This is written with sadness in my heart and yet relief in my mind that Saturday night (April 16, 2011) at 10:10 pm my Mom, L. Irene Serfling, passed peacefully into heaven in her sleep. After her very valiant battles with Lupus for over 45 years, off-and-on blindness, diabetes, broken back, nearly complete hearing loss, glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis, heart attacks and few near death experiences she is finally at peace in a better place. My brother Phil and I were with her at the time she passed and our sister Trina saw her just hours before. She and her family had a nice conversation with her. Phil and his family had time with her as well. My Dad was with her just before she was taken to the hospital. He is in a rehab facility recovering from back surgery and Mom spent the last six days in the same room with him where they received excellent care together.
I can tell you that I have never seen a stronger woman fight like she has and survive as long as she has against such odds. I'm also very proud to be the son of the man who not only stood by, laid by, cried with, stooped over, picked up the pieces after, cared for, supported and loved my Mom through 50 years, 3 months and 16 days more than my Dad John L. Serfling. He was Mom's support all those years and her sole caregiver the last seven to eight years.
Our parents were able to do all this while being members of the PTA and church, Leaders in Boy & Girl Scouts and more not to mention raising us three kids and at times helping with Mom's sisters and brother. I should also mention Puppies, Dogs, Cats, Gerbils, Fishes and a Rabbit. Mom planned and organized vacations including our big trip to California including Disney Land, Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios, San Francisco and the unplanned highlight of the trip was a stop we made where we climbed on boulders and hand fed squirrels.
I also remember when we were young Mom made some of our clothes and drove us places like Dairy Queen. She was always home after school and when we needed her or when we got into trouble. She always supported us and stood up for us when we needed it.
We are planning two Celebrations of Life for Mom. The first is to be at The Rockin' Horse Dance Barn in Renton, WA Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at 1:00 pm. This is for all our family and friends. We would be honored if you can come. The second Celebration will be in a month or two at Grace Church in southern West Seattle on a Saturday giving my Dad time to heal from his surgery.
If you would like to contact me or have me relay a message to my family you can email me.
Dave Serfling 4/19/2011
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Thoughts and Prayers
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Sorry to hear about your mom...I was honored to meet her at your wedding. She was a very sweet lady, and I can see she was proud of her son. Sending prayers your way...God bless...Dorothy and Family
- Dorothy Ogulnick 4-20-11
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She is wearing the crown of glory now :) May your heart be glad that she has escaped her earthly bonds as you grieve the loss of her here with you.
- Debbie Taylor 4-20-11
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If I can get a ride from west Seattle. Sorry to hear of your loss
- Joseph Michael 4-20-11
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I loved what you said about your mom and dad. I wish I could be there Tuesday, but it doesn't look like I'll be able to make it. Please let your dad and Trina know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
- Krista Shelby 4-20-11
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My deepest sympathies Dave in the loss of your Mother. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the celebration of her life as I have a previous appt conflict. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. It sounds like your mother was an amazing woman who I'm sure was an inspiration to you as well as many others as she bravely fought the illnesses that besieged her. I too lost my mother just last October, so I understand your grief
- Angie Beaulac 4-20-11
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My deepest sympathies Dave in the loss of your Mother. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the celebration of her life as I have a previous appt conflict. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. It sounds like your mother was an amazing woman who I'm sure was an inspiration to you as well as many others as she bravely fought the illnesses that besieged her. I too lost my mother just last October, so I understand your grief.
- Angie Beaulac 4-20-11
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Very touching. Thank you for letting us all know. My condolences to you and the rest of the family
- Justin Shelby 4-20-11
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Sorry for the loss. Best wishes and prayers.
- Toben Shelby 4-20-11
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We are so sorry to hear this and our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Your mother was a strong, great woman. We'll see you Tuesday at her Celebration of Life service.
- Gregg Smith, Jr. 4-20-11
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Well said. I plan to be at the later service.
- Mark Serfling 4-20-11
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