My mother grew up on a farm where she learned the importance of work. Her mother’s stroke at a young age taught her responsibility since Mom had to care for her siblings as well as manage the house.

After retiring from Lutheran Hospital at 62, she devoted her time and energy to serving the needs of the less fortunate — especially women and children. She was active in the Lutheran Synod Office, YWCA, Horizon House, Transitional Housing, WAFER, Women’s Evangelical Church of America, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and numerous other organizations.
Mom had a defective heart, but she refused to slow down. She always said, “No, really, I’m fine.” Eventually she had heart surgery. She dealt with other physical ailments as well but macular degeneration really frustrated her. Still she kept pushing herself. When others tried to help they heard, “No really, I’m fine.”

On Dec. 1, 2007, she was working at the church Christmas bazaar. I knew she was tired when she agreed to go home early. She died of a stroke on Dec. 3, 2007, surrounded by her family.

This will be the first Mother’s Day without her and I miss her terribly. But Mom, really, I’m fine.

— Carolyn Anderson-Hanson, Sparta, Wis.

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