June’s Passing
My mother, June Welch Barry, passed away Saturday morning. My brother, my husband, and I were all at her bedside. My mother had the misfortune of being diagnosed with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis at the early age of 45. She courageously and uncomplainingly battled the disease for an astonishing 37 years. Eventually, RA took from her the use of her hands, feet, arms, and legs, until she could no longer walk, dress, feed or care for herself. Her specialist deemed it one of the worst cases of RA that they had ever seen.
As her daughter, I saw both her distress and her dignity. I was lucky enough to see her almost every day for the last three years of her life and, before that, to act as a part-time caregiver. These last weeks, many of our family held vigil with my mother. Her friends came from all over to sit at her bedside to share stories of their time with June and what it meant to them.
Time can steal those things which are subject to its laws. But it has no sway over the heart. Hers was strong, heroic, silly, and loving. My sadness is broken by the dreams I have of her now, healthy once more. I see her dancing with my father to some old favorite tune, some Fred and Ginger favorite. She is graceful and happy.
One of June’s last wishes was for me to return to the book tour as soon as possible. My mother was an inspiration for The Lace Reader, very much like Eva, very much a lady in the old sense but with a special gift for predicting the future. She didn’t read lace, but she could often tell the future. She told me early on that this book would do well, and it has.
Though it is difficult, and I’m not sure how to do it, I am heading out tonight confident that my mother’s inspiration will guide me.
September 18th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I’m very sorry for your loss, and I’m glad I got to know her a little by reading The Lace Reader. She’ll always be alive for your readers.
September 19th, 2008 at 2:05 am
I am very sorry. Losing someone, especially if that person has been ill for a very long time, is never easy. I just wanted to visit your website because I love[d] your book so very much, but felt obliged to comment after seeing your post. My grandfather died in January and I still miss him very much.
At any rate, thank you for your writing, and much sympathy.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom 2 years ago Sept. 22, and the happy memories bring smiles to the daily sorrow. You have wonderful memories to comfort you and that is a sure blessing.
~jane
September 20th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Words can rarely help at a time like this, but after reading The Lace Reader, I know why your mother knew it would do well. It is a book for mothers and daughters…
Ruth
September 27th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Mothers live on in their daughters. How proud she must be of you ! God be with you at this difficult time.
Mary Eileen
September 28th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I have just spent one entire rainy day in Marblehead unable to put The Lace Reader down. I am so glad that your mother had a chance to know that you achieved the incredible goal of publishing this wonderful story. I especially enjoyed the references to people and places around the North Shore. Congratulations on your success. As I clearly visualized every scene in your book, I can visualize J & J sharing this with you every step of the way.
XO
Boona
September 30th, 2008 at 10:34 am
June will fly with the angels now and visit your dreams. My deepest sympathy to you for your loss. Glad your mother knew of your great success before she passed. Your writing is an inspiration to me while I write.
September 30th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Sandy–I hope you are doing well!
Love you much. If–and I’m not sayin this to say it–if there is ANYTHING I can do–you ask–it’s done!
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:02 pm
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. How wonderful that you were able to share in the last two years of her life. What a blessing that she was alive to see your career and dreams become a successful reality.
My book club read you book and our discussion will take place at my home in Punta Gorda, Florida on Wednesday, October 15, 7 p.m. Is there any possibility that you do phone interviews during that time period?
Thank you for your time.
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:03 pm
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. How wonderful that you were able to share in the last two years of her life. What a blessing that she was alive to see your career and dreams become a successful reality.
My book club read your book and our discussion will take place at my home in Punta Gorda, Florida on Wednesday, October 15, 7 p.m. Is there any possibility that you do phone interviews during that time period?
Thank you for your time.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Dear Sandy,
I was so glad to be able to come to be with you and to say good-bye to June. I know how she suffered but she never let it get her down. She was “quite a lady”. She was so lucky to have you for a daughter and I know she was proud of you. She was very special to me and I will always remember her at camp. Will keep you both in my prayers.
Love to you my dear. Keep in touch.
Jeannine
November 7th, 2008 at 11:52 am
I’m so sorry for your mother’s death, I know that she was a big inspiration for your writing.
-Tricia
(a NJ friend of Joanne’s)
June 7th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Thank you, Tricia.