She grew up in the North. The great Midwest, to be exact, but when her husband and kids settled in her husband’s native state of Louisiana, she embraced the genteel and gracious ways of the South. Her home felt like walking into a Southern Living magazine and caused you to enjoy a deep breath of peaceful style.
She was a welcoming hostess with kind, hospitable ways, and had good friendships, new and old, across the country. She had an easy laugh, and a gentle smile, and enjoyed a hint of sarcasm and sass. She cheered on her LSU tigers loud and strong; no doubt her cheers were part of why the LSU women’s basketball team won the national championship this last season!
She lived with cancer for many years. She underwent her treatments with grace, acceptance, and a desire to live. We had the privilege of entering her life when the effects of long-term chemo added the symptoms of dementia to her day-to-day experience. But regardless of the physical and cognitive changes affecting more of her life, she maintained her gracious ways.
She earned a degree in Home Economics, then went on to earn her Master’s in Social Work and served the state of Louisiana for many years. How fortunate the people of Louisiana were to have someone as bright, caring, strong, and capable as her.
She was an accomplished artist; many of her quilts, wool, and needle crafts are enjoyed by friends and family, and her own home is graced with her art.
She loved her family well, seeing her husband through his own years of multiple episodes of cancer, and helping him finish well. She loved her kids, grandkids, cousins, and nieces and nephews well too.
And she allowed us to love her well. And allowed us to become part of her beloved weekly coffee visits with her friends. She allowed us to help her remain active, vibrant, and engaged in what mattered to her until her little body slowed down. She allowed us to coach and support her family in her final weeks of life. And her family allowed her to realize her wishes to remain in her own home. She passed from this life nearly a week ago. In her own bedroom, her own home, her own way.
We were honored to know her. Honored to help her live well. Honored to support her family.
She was a gracious Southern lady, and she finished well.
Grateful,
Jill
©Jill Couch
She really was a wonderful lady. It was a honor to have her call me her “friend.”
As she would often say to me a Tennessee Volunteer, “Geaux Tigers!”