Joan Brophy Kelly 1923-2005

My grandmother died in her sleep last night.

She had been incommunicative at the hospital, but when the hospice nurse was getting her set up at home last night, the nurse asked her if she knew where she was, and my grandmother clearly replied “Yes, at home.”

So it was pretty clear that she was holding on so that she wouldn’t die in a hospital. Good for her.

She taught me a lot — she fostered my love of genre fiction, took me to see Star Trek movies (she always said that Scotty was the ‘perfect man’, which I made sure to tell Jimmy Doohan when I met him), helped me when I needed help (even into adulthood), taught me how to mix the perfect Scotch and Water, and made me appreciate that when “the sun was over the yardarm” (4-ish to 5-ish) it was time for cocktails and nosh.

I’ll miss you, Brophy.

30 Replies to “Joan Brophy Kelly 1923-2005”

  1. Sounds like a wonderful woman. My condolences for your loss. May she continue to watch over you from wherever she has now ventured to.

  2. This sounds like a terrific woman was allowed to die in dignity in her own home. I do hope that the lessons she taught you are passed on that the traditions don’t die. Thank you for sharing this and remember that she is free from the pain and suffering now.

  3. Sorry, Gareth.
    I never really know what to say at times like these, but I figure the only thing to do is just think back on all the good times, and smile when you can.

  4. I know what it feels like to lose a grandmother that you’re very close to, and I’m here if you want to talk. The pain doesn’t go away, but it lessens, and your good memories of her will take the forefront. *HUGS*

  5. Sorry to hear that, Gareth. Sounds like she was a great person, and an even more wonderful Gran! My own Granny also encouraged my love of the fantastic and mythical — she was a big, big LotR fan, and unlike my parents she even bothered to try playing D&D with me. It made a difference.

  6. *hug* Sorry to hear that hon, but at least she was able to return home again. I’ve always gathered from your stories that she was an awesome grandmother to have.

  7. I ask your forgiveness for breaking my promise not to post in your jorunal. You have my most deep felt simpathy for your loss. All my love and support to you and your family during this time of loss.

  8. My condolences. I know what it’s like to have that one grandparent who sees the special thing you love and encourages it at every turn. I also know what it’s like to lose them.

    All the best to your and your family.

  9. Never know what to say in these situations that doesn’t make me sound like a Hallmark card, so I’ll let another speak for me.

    Do not stand at my grave and forever weep.
    I am not there; I do not sleep.
    I am a thousand winds that blow.
    I am the diamond glints on snow.
    I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
    I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
    When you awaken in the morning’s hush
    I am the swift uplifting rush
    Of quiet birds in circled flight.
    I am the soft stars that shine at night.
    Do not stand at my grave and forever cry.
    I am not there. I did not die.
    Melinda Sue Pacho

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