TOMMIE

“TOMMIE”
Tommie Klimisch died suddenly last Friday (April 17, 2009). She was a month shy of being 87. Her funeral was today at 11:00 A.M,. at the Twin Chapels Mortuary in Vallejo. When you are one of the old -old categories of aging, you can anticipate attending a lot of funerals. Dying is part of the life cycle.
I was thinking of Tommie last night and reminiscing about some of my memories of her. I decided to jot down my thoughts. I honored Tommie by reading them at her funeral today:
I have known Tommie and Percy for about 40 years. I always enjoyed her company when friends got together. She was a good listener with a warm personality. She was friendly and gracious. Tommie had many friends and no known enemies.
I enjoyed our get-togethers with the Klimisches, Pellegrini’s and Robinsons. While I enjoyed eating out with all of them, It was even more enjoyable sharing a meal with the Klimisches in their home. I got hooked on Tommie’s lemon meringue pie = the best that I have ever eaten, My Mother made good crusts, but Tommie’s were even flakier. This is a supreme compliment. I don’t know whether Tommie taught Connie and Percy how to cook, but the two of them aren’t far behind Tommie.
Tommie’s calmness was soothing and refreshing. At times, we men took bridge a little too seriously, and got into arguments. We lost sight of bridge being just a game! Tommie just sat there and listened. But, she gave us that “look” which calmed things down.
Tommie was “Information Central”. Marie would call her occasionally, just to check in, and see what was new with their mutual friends in the Bridge group.
My strongest memory of Tommie was her infectious laugh. Farewell Tommie, I will miss you. I hope that we will meet again in the Great Beyond.
I had planned to drive from Fairfield to Vallejo for Tommie’s Funeral. My daughters thought that it would be better if I avoided busy I-80 and rode with them. So, Mary drove me down to Vallejo, and Sue picked me up, and drove me back to Fairfield. They both took time off from work, and I appreciate their help and support.
RCL - 4/22/09.