Marie Wortel Obituary

"I am standing upoon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says, 'There. She's gone!'

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says,'There, she is gone!', there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: 'Here she comes!'

And that is dying.........

by Henry Van Dyke

Marie was a real pleasure to know. My Mom and Dad, Tim and Estelle Kelly lived next door. The world has lost a gentle, vibrant woman with her passing. My sincere condolences. May all that was lovely in her live on in each of you who loved her. Sincerely, Pat Kelly

My First Christmas in Heaven



I see the countless Christmas Trees around the world below.

With tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular! Please wipe away that tear,

for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,

but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,

for it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart,

but I am not so far away. We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear

and be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.

I send you each a memory of my undying love.

After all "LOVE" is the gift, more precious than pure gold.

It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,

for I can't count the blessings or love He has for you.

So, have a Joyous Christmas and wipe away that tear.

Remember, I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

--poem by Anonymous

God bless Jake and Marie's family. My mom and dad, Tim and Estelle Kelly and Jake and Marie were good friends, next door neighbors in Hazel Crest.

Marie was my wonderful next-door neighbor in Hazel Crest. I think about her all the time and she has been in my prayers. I have been in Mother Theresa Home for several years now. I so enjoyed Marie and Jake as neighbors. May they both rest in peace. Estelle.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.