Friday, August 21, 2009

Rest in Peace Cecilia Marie Browder


Today a member of our parish, one of those first founding members, fell asleep in the arms of her Savior. Cecilia Browder lived just blocks away from the Church. I had been to her home many times. The first such occasion shortly after I became Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church. I had come because she was caring for her husband, John, who was bed ridden due to advanced Alzheimer's. Cecilia was a quiet but strong woman, a woman of deep and abiding faith. She cared for her husband at home until his death -- faithfully fulfilling a promise she had made to him when he was still able to recognize her. Her life was filled with grief. The loss of a son long before had left its scar upon her. Only a short time ago, her daughter, Sharon, died very suddenly after bring Celia to the hospital and making sure she was comfortable. In the midst of so many wounds and sorrows, I ask you to pray with me that her grandchildren be kept safe and secure within the comfort and peace of the Christian faith and hope -- that we shall not die but live forevermore in Christ our Savior. I ask you to pray in thanksgiving for the peaceful release our Lord has granted to Celia after a life with so much sorrow and pain.

Visitation will be at Neal Tarpley from Noon to 2 pm on Sunday, Aug. 23, and the funeral will take place also at Neal Tarpley at 2 pm on Sunday.

May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace according to the mercies of God.

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