On Saturday, June 21 my beautiful grandmother, Maradell Avey Willmot, passed peacefully at home with my mom by her side. She was our world and I know she was loved by so many of you too. 

There just aren’t enough words to express how much she has meant to all of us. She was my Bonus Mom. When my mom and I moved in with her when I was 3, the plan probably wasn’t to stay, but I never wanted to leave. She was our home and we were the three musketeers taking on the world!

Gram not only helped raise me but Ethan too after we moved back to Ohio when he was a few months old. Then, Lily was lucky to spend many days playing with her as well before she began deteriorating. I’m so thankful for those days and her love.

She was a social butterfly but her long battle with dementia and a few strokes kept her home in bed for the past few years. If you haven’t seen or heard from her recently, it’s not because she didn’t want to be there. She loved her friends fiercely and family to the moon and back.

“Bamie”, as she became known (thanks to Ethan’s speech apraxia when he was young) was a special education and severe behavior disorder teacher’s aide for most of her career at Milford High School. She believed in the kids others had given up on and she fought hard for them. Never giving up and always cheering her “kids” on with a big smile. I know she made a big difference to so many and are so proud of the life she lived.

Most of you knew Bamie for her amazing baking and cooking skills. Don’t worry, we’ve got the recipes!! But they will never be exactly the same.

What most of you didn’t know was she was a talented artist. Always doodling, even on the counter tops and walls!

She never let her tiny stature get in the way… my kids goal in life to surpass “Bamie height.” She was a self proclaimed feisty ginger and you better not mess with her!! Heaven better be ready because I’m sure she is up there doing the splits and causing trouble! Yes, even at 80+ she was still doing the splits up until her hip replacement forced her to behave. Although we would still catch her trying.

We had been preparing for this moment, but it doesn’t make it easier. I’m so thankful the kids and I got to spend time with her this week and say our goodbyes while she had a few moments of clarity and recognized us. Of course she waited to pass until we were all on the other side of the country. Luckily, she had my mom by her side taking great care of her. Thank you, Mom, for being there for gram.

I would love to hear about your favorite memories too. ❤️