Fri 31 Jan 2014
Monika Remembered: Memorial Services on Two Continents
Posted by Bob under Family and Friends
[3] Comments
 
At the same time on Sunday, January 26, 2014, on two continents, memorial services for Monika Wood were held in Massies Mill, Virginia, USA, and in Reisbach, Lower Bavaria, Germany.
At Grace Church, Massies Mill, 130 people filled every seat in the church for an emotional and beautiful service that drew, at Monika’s request, on the themes and music of the Celtic Evensong service offered in the late afternoon each Sunday. Rev. Marion Kanour also explained that Monika had asked that communion be seen as an opportunity for a last supper of the congregation and her together. At the beginning of the service, Monika’s son John played a Bach prelude. Nic Wood read the scripture. Eulogies were offered by her husband Bob and her eldest son Dan. The alter flowers were donated by Monika’s mother and two sisters. The reception in the parish hall, where four displays of photos of Monika and her family adorned the walls, was festive, celebrating her life as Monika had wished. As always, the Grace community came through with an incredible spread of good food and drink. Sentiment appeared unanimous that the service had been exceptionally beautiful and moving, with everyone mourning the loss of such an extraordinary strong, and wonderful woman, while celebrating the times they had been blessed to have together with her.
 
Click_here_for_Monika’s_Obituary_published_in_The_Nelson_County_Times
 
 
click on the images above to see the photo displays at Grace Church
  
At the memorial service in Reisbach (see pictures above), Monika’s nephew, Moritz Gluekher, played “Halleluja”, composed by Leonard Cohen, on the organ. Monika’s younger sister, Sissi, gave the following eulogy (translated in part by Axel and Anke Goetz):
Eulogy (Nachruf) for Monika Wood by Sissi Gluekher
We had a daughter, sister, sister in law and aunt Monika,
- who left our home in Munich much too soon
- who loved and pursued life above all else, had wide-ranging interests and helped where she saw people in distress
- who always carried out that to which she had set her mind
- who would not let the adversities of life subdue her but rather push back against themÂ
- who gave the world three wonderful boys and gave them a beautiful childhood
- who loved her ever growing family above all else
- who did not forget her family in Germany over all that and who showed her love and closeness in visits and regular contacts
- who, as caring, loving daughter, sister and aunt, gave us unforgettable hours that enriched our lives indelibly
- who knew also what gratefulness means
- who can look back on a fulfilled life for which she had, as much as was in her power, worked with indefatigable effort
- who left us much too soon and left a void that cannot be filled
- who accepted her illness and death and so is a great role model
- who will remain in our hearts and memory as a wonderful human being
Love,
Sissi
Thanks for sharing this with us all, Bob. Such a beautiful tribute. Monika lives on in all our hearts. We stand beside you in your grief.
Dear Bob
I just opened your beautiful letter this morning which left me in total shock having no idea what had transpired over that past year. The next 2 hours were spent reading every word and looking at every amazing photo on your web site from today to 2009; helping me to visualize the wonderful life you two created together in retirement, the path that led to Monika’s untimely passing and the family and community who supported both of you along the way and will continue to do so moving forward.
My ‘season’ with Monika also began with love (friendship) at first sight when Jeanne Bader (who Monika is with now) introduced us at the Philadelphia train station. We became fast friends for years during the time that the two of you fell so deeply in love and transitioned to marriage. I experienced this love mostly from Monika’s side; the strongest I have ever seen between a man and woman. I would tease Monika that she only befriended me for my packing skills — having helped her and her kids move many times! Although over time our lives moved apart geographically, I will forever be a more whole person for having had Monika in my life. And, I’m just one of the hundreds of lives she touched!
Your amazing website is a healing gift to all of us that hopefully will also be a source of support to you in your path with Monika spiritually. To the entire family — my sorrow, love and hope.
Nancy
Thanks, Nancy, for your sweet comments and memories. It is good to be back in touch. I feel an overpowering sense of loss, but even more a sadness that Monika, still with such potential to contribute to this world, had her life cut so short. But nobody could have faced illness and death with more courage and grace than she did.