Ode to Dorothy

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it",
Was Dorothy's favorite quote.
Sadly in the end,
Whatever it was,
Couldn't get fixed.

I met Dorothy two years ago
When she moved into her apartment home at Willow Wood.
We quickly established a casual acquaintance
Which developed into a comfortable relationship.
She became my good friend,
My companion, my sister.
We were different in many ways,
And didn't always agree on everything,
But that gave our relationship
Color and texture.
Dorothy communicated well
With the residents where she lived
- Always gracious -
With a kind word for everyone.

Dorothy was proud of her German Heritage,
Devoutly religious,
And lovingly dedicated to family.
She was intelligent, articulate,
And faced life
With an inspiring sense of humor.
Dorothy would like memories of her
To be happy ones.
She'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles.
She'd like to leave an echo,
Whispering of happy times,
And of bright and sunny days.
She'd like the tears of those who grieve
To dry in the warmth of happy memories
That she now leaves behind
- when day is done.

I will miss you Dorothy,
And I thank God for the brief interlude
Whereby you enriched my life with your love.

Marguerite Hogan
Spoken at the Memorial Service