Jeannette wasn't an overly sentimental person. She didn't put as much stock into words as she did into actions, and her actions while she was with us certainly were our delight.
In the 25 years Jeannette spent in Fairfax she involved herself in the town in many ways. When her sons were young she was involved with the PTA, with Boy Scouts, and with the CCD programs here at St. Luke. As the boys got older she found more ways to be active in the area. She joined the Empty Nesters Network, a group of friends who met monthly whose children had all grown. She became a lay minister through a program at St. Michael’s College, and began the RCIA program here in the parish. She also worked at Georgia and Westford Schools. Ultimately, Jeannette took the job of secretary at St. Luke, and enjoyed it very much.
Jeannette’s younger brother Leo and her older sister Mary, were planning to do the eulogy today. However, after the visiting hours yesterday they decided not to. They told me that all of you shared amazing stories of Jeannette’s contributions to your lives, and because of these stories they heard, they realized how Jeannette really came into her own here in Fairfax. She was truly of this community, so although her childhood was important, it isn't the right focus of this celebration today. Jeannette came here, to a town in Vermont where she knew no one, and built her own community around herself and her family, and that is really a testament to a life well-lived. So today we celebrate that life. You all have your own stories of Jeannette, so this eulogy didn’t need to contain childhood anecdotes or specific reminiscences; you have your own memories in your hearts.
Jeannette’s younger brother Leo and her older sister Mary, were planning to do the eulogy today. However, after the visiting hours yesterday they decided not to. They told me that all of you shared amazing stories of Jeannette’s contributions to your lives, and because of these stories they heard, they realized how Jeannette really came into her own here in Fairfax. She was truly of this community, so although her childhood was important, it isn't the right focus of this celebration today. Jeannette came here, to a town in Vermont where she knew no one, and built her own community around herself and her family, and that is really a testament to a life well-lived. So today we celebrate that life. You all have your own stories of Jeannette, so this eulogy didn’t need to contain childhood anecdotes or specific reminiscences; you have your own memories in your hearts.
I think of Jeannette a hundred times a day. I think of her alive and well and with a ready smile. The service was beautiful and indicative of the very large loving net that Jeannette cast. Dear, dear Emily, your energy and dedication through this process is profound, and it has strengthened the ties that bind all of us together. Thank you, again. With love.
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