Jeanette Stutler (1933-2008)

I heard once that to truly understand how someone lives, you experience how they die. Jeanette Stutler was one of the classiest, hippest, coolest granny's I've had the pleasure to get to know. When Hospice asked what her favorite music was so she could have something pleasant to listen to as she passed, it was a no brainer to put in her brand new Eagles CD she got for Christmas. After her viewing, the family gathered at "Gators, Dockside", a family-friendly sports bar at which that they all--including Grandma--enjoyed eating. Stories of her filled the atmosphere; it seemed appropriate that the Eagles' "Take It Easy" was playing in the background.

I'm not sure what her favorite Eagles song was, but "Take It Easy" could have definitely been her mantra. She lived for sports. I learned at her funeral that she became so fanatical about boxing, that she'd have to leave the room out of pure frustration if her man was being pounded, but not before shouting at the TV as if she were the coach in the corner. Furthermore, she had a TV in every room so not to miss any sports action, be it NASCAR, boxing, or football. As a pallbearer, I joked with other pallbearers how we should be dressed up as a pit crew and her casket should be littered with sponsors on the lid and sides. Now, before thinking this to be a disrespectful comment, consider a nearby eavesdropper's reaction when they pipped in saying, "she would have loved that."

But, before we view her to be too unconventional, let's consider Jeanette Stutler as "grandma", not the adjective, but the verb. Jeanette served as the cornerstone and the communication hub for her family. She could not keep a secret. If a family member confessed a grievance to her, rest assured that grievance got around to the other members of the family. This family has no secrets; Jeanette is the reason why.

Though I only knew her for only a couple years, she served as the major source of support for April, her mom, her sisters, cousins, and anyone else that was related to her. When April was in need, her Grandmother was the first to offer funds to help alleviate the issue despite April's shyness to take the money.

She was a giving soul, not just monetarily, but of her time as well. If there was ever a time April needed an ear to comfort her, her grandma was always just a phone call away. She was like that for every member of her family.

Lastly, she baked like no other grandmother. Her spaghetti sauce defined grandmotherly cooking--a recipe, like fine wine, that only got better with age. Then there were the legendary pepperoni rolls. As an outsider, I never really understood the phenomenon these represented... then I tasted one. Zesty pepperoni inconspicuously wrapped in a dinner roll. She was always sure to have something baked and ready in the event that company dropped by.

Jeanette Stutler died as she had lived: in her own home, surrounded by loving family, the Eagles played in the background, and every TV was playing the most recent sporting event for the many family members that were around.

I am thankful to have met Jeanette Stutler. She instilled in April many wonderful qualities. And, though I didn't know her for but a couple years, I know she lives on in the lessons, recipes, and memories April and the rest of her family have to offer. It was a pleasure to get to know her, and it will be a pleasure to know her further as I become a more integrated member of this family.

God Be With You Jeanette.