Monday night at 8:23pm, in the Palliative Care section of the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, my mother, Mary Albers, slipped quietly from our world and into God’s hands. It is difficult moment to describe. But, it was certainly the weirdest and most awe-inspiring moment I have ever witnessed…and one I will never forget.
Mom waged a long battle with congestive heart disease, following a bout of Rheumatic Fever brought on by an untreated case of strep-throat back in the late 1950’s. Rheumatic Fever is responsible for many of the cases of damaged heart-valves worldwide, of which the late Lou Costello was also a victim. Mom had elected for open-heart surgery nearly six weeks ago, but her physical strength was not enough to allow her the opportunity to recuperate. She was simply too weak.
This will be a difficult time for surviving family. We have always lived our lives with Mom’s serious health issues hanging above our heads. We had all (including Mom) chosen to live life to the fullest regardless. Her absence will be sorely missed. I pray that we all have the opportunity to be that strong in our faith.
NOTE: Funeral arrangements have been finalized for Mary Albers, with visitation set from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 24th at Phillips Funeral Home in Keystone. The funeral will be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Van Horne at 3:00 p.m on Friday, July 25th.
The Committal Service will be at the Keystone Cemetery after the Church Service. A lunch will be provided back at the Church following the Committal Service. Further information may be found on Phillips Funeral Home web site! Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
We thank all of you for your continued support
