This memorial website was created in memory of my mom, Winifred "Winnie" Parsons who was born in Baltimore, MD on April 5, 1932 and passed away on December 15, 2004 at the age of 72 in Glendale, AZ. We will love and remember her forever.
Mom was plagued with many health problems over the past several years. She was diagnosed with COPD and emphysema about 15 years ago. A heavy smoker for many years, she quit cold turkey when her grandson, TJ was about 3 years old. Just one small remark from her "baby" when she was in the hospital for the second time in as many years, prompted her to quit. That remark, "Oh Gramma", said only the way TJ could say it, made her realize that she had much to live for. She loved to take TJ to the park and run around and play ball with him and for a few years, she was able to do that. But, unfortunately, her health began to decline over the next few years. Three back to back heart attacks, along with her diminishing lung function put her on oxygen 7 years ago. But even the oxygen didn't stop her from enjoying her life. She loved the casino's and she would haul her tank around with her in Ft. McDowell and Laughlin and various other casinos around Arizona! She also enjoyed her work and continued to work unitl her eyes would no longer allow her to and in October, at the age of 72, she took her leave. Although we were all aware of her pulmonary and cardiac "dysfunctions", nothing prepared us for the diagnosis she was given this past October: breast cancer, followed by the discovery of a malignant brain tumor, which in turn revealed a seperate lung cancer. We were all given hope by her Oncologist that we could have maybe 6 good months with her, if radiation was done on the brain tumor and chemo on the breast and lung. Unfortunately, mom was never given the chance to get these treatments. For some reason, on the eve of her radiation treatment, she had a heart attack, which postponed the treatment for another two weeks. Rescheduled for the radiation, she again fell ill on the eve of the treatment. This time, unfortunately, she never came home. Aspiration pnuemonia and sepsis took it's toll on her already tired body and I guess she'd had enough and asked God to take her home.
As I sit here and mourn her loss, I think about the events that happened over the past two months and more importantly, the past three weeks and I remember her telling me on more than one occassion that it was easier for her to die of a heart attack than cancer. She was terrified of the diagnosis and of the treatments she was offered. I truly believe she chose those treatments soley to appease her family, not because she wanted to suffer through them. Through all of this, mom rarely complained and never questioned why God gave her this burden. She may have grieved in private, but she put on a brave, happy face in front of others. Her strong will, faith and strength is inspiring. Mom lived her life on her own terms and she left this world the same way. She didn't want to fight the cancer and thanks to a merciful God she didn't have to.
Although I struggle with guilt and anger over her death, something she said to me this past November, has brought me some solace; "Janice, when I die, take comfort in knowing that you took very good care of me and did everything right and everything you could do. I love you". Well, mom, I wish I could have done more, but I cherish the time I had with you and I love you too and miss you more than words can say.
Her Presence Is Always Near. / Janice (Daughter)
I was reading through a book of poems I had given Mom several years ago and found this poem by Ruth Ann Mahaffey. I thought it very fitting.To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say... but first of all, to let you know, that I arriv...
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A star shines bright in the sky / Janice Parsons (daughter)
One year ago today, we lost you. Like Colleen, I too, can remember every detail of that very long day and all that led up to the time of your passing. Though it has been a year filled with grief (sometimes immeasurable), there have been sprinkles of ...
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WHY DO I FEEL SO ALONE? / KAREN WALKER (DAUGHTER)
WHY DO I FEEL SO ALONE?
I KNOW YOU CANT COME HOME.
WHY DO I FEEL SO EMPTY INSIDE. ALL I DO IS CRY.
ANYTIME I NEVER KNOW WHEN OR WHY.
IBREAKDOWN AND CANT BELIEVE YOUR NOT HERE.
I WISH YOU COULD SHOW ME THAT YOUR NE...
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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY / Janice Parsons (Daughter)
You endured every illness, every grief, every anxiety suffered by your children-often poweless to help. Only able to wait, to love. Thank you. That love is what I hold on to.Thank you for fitting your life to ours. Thank you for making us feel t...
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Birthday message of thanks / Janice Parsons (Daughter)
Thank you for having been at the very heart of the family, holding us together, keeping our concerns and affection for one another alive and strong, reminding us of birthdays, tipping us to one another's needs. Not always interfering-but always being...
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Happy Easter....Wish you were here / Janice Parsons (Daughter)Read >>
I'll never forget you/ Carolyn Walker (Grandaughter)Read >>
How much i love you / Becky Walker (Grand daughter)Read >>
Tributes and Condolences
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