Cromey Online

The writings of author, therapist, and priest Robert Warren Cromey.

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Jessica's Funeral

 


Jessica’s Funeral

October 22, 2022



Jessica’s death was devastating to me, Ann, and her sisters Leigh and Sarah and Jessica’s husband Ben and son Caleb. She chose to have no further treatment for her cancer, receive palliative care and let nature take its course. So brave. So shocking. She died six months after her diagnosis. So terribly sad. My pain is debilitating.


Ann and I flew to attend the funeral and celebration of her life in Litchfield, CT. We gathered at a lovely gem of gothic St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in the town. Deep blue and red stained glass windows rose above the altar. Soft  afternoon autumn light shown in on the pew filled people. Five hundred family members and friends showed up to remember Jessica. They came to love and support Ben and Caleb.  Jessica and Ben were well known in their small community. Jessica was a school counsellor and therapist and Ben a popular builder and repairs and their son Caleb went to grammar and high School there.


Jessica said she wanted the hymn Morning Has Broken at the service  It was played and sung. The hymns  Shall We Gather at the River and How Great Thou Art were also sung.


My brother, The Reverend Doctor Edwin H. Cromey, officiated. His homily made reference to Philipians 4. “Whatever is true. Whatever is honourable, Whatever is pure, Whatever is pleasing. Whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, and if there is worthy of praise, think about these things.” Think on these things in reference to Jessica’s life family and vocation.


Mary Charlotte Buck, Jessica’s niece, read the Philipians passage.

Ann Withey Miller and Lisa Geisler, friends from childhood,

and son Caleb Buck gave remembrances.


The final prayers included great words of hope and solace from the Book of Common Prayer.


“Into your hands, O merciful savior, we commend your servant Jessica. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech the a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace and into the company of the saints in light.


In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to almighty God our sister Jessica, ashes to ashes and dust to dust. 


The Lord bless her and keep her and make his face shine upon her and be gracious to her and the Lord lift up his countenance upon her and give her peace.”


At these last words Leigh, Sarah and I stood grasped together in tears.


The final Hymn was Hymn to Joy. 


 Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.