[il-talk] Fw: Fwd: Passing of Annette Grove -- Jesus Wept

[Patti S Chang]

I can't believe it. Her legacy continues in so many ways. Brian, please express the sympathy of our whole affiliate to her family. 



Patti S. Gregory-Chang Esq.
Treasurer
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
pattischang at gmail.com
www.nfbofillinois.orgFollow @NFBI on twitter
Join the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois group on facebook.

-----Original Message-----
From: IL-Talk [mailto:il-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Robert Gardner via IL-Talk
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2017 8:18 AM
To: il-talk
Cc: Robert Gardner
Subject: [il-talk] Fw: Fwd: Passing of Annette Grove -- Jesus Wept

FYI. We were all blessed to have known Annette; the NFBI was blessed to have one of her talents within it. For me personally, as I shed a few tears, I find it hard to believe she is gone. 

Bob Gardner


From: Nancy Gardner 
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2017 9:18 PM
To: Robert Gardner 
Subject: Fwd: Jesus Wept



Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:


  From: Annette Grove Family <annettegroveupdates at gmail.com>
  Date: May 14, 2017 at 7:11:28 AM CDT
  To: undisclosed-recipients:;
  Subject: Jesus Wept


  Dear Family and Friends,




  Our hearts are grieving, yet overcome by grace, this Mother’s Day. Early yesterday morning and in the warmth of her home, Mom died with her family by her side and in her heart. 



  We were fortunate to share Mom’s final days together. Allen and Debbie; David, Stephanie, and Emily; and I were able to gather for one more family dinner together around Mom’s dining room table while Mom rested nearby. Mom’s pastor came to bless her on Thursday and we sat together with him on the porch for a while, just as Mom would have enjoyed doing. Allen led us as we made necessary final arrangements for her and David guided us as we penned our tribute to run in the paper. Stephanie and Debbie added a much needed feminine touch to our discussions with the florist and I focused on rediscovering cherished memories as I sifted through boxes of family photos. We spent time with Mom, reading her your cards and messages, listening to the birds singing through her open windows, and preparing ourselves to send her off.



  The final leg of her journey was short and without struggle. We took turns staying with her throughout the night, caressing her face, holding her hand, as well as offering her affirmations and assurances. She was comfortable and completely at peace as we released her from our arms into the arms of Jesus.



  Our Savior understands our grief. He feels our heartache and he weeps with us and for us. We know this to be true because the Bible tells us that, upon learning of his dear friend Lazarus’ death, “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) Even though he knew he was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus was moved to tears. Jesus has compassion for those who mourn and that he knows the depths of our sorrow. Sometimes God’s grace is only fully revealed from out of our grief.



  Even though we know Mom has been raised in glory with Christ, we mourn our loss and our hearts long for her still. Mom’s obituary can be found online here and in print for the Belleville News Democrat. A hometown version will run in the Mascoutah Herald early in the week. We also plan to send at least one more update to this circle of family and friends.



  Mom’s visitation is scheduled for Friday, May 19 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at First United Presbyterian Church, 1303 Royal Heights Rd, Belleville. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday, May 20 at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at Mascoutah City Cemetery. Memorial gifts are appreciated to: FUPC Missions at firstunitedpres.org, Hands to Help at handstohelpnfp.org or World Vision at worldvision.org. 



  Colin, David, and Allen Grove
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