As mentioned in a prior post, our first stop in this
summer’s travels was quite bittersweet. Geri’s only sister, Kathy, passed away
in late May after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Family and friends gathered
in Lompoc from across the country at the end of June to celebrate her life and
spirit.
The first order of business was a family get-together on
Thursday night at a local restaurant. It was wonderful seeing everyone again or
meeting a few for the first time, especially since, like many families, the
geographic spread is wide. Folks traveled from other parts of California
(Orange County and California City), Washington, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
All four of Kathy’s children were there, as were all of her grandchildren, most
of her great-grandchildren, and even her great-great-grandson.
On Friday, family and friends met at the Lompoc Cemetery for
a nice service and placing of the ashes. It was simple, inclusive, and
informal. Kathy would have approved.
After the graveside service, everyone adjourned to the local
American Legion for visiting and remembering. Kathy was member of this legion
post (Lompoc is an Air Force town, located in the shadow of Vandenberg AFB) and
a past officer of the Ladies Auxiliary. Several people, us included, brought
pictures of various vintages for everyone to share.
Some of us then spent a little time at the local wine bar where Debbie (Kathy's daughter) and Cherie (Debbie's daughter) both work part-time. We finished out the day at Kathy’s old house, where we had
more food and conversation before heading back to our spot in Buellton, about
15 miles east of Lompoc.
Sadly for the family members gathered, they were also grieving
for Ron, Kathy’s first husband, who passed away in Ohio in mid-June. We were
able to express our condolences, as they were making plans to travel east in a
few weeks for another celebration of life…
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