Thursday, October 22, 2009

Tribute To My Sweet Grandma


Lillian Margaret Christensen Hatch
1920 ~ 2009


My sweet dear Grandmother passed away on Oct. 14th. The first thing I thought was how grateful I am to have the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To know that it does not end with death. But that her spirit is in the spirit world with her beloved husband. To know that we will all be resurrected because of Jesus Christ. I'm so grateful to have known my Grandma. I will always remember how she was always cheerful, full of love, and singing delightful songs. She'd even sing "Happy Birthday," to me over the phone. And she'd always underline the words inside the Birthday cards she'd send. She truly was full of life and optimism. Her hair always well-kept, she had on her pleasant perfume and lipstick rouge always! Many elegant food buffets at her home and invite all the relatives over. She always had the BYU channel on the TV. Grandpa always ended his meal with a scoop of Vanilla ice cream, (that's always been my favorite flavor too.) I remember eating at Ponderosa with her and my family (mmm, I loved eating there.) She'd always give me a little cinnamon candy wrapped in a white and red polka dot wrapper (I sure loved those! wish I could find them!) Oh, and she's got me hooked on Danish cookies in a tin every Christmas!

Immediately as you walked up the steps to her pleasant white home in Provo, you'd feel comfortable and cozy. A bench on the porch surrounded with Pansies, Roses, and other lovely flowers in pots (and those funny little red bugs loved them too!) Her home was always clean and presentable. Filled with various books and music, floral painted China plates, vintage bells and old various things that had so much history behind them of her and Grandpa. I can still remember the melody of the wall Grandfather clock. And the train set in the basement that Grandpa loved. I miss that home.

The last time I saw her was in August of 2006. I hadn't seen her for many years, too many years. She was now in a rest home (Grandpa had passed on the year before.) I remember approaching her room and seeing a glimpse of her before I walked in. I burst into tears. It was so strange to see her without dear Grandpa. And I missed her presence so much. I hurried and composed myself, as I didn't want her to see my tears. She met my husband for the first time, it was our first year of marriage. Grandma couldn't come to the wedding of course. But sent us gift money to help pay for the wedding cake, which she'd done with the other Grandchildren. Such a sweet gift. We talked awhile and I told her how my husband was working and earning his Helicopter mechanic license. She then told him proudly, "I was a brave woman and learned how to fly!" She then read a story from a book my mother had compiled called, "Chicken Soup for the Hatch Soul," which had true stories in it from all her children. She read a particular story over and over, she loved it so much. I was so grateful to have seen her.

I attended her funeral last Saturday and it was perfect for her. My mother gave a talk, and I was doing good holding my tears in until my mom got to the end of her talk, soon my sister and I couldn't stop the tears of love we felt for her. Then a group of us Grand-Daughters sang one her favorite hymns, "How Great Thou Art." I was glad to see so many of relatives I hadn't seen in so long. I'm grateful for the gospel and to know families can be sealed together forever. And that I will see my Grandma & Grandpa again.

Because of my Grandmothers devotion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and her shining example of kindness, she raised my mother to be an amazing mom just like her. They are both Christ-like examples that I aspire to become like.

One thing I'll always miss...is the lipstick mark left on my cheek after she'd kiss me. I love you Grandma.


This is the Obituary for her:

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully due to causes incident to age on October 14, 2009. She was preceded in death by her husband Noal, who passed away in June, 2005.Lillian was born December 11, 1920, to Danish immigrants Marinus (Max) and Anna M. Christensen in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. She was raised in a home learning both English and Danish fluently, and always loved speaking Danish to those who could understand. She married Noal King Hatch on November 5, 1943, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. At the time of their marriage she was taking pilot lessons and had soloed with the intent to help in the Women's Air Corp during World War II, but Noal's work in the war effort took them to San Francisco before she could receive her license.She was the first woman in Utah Valley to receive her amateur radio license, call sign W7QPF.Because of her outgoing cheerful personality, she was able to make friends wherever she was. Her Danish hospitality was always apparent, and in any visit with her and Noal she offered treats or gifts.She was always active in the LDS church and served in many callings, but her favorite was always in music. She led the Provo 3rd Ward choir for over twenty years during which time they recorded a choral album. She sang soprano in "The Accents" quartet, and performed in the Madsen Memorial Choir. She had hundreds of songs memorized, and if any topic were named, she could immediately sing a song about it.From the 1960s to the '80s she helped Noal in his work as a television news correspondent for Channel 4 news, including filming and writing many news stories. She was active in the Women's Council of Provo in which she also served as president.In retirement, she and Noal served as Temple Workers in the Provo Temple. She was steady and sure in her love of God and testimony of the Gospel. She was a great example of charitable service and love to all. She cherished friendships with many people, and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren loved her and enjoyed visiting with her.She is survived by five children, Ron (Genie) of Orem; Roger (Sylvia) of Lehi; Rebecca Simmons (Rulon) of Rochester, New York; Robert (Janeal) of Sandy; and Rosemary Millet (DeLayne) of Goodyear, Arizona; 25 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren.The family expresses appreciation to the many healthcare workers who have assisted in her care. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at the Berg Drawing Room Chapel of Provo.

3 comments:

Christine said...

Beautiful tribute Sher. She sounds like an amazing person :)

Ange said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ange said...

Sorry. I deleted my last post because I'd left you my email address on there and I just have a huge amount of new junk mail in my email box lately and I am trying to figure out how my personal email address got out. I still love you and I still love Grandma. Sorry about the deleted post.