09/25/2016
‘Til Death….Do Us Not Part
Joe and Jane Sedik were married for 63 years. They had 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. They shared many good times and much laughter. They also shared great sorrow. They watched helplessly as their baby, Susan Aubertin, was besieged with Alzheimer’s disease in her 40’s and courageously continues her struggle. Yet through the ups and downs they remained strong. They remained unified. They shared a bond so tender yet resilient it couldn’t be broken, even by death.
Joseph Lewis Sedik died at 5:50 p. m. on September 18th 2016, less than a month before he turned 90. Jane Isabelle Sedik died at 9:50 p.m. on September 18th 2016 at 84 years of age. They died exactly 4 hours apart. They both died of natural causes. In death, as in life, they were one in mind, body and soul.
In the last few years, fortified by a full life and deep religious convictions, Jane expressed that she had made peace with dying. Yet Jane held on. She couldn’t pass, wouldn’t pass, as this would mean leaving her beloved Joe behind. Jane was his emotional rock, his center, and he was hers.
In the last few months, every morning Joe would greet his wife saying, “You look so beautiful today”. Jane would smile sweetly and they’d quietly hold hands. They’d just be, together.
On the morning of September 18th, Joe’s body began its descent. Once he was gone Jane looked at her beloved for the last time, simply whispering, “rest in peace”. Her frail little body was limp with exhaustion. Her blue eyes now deep pools of sorrow.
Tucked into bed that night, Jane kissed her loved ones good-bye. We thought that meant until tomorrow, but Jane knew better. What happened then is anyone’s guess. Her family sees it as a devastatingly beautiful miracle. Jane was ready, Jane was at peace. Jane’s body stopped. Her soul reached out to Joe’s. Joe and Jane were fully reunited.
Rarely did a day go by when Jane and Joe weren’t visited by their son Joseph Sedik and their daughter, Kathleen Fisher. They were fortunate to share in their last day on earth with Joseph and Kathleen and their spouses, as well as their granddaughter Melissa Pappentick and their great granddaughters Anika and Elsi Pappentick. On this last day they felt immersed in the love of their entire family, those near and far, in death as they had in life.
Our mourning is a mixed one. We miss them so much, yet we also take great happiness in their togetherness. We know, without a shadow of doubt, it is what they both wanted.
So, as we slowly move on, we can only give thanks. Thank you Joe and Jane for being the persons that you were. Thank you for raising a kind, loving family. Thank you for all of your sacrifices and caring. Thank you for being exceptional human beings. Thank you for creating and maintaining such a beautiful union. And thank you both dearly for silently sharing your wisdom with the world – showing us love can conquer all, even death.
