Farewell, Grandma Donna

Donna Jeanette Carpenter Eggleston
Dec 5, 1916 to Apr 24, 2012


"Only love, with no thoughts of return, can soften the point of suffering." 

--Mark Nepo's epigraph for April 24th in his 2000 book, Awakening. 

My grandmother, Donna (Carpenter) Eggleston, passed away last Tuesday morning, April 24th, in Omaha at the age of 95. She lived a long and full life. She was active till the end. She was loved by many and will be sorely missed. The family will gather in Broken Bow, NE to remember her, and after the funeral service in the church where my parents were married, Grandmother's body will rest next to Grandfather's in the Ansley cemetery.

Four years ago, my Uncle C. Edward (Grandmom's youngest son) and Aunt Georgena recommended Mark Nepo's daybook to me.  Nepo is a philosopher, poet, teacher, runner, and seeker. He is also a cancer survivor and one who has lived through divorce. Nepo was also, like me, his grandmother's oldest grandchild.  My uncle was right: I love Nepo's book, and read it every morning. Uncle Ed sent me the epigraph you see above in an email the morning his Mother slipped the surly bonds of this Earth.

Words often fall short, so I am telling the story of Grandmother's life using a collage of captioned photos interspersed with some brief recollections. This is my attempt to honor my Mom's Mom.

Donna as a grade-schooler

Donna as a newlywed

My Grandmother was born in Washington, IA and grew up in Comstock, NE. She had 4 brothers and 5 sisters. As one of 10 children in a Depression-era family, life was hard. She left school after 8th grade to work and help put food on the table.

I love this picture of my Grandparents
as a rockin'' cool young couple.

From an early age, I loved being the
center of attention. Here I am, sporting my
Uncle's Ray Bans, with Mom, Grandparents,
and Great-Grandma Adeline.

At 19 years of age, Donna married Clarence Eggleston of Ansley, NE. The couple lived on a homestead near Ansley and raised corn, cattle, and chicken. They also raised 4 children: my Mom, and my three Uncles.

Celebration

Happy in their Golden Years

Grandmother learned how to prepare tasty meals for lots of hungry mouths with whatever ingredients were on hand. As brother Kyle said, "I hope she has some rhubarb and a bean can full of bacon grease (her secret ingredient for making pie crust)."

Grandma loved living at Brookestone
Meadows Care Center

I love this image of my Granddad's impish grin

Last Sunday, April 22nd, was the couple's 76th wedding anniversary. I believe that my grandparents are together again in spirit.

A brief biography of Grandmother is HERE. The site includes a link to the bio of Granddad as well.

Rest in Peace, Grandma Donna
may flights of Angels sing thee to thy sleep