I am incredibly sad to say that the MOTDOTU passed on this Wednesday, even though I am certain it was to a better place. After fighting to stay with us for the last four months, and really the last five years, my mother died peacefully with her husband, all six children, her beloved sister and brother in law, ten grandchildren, two daughters in law, and one niece by her side. Remarkably, I had just returned from Germany, a brother had just gotten back from Hawaii, my Minnesota sister was flying in by chance that day, my globe-trotting CEO brother was a day from leaving for NYC, and my LA brother was able to fly up on short notice when our mother was taken to the ER Tuesday morning. Despite a good run of improvement and a couple of great days, she must have known this was the right time for her. That doesn't mean she went easily because she continued to fight up until her last couple of hours when she was calm and serene and ultimately passed very peacefully. We all felt blessed by the fact that we could be with her and that she was lucid and aware much of the time.

This community has been very supportive in general and while my mother has lost her health and I figured out how to lose my wonderful mom. The short and long obituaries that appeared in today's papers are linked below if anyone is interested in hearing a relatively quick take on a wonderful life. If you are so inclined, please raise a glass in honor of Catherine Corrinne Reid Bedecarre. She was a hell of a gal, and you can toast her with whatever you like to drink, but her choice was a Manhattan and we have had quite a few these last few days. Cheers Mom and thank you for everything.

Short obituary in SF Chronicle

Long obituary in SJ Mercury News

So sorry for your loss Al..

My condolences to you and your family Al. May she rest in peace.

Very sorry for your loss Al. Sounds like she was a great mother and a wonderful woman. All the best to you and your family.

I'm sorry for your loss, Al. My earnest condolences. I'll rise a glass to your mom and you.

My condolences, Al. I lost my grandparents in the same manner so I understand the sadness.

You have my deepest sympathies Al.

My condolences to you and your family, Al.

Before I even read the obit, I noticed that you had her 'million dollar smile'! I'm sorry for your loss, but happy for a long and full life, including a Giants championship, many life achievements,a great life philosophy, and for the fact that she held on long enough for all of you to be with her during her transition to whatever comes next. This world will miss her!

How wonderful that she was surrounded at the end by those she loved and who loved her. I am truly sorry for the loss of your mother. The links to the obits was a nice touch. They give a glimpse of a life that was lived well. Wishing you and your family peace.

My deepest condolences Al. Never met her, but it sounds like she had a wonderful life. And having met you I know she was an amazing Mom. I will toast her this evening.

Looking at her picture it's easy to see you in her. I'm sorry for your loss, Al.

I'll start by raising my morning coffee to her, and I'll find a Manhattan tonight.

Rest in peace Catherine.

My condolences, Voltron, even in her last moments she must've been extremely happy and proud to be surrounded by her entire family.

My condolences to you and your family Al.

I will begin by raising my morning coffee in honor of an amazing life lived.

My condolences to you and your family, Al. Just finished the long obit., your mother sure had an amazing and full life. Wishing ya the best.

Al,

You and your family will be in my thoughts and I'll certainly raise a glass tonight in MOTDOTU''s honor.

My condolences, to you and your family.

My prayers Al...

My condolences.

rip, Catherine. You had a wonderful life, and leave behind a wonderful family and example for others. Deepest sympathies, Al.

Al, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I'm sure that the love that surrounded her was a great joy to her.

sorry for your loss

Edited July 16, 201114 yr by jinp6301

Condolences out to you and your family, Al.

And... congratulations on having been blessed with such a great mother all these years. Very fortunate!

Edited July 16, 201114 yr by screaming oranges

I'll add my sympathies to the pile, Voltron. I can't imagine how hard it must be to lose your mother, especially one as great as yours. Interestingly enough my grandmother passed away while I was in Germany after a long battle with cancer, so I was unable to see her in her final hours. I'm glad that you and your family were able to be with her, I can't think of a better way to go.

heart felt condolences Al.