I lost both of my grandmothers long ago but found another in Grandma Ro when my husband Tod and I moved to Rochester.

She was everything a grandmother should be. Kind. Caring. Loving. It did not matter that I wasn’t a blood relative. She adopted me as one of her own.

She also wasn’t afraid to put me in my place. She would tease me with an exaggerated look of surprise on her face that said, “Karen, you know better!”

It broke my heart to see dementia diminish her charm and wit. She took a journey similar to my own dear mother, who developed Alzheimers. It was so sad to visit her at the nursing home but I could usually elicit a smile by bringing chocolate. It was also inspiring to see the way her family continue to care for her as a tremendous team with continuous visitations, endless calls to the nursing home and family meetings on the next level of treatment.

I will miss Grandma Ro but know in my heart that she is free with Jesus in heaven. She leaves a wonderful legacy in her children, grandkids and great grandkids.

I pray to God that Grandma Ro rests in peace. If she has time, though, I hope she’s able to meet Grandmas Magnuson and Smith. I think they would enjoy her company as much as I did.