Goodbye Carolyn

Marshall's mother died back in California. This was my step-grandmother, probably one of the sweetest people I ever knew. When you talked to her, it was like the whole world stopped and you were the only thing that mattered. I knew her 35 years and will miss her. My mom said that she just liked the idea that she was on the same planet as her mother-in-law. Not anymore...

For some reason, she stopped producing red blood cells. It never developed into anything else. She survived much longer than we even dared hope on transfusions and a medication that started to work again. I'll be just grateful that her passing was peaceful, at home and she was kept out of pain.

Very religious, she was not afraid of dying, even calling it her "last great adventure". She firmly believed that she would be reunited with those who left before her, including her husband. She looked forward to meeting Jesus, who was an integral part of her life.

She had a simple life but a blessed one. All seven children outlived her. No real tragedies in her family. She lost her husband but that also, wasn't marred with undue suffering. What was nice is that she knew this and was grateful for it.

She transcended the religious, generational, cultural and political differences and transcended her relationships into something more meaningful. Those of us who had the privilege to know her, were thankful we did. Just a really special person.

This is the obit that appeared in the Sacramento Bee. It was written by all her children;

PFEIFFER, Carolyn (Sousa) With the beauty and grace with which she lived her life, our precious mom left this world for the waiting arms of her Lord on March 11, 2010. She died in the home built by her late husband, William Carl Pfeiffer, where they raised seven children. Born on Feb. 18, 1926, to Marshall Neves Sousa and Irene Sanderson Sousa,she attended St. Joseph's Academy, and worked for the Diocese of Sacramento, PG&E and SMUD. She married Carl, the love of her life, in 1947 and took time to raise their five sons and two daughters. She later worked at UCD Medical Center and as a nanny for many years. Carolyn enjoyed trips to the ocean, womens' retreats, family reunions, following her favorite teams,and especially spending time with grandchildren and dear friends. Carolyn was kind and loving and leaves a legacy of unwavering faithfulness to her friends, her family and her Lord. Her sense of humor permeated every aspect of her life, and even in death she taught us how to live. She leaves behind her sister Patricia, children Marshall (Barbara), Mark (Mary), Mary Elaine (Scott), Carlene (Jeff), Bradley (Annette), Bruce (Kelly) and Jon, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. We send heartfelt appreciation to her extended family at Kaiser South, Kristine O'Day, and to friends who made her life so full. She loved you all. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday at 9 a.m., St. Rose Catholic Church in Sacramento. Contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Tribute # 25785822) P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN, 38148.

Published in The Sacramento Bee on March 18, 2010 print

Read more: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?n=carolyn-pfeiffer-sousa&pid=140821644#ixzz0j5aWg0Bk

aslkjd