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In Loving Memory
Elizabeth (Betty) Rieff
May 12, 1925—November 13, 2009
“Is your
name Betty? Got kids?” will be words forever remembered of our
lovely, sassy lady Betty. Before Betty moved to HMC, she lived
in a state run facility where her parents and sister were
residents as well. Betty then moved here in 1988.
She worked
at MRCI for many years, but had been retired for the past few
years. She stayed at home with some friends and housemates.
While at home, some of Betty’s favorite things to do were rest
in her recliner or in bed, eat peaches and other tasty foods,
and listen to her polka and Johnny Cash favorites. Staff will
always remember Betty’s finger shake while singing along to
“Schatzie” or “I Still Miss Someone.” When she would go out
into the community Betty would ask for makeup especially rouge
and lip stick. Staff would do her hair up—even the male staff
became professionals! She would ask for her favorite color blue
and off they would go.
One of
Betty’s weekly routines would be going out for coffee and a
doughnut with the day staff on Mondays. When staff would sit
down to talk to Betty, she would tell them of her sister Mary
who lived in Blue Earth or Joe who was a special friend of
hers. During the warmer summer days, she would ask to go
outside to enjoy the fresh air or have some watermelon for a
picnic. Spring Lake, Sibley, and Madison Lake were favorite
places for Betty to spend time with staff and friends on a
picnic. Betty enjoyed the simple things in life and a calm, low
key environment.
Although
Betty is gone now, she leaves behind many friends and an
abundance of memories. We are all blessed to have met and
gotten to know her and are glad she is at peace resting--her
favorite thing to do.
Submitted by
Alison Hansen
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In Loving Memory
Lowell Burgess
May 19, 1934—November 15, 2009
Lowell was
incredibly kind-hearted. This quality was portrayed through
Lowell’s love to be around children, watching and listening to
the joy they had. This included walks in the park as well as
mall walking.
Lowell also
loved having short stories and magazines read to him. He would
seem to find most comfort in this and drift off into his own
imagination.
Lowell
participated in a lot of cook outs, “Songs on the Lawn”, and
movies with friends. Through these activities Lowell made a few
close friends, one in which over quite some time has made a very
special relationship with; Patty was not only Lowell’s roommate
but companion as well. Patty and Lowell shared a lot of great
memories together. These memories range from simply relaxing
together in their couches and recliners to dressing up for
Halloween as well as many music and other activities.
Lowell may
not be with us tangibly, but he will always and forever be in
our hearts. Lowell’s strength inspired all of us and brought
much joy to everyone he knew! We take this time to celebrate
the blissful life Lowell had.
Submitted by
Amanda Shuck
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