Remembering Someone Special
October was a tough month for our family. On October 1, my mom passed away at Bridge Home Hospice in Findlay. She was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia earlier this year and began a journey I wouldn’t wish on any individual or family. She will be missed terribly and I wanted to take some time to share with all of you a little about my mom.
I’ve mentioned my mom before in these editorials. Both of my parents serve as some of my biggest supporters, cheerleaders and teachers. They sacrificed so I could have an amazing life. Growing up, there was never a shortage of two things that made the biggest difference – love and time. They both were always there for me – the first to celebrate the good times and the first to offer love, support and advice in challenging times.
Mom taught me many life lessons but four that stick out most are to laugh when you can, persevere through challenges, acknowledge everything can be made better with food and love big. This last one is one I remember the most. Throughout mom’s life, she loved big. She loved her siblings, her nieces and nephews, my dad to whom she was married for 45 years, her granddaughter and grandson and loved her family so much. She adored time she was able to spend with her friends and coworkers. Basically, she loved spending time with people who mattered to her, and so many people mattered to her. She mattered to them too.
My mom worked for Findlay City Schools for 33 years, first as a school secretary at Jacobs. I shared how she influenced my love for education, but there was another part to that story. She loved those kids. Students would visit her often for a hug or a smile. Even in the past few years well into retirement, former students would stop her at a store or restaurant, and she would address them by name and ask how they were doing. She wanted to make sure they felt special and knew they mattered to her.
That’s an example of how she lived her life. She did everything she could to love, care for and support others. She would attend events for her nieces and nephews, make treats to brighten someone’s day and be there to help you through a challenge. While she did this for everyone, she had a special place for young people.
My parents sacrificed so I could go to college. For years my parents talked about starting a scholarship to help young people achieve their dreams so maybe someone else won’t have to sacrifice as much.
In those last few days, we were able to start a family scholarship in my parents’ names. The Glenda and Paul Treece Family Scholarship will allow my parents to help young people forever. I miss my mom so much but look forward to seeing her legacy live on, helping young people and showing love.
Learn more about my parents and their scholarship fund, or how the Foundation can support your family in a challenging time.
This editorial was originally printed in The Courier Friday, October 29, 2021.
