Tribute to My Mother
Me and my mom December 2014
Today is a very special post in honor of my mother, Mary Jane (Reed) Gartner. Today was also one of the hardest days of my life, when I answered my phone in the early hours of the morning to the news my mom had died. She was 96 years old. The nurse of Wilson Health Care Center at Asbury Methodist Village waited patiently as I tried to process the information. I was at a loss for words. Knowing I was about to devastate each member of my family with just three words — “Mom passed away” — was not a responsibility I wanted, but it was the one I had. With every number I dialed, my mom’s death became more real.
Losing the person who has literally been there for you your whole life is shocking. It’s heartbreaking. It’s life changing. But I find it helps to take the perspective that I didn’t really lose her. I know exactly where she is and where she’ll always be. She is alive in my memories and the link to all the history I share on this blog.
While it is hard to loose her, I know she is in a better place. She was never in pain and we all got to spend time with her before she went to sleep. Thanks mom, for the 69 years of love and support you have given me. May your soul rest in perfect peace.
I love you … your eldest.
Here is the link to her Obituary for friends and family who follow this blog: https://www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Mary-Jane-Gartner?obId=7173479#/celebrationWall
Happy 96th Birthday, Mom!
Mary Jane (Reed) Gartner
Today is a very special post in honor of my mother, Mary Jane (Reed) Gartner – 96 years young today! Not everyone lives long enough to celebrate their 96th birthday, so I’m thrilled to report that my mother is marking this momentous occasion today.
One of the most important things that I ever adopted to help me in achieving my goals were those I learned from my mother (Lewis Reed’s daughter). My mom taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to and that anything worth doing is worth doing well. With her as my inspiration, I have been able to fearlessly reinvent myself as my life and times have changed. I cannot express my gratitude for her in words, whose unconditional love has been my greatest strength. My mom has always motivated me to be successful, encouraged me in all of my pursuits, and instilled in me the belief that I can achieve whatever it is that I desire. Her motto is one that I still live by to this day, “There is no such thing as can’t.” Instead of giving myself reasons why I can’t, I give myself reasons why I can.
Thanks mom, for showing me that anything is possible through hard work and perseverance, and for the 68 years of love and support you have given me.
Happy Birthday Wishes from your eldest! I love you!!!
Happy 93rd Birthday, Mom!
Today is a very special post in honor of my mother, Mary Jane (Reed) Gartner – 93 years young today! Not everyone lives long enough to celebrate their 93rd birthday, so I’m thrilled to report that my mother is marking this momentous occasion today.
My mom taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to and that anything worth doing is worth doing well. With her as my inspiration, I have been able to fearlessly reinvent myself as my life and times have changed. Professional Saxophonist, The USAF Band, DC? Check. First female Chief of Music Production? Check. First female Chief Enlisted Manager, The USAF Band? Check. First female CMSgt in The USAF Band to retire with 30 years of service? Check. Digital Marketing & Advertising Specialist? Check. Freelance business owner and book author? Double check.
I cannot express my gratitude for her in words, whose unconditional love has been my greatest strength. My mom has always motivated me to be successful, encouraged me in all of my pursuits, and inspired me to follow my dreams. Her motto is one that I still live by to this day, “There is no such thing as can’t.” Instead of giving myself reasons why I can’t, I gave myself reasons why I can.
Thanks mom, for showing me that anything is possible through hard work and perseverance, and for the 65 years of love and support you have given me. I wish you many more years of health and happiness.
Happy Birthday Wishes from your eldest! I love you!!!
Happy 91st Birthday, Mom!
Today is a very special post in honor of my mother, Mary Jane (Reed) Gartner – 91 years young today! My mom is my rock, my inspiration and role model. She is a remarkable woman of strength and courage. She is brilliant, vibrant, full of heart and truly a treasure in my life.
The amazing thing is, she had a heart attack on September 9, 2013 and one week later underwent triple bypass surgery. Now just two weeks and one day later, she is in rehab and on the road to recovery. My mom has always been an active person and has the heart and mind of someone 20 years younger. When people meet her they can’t believe she’s 91 years old. She’s an avid Bridge player, a Facebook friend, a Skyper, a Texter and can navigate an iPhone and Windows 8! I could not possibly be more proud of her.
If I could give you a gift mom, I would give you the ability to see yourself as others see you, then you could really see how very special you are. Your courage in the face of adversity, and your inner strength is truly a blessing. I hope that when I’m 91, I’m half as vital, dynamic, healthy, and loving as you are! I wish you many more years of health and happiness.
Happy Birthday Wishes from your eldest! I love you!!!
Happy 90th Birthday, Mom!
Today is a very special post in honor of my mother, Mary Jane (Reed) Gartner – 90 years young today! Not everyone lives long enough to celebrate their 90th birthday, so I’m thrilled to report that my mother is marking this momentous occasion today.
Mom, thank you for your wisdom and perseverance, and for the many years of love and support you have given me. I wish you many more years of health and happiness.
Happy Birthday, Mom … I love you!!!
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Copyright Notice
Reed Brothers Dodge History (1915-2012) by Jeanne Gartner is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License.
Reed Brothers Dodge History 1915 – 2012 
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