Sunday, August 4, 2024
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Thoughts of Mom, by Nora Ellis:
I was welcomed into the Ellis family 25 years ago when I married Dave Ellis. My own mom had passed away several years prior, and I really hit the jackpot when Joyce Ellis became my mom! I learned so much from Mom over the years. Mom was a woman of deep faith and love…and it showed in how she lived her life every day. Mom just had this gift of being totally present for those she was with. She’d look you in the eye, share a conversation and make you feel absolutely cared for and valued. Mom’s loving and welcoming nature brought her new friends even during her last days with us.
Mom was a real fan of St. Therese of Lisieux, who believed in doing little things with great love. Mom exemplified that idea throughout her life. A dedicated volunteer at St. Al’s, Mom was involved in numerous ministries and selflessly brought the eucharist to the home bound and those in nursing home. She also trained and coordinated others in this ministry at St. Al’s for years. As a Hospice Volunteer, her loving presence brought so many people God’s comfort and peace in their time of need. Mom was involved with Early Childhood Family Education in it’s early days with her good friends Ada & Marguarite.
Mom had a real zest for life, as you could tell by her bright blue shining eyes and big smile! She loved to laugh, had a great sense of humor, and cherished her friendships. She and Dad were blessed to have such wonderful life-long friends…the Nystroms, Snapkos, Johnsons, and Heitzigs. With this gang, there was sure to be lots of laughter, camaraderie, silliness and good times. They all stood by each other through good times and bad.
Mom taught me a lot about marriage and family. I’ve been lucky to be able to watch Joyce & Gary over the years as they stood up together for what they thought was important. Family. Friends. Faith. Supporting others. Showing up. Unconditional love and acceptance. Working hard. Having fun. Laughing. Marking moments. Birthday poems for the grandkids. Taking time to be truly present for others. Making sure others know you care about them. It was remarkable to see how after 60 years of marriage, Gary & Joyce would still hold hands, speak tenderly to each other, and look so lovingly into each other’s eyes. Now that’s what marriage is all about!
Mom’s greatest gift to me was her incredible love for all her grandchildren. I sometimes joked that she was the reason I put up with these MN winters! Mom was all in on being totally involved in her grandkids lives. School, sports, activities, spiritual upbringing, family gatherings. Mom & Dad were Connor, Samuel, Carter, Peter & Sara’s biggest fans. They were regulars at all the kids sporting events…hockey, soccer, volleyball, football, tennis, track. Mom was athletic & had a bit of a competitive streak in her. She loved kicking the soccer ball or playing corn hole or badminton with the family. I enjoyed our frequent walks and visits to the Arboretum to enjoy the beautiful flowers and plants.
Mom always supported me & Dave and Sheryl & Chuck in a loving, non-judgmental way as we did our best to raise our own kids. You could tell how much she cherished our family & especially enjoyed our extended time together during our annual stay in a lakeside home up North. You’ve been such a blessing to me, Mom! Thanks for showing me the way and for all the laughs over the years!
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