gabe says he would love to walk Lucky or have him for a sleep over.
Jill is staying in Plainfield from Saturday, Dec. 21st till Dec. 29th,
no problem, just contact.

Bill said...

Something Joe might have wanted to say to all of us?

Goodbye, farewell, we'll meet again
Somewhere beyond the sky.
I pray that you will stay with God
Goodbye, my friends, goodbye.

The light grows dim but in this hour
I have no tears to cry.
My heart is full, my joy complete.
Goodbye, my friends, goodbye.

I feel no loss of hope as I've grown older.
Now this world's weight is lifted from my shoulder.

My heart beats to a slower song,
So softly in my veins.
The night is warm, but in my sleep
I dream of heaven's reign.

Everything I am I've tried to show you,
In this life I've been so blessed to know you.

Goodbye, farewell, we'll meet again
Somewhere beyond the sky.
I pray that you will walk with God
Goodbye, my friends, goodbye.

-Larry Norman

Anonymous said...

May you all find Peace & Comfort in your wonderful memories. Losing someone is always very difficult but your memories, family & friends will keep you strong. God Bless you all - May Peace be with you

Anonymous said...

God bless you all on your heroic journey with Joe. May he rest eternally with the Lord and be at peace.
"They will hunger no more and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Rev 7:16-17
God bless you all!

fia said...

Dear Mary Ann and family,
I hope that the memories of a beloved father and husband give you all the strength in these difficult days. My thoughts are with you all, God bless.
Fia

Sharonp10 said...

Mary Anne,
I am so sorry for your loss - of course he is now at peace and will never hurt again. Knowing this I'm sure will bring you and your family peace. I'm sure you will continue to review all the memories you built together over the many years which will give you great comfort when you feel sad. Thanks for sharing this long trip with us. God Bless you all.

Sharon

Anonymous said...

Mary Anne, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will miss Joe dearly but I also take great joy in the memories that we had together. I can not make it up for the service but I will be there in spirit.

Take care,

Terry Adderhold

Anonymous said...

We stand at the door of heaven like a child eagerly waitig for his birthday party to begin. For Joe, the door has opened!! Thank you Joe for a great life and your committment to the Savior. MaryAnn and all Joe's family and friends now have even a greater hope and yearning for the door to open for our great entry. Joining Joe as we worship our King will be a great joy!! Come, Lord Jesus! Today would be a good day!! My prayer is that all who read this message will know the joy of Christ and will someday be there with Joe and MaryAnn.

Anonymous said...

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You have all been amazing through this journey. We wish you all continued peace throughout this time. You are in our thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Mary Anne-- just wanted to send you a hug. Thinking of you today.

Colleen said...

Mary Anne - I am so sorry to read of the loss of Joe. I have kept you and your family in my thoughts for so long now. Know that he is in a better place, cancer and pain free.
Colleen