Thank you for the prayers & good thoughts. The wake is on Monday & the funeral on Tuesday at my church. I called my priest Friday afternoon to have him added to our prayer list, she went to the hospital and has been a great comfort to the family. Mrs J originally wanted to have a quiet funeral at the funeral home because they hadn't attended church regularly in years, but the director suggested she use a church anyway because Mr J was so well loved that he wouldn't be able to fit everyone in his building.
Mrs J is exhausted, in shock, barely eating. We had strong storms move through overnight and she couldn't sleep. She's had visitors throughout the day and at least one of their children has been with her at all times. Everyone is bringing tons of food (I made a Greek salad and bought a sandwich tray).
Mr J was a great guy. He did everything for everyone. He's the neighbor that snow-blowed my driveway last winter, even though husband and I are perfectly capable of clearing it ourself. He was always kind to Duckie and interested in what she had to say. He would never accept a favor from someone else, it was his job to do the favors. And he never asked, he just quietly did.
Your continued thoughts and prayers are appreciated. This is a loss to a wonderful family as well as our entire community.