Journal entry by Cathy Willette —
On Sunday, July 26th, 2020 at 8:35 PM, Barb was called home to be with the Lord that she loved so much. All of you who have been supporting her and following her journey already know that she faced her cancer journey with dignity, grace, and grit. Barb didn't spend the last two years dying, she spent the last two years living.
My sisters and I frequently wore our camo shirts on chemo day, calling ourselves Warrior Sisters, there to fight next to Barb, be by her side, and pray. All of you have been Warriors for Barb. She felt your prayers, she felt your love. It was comforting, it was loving, it gave her strength.
In the end, the greatest Warrior was Barb. She endured. She persisted. She kept her smile, blessed us with her laugh, didn't dwell on her disease, and in the end, inspired us on how to live right up until the end.
So, to carry on the theme from my last post, I offer another Mary Oliver quote. I think it is one Barb would pose to us, a challenge to live life to the fullest.
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
Carry on Warriors- love each other, pray for each other, and when the sun shines, the flowers bloom, and the birds sing, smile, and know that Barb is with you, cheering you on.
https://www.washburn-mcreavy.com/obituaries/Barbara-Verthein/
Even in the time we find ourselves in, we are still finding a way to celebrate the life of Barb. A public walk- through style visitation is being planned for Thursday, July 30th from 2-5 PM at Washburn McGreavy, Edina location. Face masks required, along with your love, and a socially distanced story, as you come to say farewell.
A private invitation-only funeral mass will follow at 7 PM. We would have loved to have you all celebrate mass with us in person, but because we can't, we are setting up an online link to be able to participate from where you are. To join online, please go to her obituary page (linked above) and a link will appear for you to click and join the online service at 6:50 PM on Thursday to allow time for you to get online prior to the 7 PM mass. I believe it is being recorded to watch later as well, and if so, I will post that link when available.
Peace,
Cathy
My sisters and I frequently wore our camo shirts on chemo day, calling ourselves Warrior Sisters, there to fight next to Barb, be by her side, and pray. All of you have been Warriors for Barb. She felt your prayers, she felt your love. It was comforting, it was loving, it gave her strength.
In the end, the greatest Warrior was Barb. She endured. She persisted. She kept her smile, blessed us with her laugh, didn't dwell on her disease, and in the end, inspired us on how to live right up until the end.
So, to carry on the theme from my last post, I offer another Mary Oliver quote. I think it is one Barb would pose to us, a challenge to live life to the fullest.
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
Carry on Warriors- love each other, pray for each other, and when the sun shines, the flowers bloom, and the birds sing, smile, and know that Barb is with you, cheering you on.
https://www.washburn-mcreavy.com/obituaries/Barbara-Verthein/
Even in the time we find ourselves in, we are still finding a way to celebrate the life of Barb. A public walk- through style visitation is being planned for Thursday, July 30th from 2-5 PM at Washburn McGreavy, Edina location. Face masks required, along with your love, and a socially distanced story, as you come to say farewell.
A private invitation-only funeral mass will follow at 7 PM. We would have loved to have you all celebrate mass with us in person, but because we can't, we are setting up an online link to be able to participate from where you are. To join online, please go to her obituary page (linked above) and a link will appear for you to click and join the online service at 6:50 PM on Thursday to allow time for you to get online prior to the 7 PM mass. I believe it is being recorded to watch later as well, and if so, I will post that link when available.
Peace,
Cathy
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Barb soaking up the sun, Sunday July 19th, 2020
The view from Barb's window
June 2020
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