I don’t know where to start. I miss her so much and I wish she were still here with us without the pain, all happy and healthy. She is the sweetest grandma I ever knew, the memories we made were unforgettable. When my parents would go out on date nights her and I would almost always get Culver's and get ice cream or milkshakes and a burger. Life feels a lot quieter and the house feels more empty. Every time she’d come out of her room I would always say hi and smile at her. I miss when she’d come back from a Starbucks trip and would give me a cake pop most of the time, and also when she would come out of her room just to give me a piece of candy or two. Then she would go back to her room. The pain she felt did not stop her from making people feel even just the slightest joy. Not once do I recall a time where I was actually mad at her, that is just one of the things that tells me she’s the sweetest person I have and probably will ever know in my entire lifetime. I know she's watching over all of us. I love you meema. ❤️

-Connor Dennis

Pat

There’s no doubt mom touched all our hearts, and the hearts of everyone she crossed paths with. 

Including the Starbucks baristas who she’d chat it up with and hold up the line.

Including the 6 month old baby who she walked by in the restaurant as we were leaving and couldn’t help but lean down and say “you’re so cute”. Even though they didn’t understand her words or know who she was.

Including the people her age who she haaaaaaad to tell about how they were all lied to because the golden years weren’t so golden.

Mom loved and accepted everyone. Which seems rare these days. Someone’s age, race, religious beliefs, political views (ahhh sometimes) didn’t matter to her. 

As sensitive as she could be, she was tough. 

As kind as she was, she could get feisty. 

And as tight as her budget was, she was always so generous. She’d give her last $5 if someone else needed it more.

Mom and I developed a special bond over the last 7 years. I could see a lot of myself in her. Which is why I loved her so much (because we could talk about some things other find taboo or out there) but also why I could get annoyed BY her (not at her) because she could get stubborn, short and tuddy for no good reason sometimes… like me. 

Theres only one time I got truly mad at mom and let her know it. Its when she ate my left over, half eaten cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory lol I was really looking forward to eating it when we got home from a short trip over to Naples. 

When she used to tell us “I’m going to live to be 130, I kinda believed her”. There are times where I feel like all this is unfair. But I do believe that when it’s your time, it’s your time. And the time I got to spend with her, getting to know her and her past, I’ll always cherish and keep close to my heart.

Some things I’ll miss about her:

Hearing “you shouldn’t drink soda, it leaches calcium from your bones.”

And seeing her in her blue shirt: I’m not 80. I’m 18 with 62 years of experience.

Watching all our little shows during dinner like AGT, the Wall and football.

Smelling sage coming from her room because I knew she was trying to work through something. Which is another thing I loved about her: She was a life long learner and always seeking to better herself.

How she’d cross her arms with disgust on her face anytime Trump was talking.

And that little look she’d give after sneaking Connor a cake pop from Starbucks.

I truly could not have asked for a better mother in law.

As Mom always said: We are all spiritual beings. She might not be here in physical anymore, but you better believe she will always be here in spirit.