In Memory of Lizzy Wagner: September 2010

my grandma knows things
that I hope some day to know;
I'll need more decades

In loving memory of Lizzy Wagner

Lizzy (Betty) Kathleen Murphy Kulesza Wagner was born December 1, 1938, and died surrounded by a roomful of loved ones, on the morning of Wednesday July 21, 2010. Lizzy's dear 'Sno' (Elmer) Wagner, their faithful dog Jute, and Lizzy's siblings, children and grandchildren survive her.

At Lizzy's core were her strong connections with family. Second oldest in a family of nine children, she kept close to her brothers and sisters and their families throughout her life, whether by mail and phone, or frequent get-togethers. Lizzy was both mother and great friend to each of her children, Jill, Kurt and Todd; a close mentor and confidante to her daughters-in-law, Ann and Lora; and a loving resource for Sno's children, Steve, Margaret, Lisa and Michele, and their families. Lizzy had a way of making each of us grandchildren feel like her favorite; to us she was invincible, all-knowing, an adventurer.

A hard worker and hobbyist with a green thumb, Lizzy had such fun growing a vibrant, beautiful array of flowers in her garden. She was an intrepid outdoorswoman; she and Sno criss-crossed the country, trekked along the West Coast and made regular trips to their favorite camping spots all over the Pacific Northwest. Lizzy and Sno's love of water and thirst for fun took them together to many-a-river, where they would venture at the drop of a gold pan.

Lizzy infused her life with laughter, engaged any crowd with well-told stories and jokes, and colored conversations with her playful winks. With unapologetic honesty and genuine concern for those around her, she earned trust and adoration from all in her life. Lizzy made and kept many wonderful lifelong friends, with whom she made a point of keeping in touch and sharing stories, chuckles and just enough gossip.

Among our Lizzy's countless admirable attributes were her creativity, her keen positivity and her refusal to hold a grudge. Lizzy spoke honestly, welcomed lovingly, and fiercely lived every moment with a mischievous grin. She had so much to give and she gave without hesitation.

Lizzy, we are so glad to have known you, and we're delighted to keep your beautiful spirit alive.

In Memory of Lizzy Wagner

Friday, September 24, 2010

Haiku from November 2009

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