A Tribute To Marie Wieder

I know it was not my fault but it took me a while to figure it out. That night, I think something died in me and i really wish I had it with me now. I was in my room when my mother came in. She told me my great grandmother was dying and that she would not live through the night. Our whole family was there so I went too. The car ride felt like hours. I could not believe it. It had not hit me yet that this would be the last time I would see my great grandmother alive. It felt like one of my visits with her. When we got there I saw that everyone was standing around her. I could not look at her. I guess I felt bad because I knew she was dying and I could not do anything to stop it. I saw everyone crying but for once I could not cry. Everyone was looking at her but I couldn't. The nurse came in and checked her heart. It was the longest moment of my life. I already knew what she was going to say and I did not want to hear it. The tears finally ran down my face and I could not stop crying. I felt like my soul was being taken away with my great grandmother, we called her Mom-mom. She was more then a friend or relative to me. She was my hero. I know she is watching over us right now and wishing she was here with us. The next day everyone was acting as though nothing ever happened. I did not know what to do or how to act. In my heart she was my whole world. She did not invent anything and she did not save anyone. What she did was be herself. I used to go there before and after school all the time just to spend time with her. She was the closest thing i had to a twin. If I had a chance to go back in time, I would spend more time with her. I went to the funeral. Everyone who went to the funeral went up to the coffin but I couldn't. When the funeral started, everyone was crying but not me. I just sat there in shock. It still had not hit me that she was gone. After the funeral everyone went to the church to have a late dinner. They were laughing and having fun. I could not understand why everyone was so happy. I was a total mess and could not calm down. I did not think I would ever get over her death. I was about to scream at the sight of everyone laughing and having a good time. I don't think it had really sunk in yet that she was not coming back. Deep down inside I was thinking I would see her again tomorrow. Each day is hard for me and for the whole family to get over her death but I don't think we ever will or at least I won't. I asked everyone to write down their favorite memories of mom-mom and here they are:

Keith

What I remember the most were the holidays at mom and pops. The food,the fun, that only grandparents could offer, mom sewing in the spare bedroom and pop's wood projects.

Jessica

I remember when I would go to her house and help her clean and take a nap. Before we would leave she would give us Reese's peanut butter cups and oatmeal cookies.

Becky

Well, I can honestly say all my memories of mom-mom are my favorites. From a little girl on up she always new how to make me happy. She gave me my first bible and showed me how to trust in the lord. She was the perfect wife, mother, friend, cook, housekeeper. She taught us a lot and she is one of my heroes too. I know she is guiding each and everyone of us and even though I can not see her, I know she is always with me. I am glad my children got to know her and love her. To quote an old friend, "I know who is polishing the pearly gates now."

Katie

She was always very nice. I know that all of us love her. I liked when she would give us candy. I miss her a lot.

Robert

My favorite memories of her, is that I never saw her angry (except when Keith pulled the fire alarm.) She was always happy to see us as their visit to us in germany and our visit to Octoberfest. I am sure she is baking apple pies in heaven.

Patsy

Marie was a wonderful aunt to spend time with. She was always very happy and she always had a nickel for a popsicle. 

Pat

My fondest memory of mom-mom is difficult to say as there were so many that come to mind. I guess if I have to pick just one, it would have to be the warmth one felt in her kitchen. There were always baked goods in the cake saver and bottles of soda she would bring up from the basement. I am so happy to have the cake saver as it reminds me of a very special lady who always loved her family unconditionally. Mom-mom will always have a very special place in my heart. We have all learned from her the meaning of family.

Annie

My memories of Aunt Marie, mom-mom to many of you, go back a lot of years. She lived on 244 North street and I lived at 242 North street. She made more of an impact on my life after I grew up. She and my uncle Henry moved to 171 Seem street in November of 1952. In August of 1952 I moved to 121 Clinton street, not to far from where she lived. She became a mother figure to me after my mother passed on. She was always ready to lend a helping hand or ready to listen to any problem you might name. I feel blessed that she was a part of my life as a neighbor, friend, but best of all for being my aunt.

Sharon

I have so many memories of the best grandmother anyone could ask for! When I was very young I spent a lot of time with mom and pop Weider. I was the first grandchild and their house was my favorite place to be. The person I am today is a reflection of them. Mom taught me how to enjoy the flowers in her garden. I can always remember helping her water her houseplants. Pop would let me plant Johnny-jump ups ups at  the garage every spring. Mom taught me how to sew and cook those great Pennsylvania Dutch recipes. Holidays were always spent in mom's kitchen. There is nothing like a home cooked meal at her house- everything was so good. Baking Christmas cookies was a fun tradition. Mom had a system and could bake a batch of noel cut outs in no time. Donut day- Oh the best anywhere. I will always remember her as a kind, caring, giving person. She taught me the importance of living honest and treating others with respect. My grandmother was a special gift and I thank god each day for for keeping her in my life for 50 years. I think about her every day and I miss her especially on those special holidays and of course donut day.

Lauren

Well, I can honestly say that all of my memories of mom-mom are the best memories that I will ever have ever since I was a little girl when I would go to her house. She would always make me laugh and I know she is guiding me and my sons and daughter. I wish she were here to spoil my kids along with me.

Sonya

I have many great memories of mom-mom that I will cherish forever. She was a great woman who taught all of us the importance of a family. I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to know her because many families don't get the chance to know there great grandmother. She kept our family strong through many rough times and I am sure she is still guiding us today. I will always hold her close to my heart and I will definitely always remember how important it is to have a close knit family to help us through the times when we need it the most. I love you mom-mom now and forever. 

Gary

Marie, Mom-mom, mom, these are the name of a person I respected and loved. What was so neat about mom and pop was that they were ageless. They could be with their "senior" friends of the young crowd, they just fitted in. Mom-mom was one of the kindest and loving persons I ever knew. She was full of life and lived every minute of it. She was funny in so many ways, like the time we were at the Limeport Hotel,  she went to the bathroom and came back, saw a man sitting at the next table and said to him, that he was just in the ladies room, he replied no, you were in the men's room. The Food, who could not love her cooking. Her kitchen was the key to everyone's taste buds. All those great dishes she made, my mouth is watering as I write this. Most of all, we meet a few people in our lives who we can truly say are great, wonderful people, mom-mom was one of those people. She will always be in my thoughts for to know her was to love her. Yes, Mom-mom your cookie jar is in our kitchen, on the counter as it was at your house. Every time I visited you, my hands went right to the cookie jar. My hands still reach in for a cookie and I always think of you.

Mom-mom was the glue that held this family together. I am sad to say that the close knit family that you knew is no more. I miss that but I at least have my memories. Mom-mom I hope you are in a good place and watching over us.