We raced out to Peggi’s mom’s place for the last time on Saturday. It was pretty clear it was the end of the line this time so we did what we could to keep her comfortable. I hooked up the DVD player in her bedroom and Peggi put on one of her mom’s favorite operas, Mozart’s “Le Nozz Di Figaro” with Rochester’s Renée Fleming in the lead role. Peggi’s mom was gone before the opera finished, just before the applause for the fourth and final act, and I already miss her.
The three of us had seen many operas together in the eight years she spent here. She generally liked the lighter fare. My favorite was Coplands’s “Tender Years”. We had a similar divide when it came to art. She volunteered at the Detroit Institute of Arts and we went to many openings at the Memorial Art Gallery here. Peggi’s mom was troubled by abstract art and she was always asking me to explain pieces. I decide whether I like an art work in seconds. I don’t think about it so I was always at a loss to explain why I liked something. I tried many different approaches, many times, finally just saying things like, “You don’t have to like it.”
A few years back she spotted an review in the Wall Street Journal of a book by Kirk Varnedoe, the former chief curator of painting at the Museum of Modern Art, called “Pictures of Nothing.” She took the bus from her apartment to Pittsford Plaza and walked with her walker to the Barnes & Noble store at the other end of the plaza and picked up a copy. It is a gorgeous book of “Abstract Art Since Pollack” and the pictures are accompanied by the extremely inciteful text from a series of six lectures that Varnedoe gave as a Mellon lecturer at the National Gallery. If anyone really wants an explanation of modern art I can’t think of a better source so I often wondered why she gave the book to me instead of reading it herself. I didn’t think I needed it but I savored every bit of this book. I could do a much better job of explaining abstract art now.
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She was a marvelous woman and a lot of fun. The few times I met her were always interesting. I remember being at O’Loughlin’s with Maureen and you guys and Maureen ordered a Labatt’s and she decided she’d have one too.
sorry peggi
One of the best memories you will always have is knowing how much you added to her life in her final years here.
I sure will miss your Mom, Peggi. Going way back to the 80s I always looked forward to when she and your Dad would come to town to visit. She was a delight – always interested in whatever you had to say. She always had a smile for me, and got one right back out of me – every time. Yup, I sure will miss her!
My sympathies Peggi
I was thinking earlier today just how nice it was that you were able to bring her here and share your life with her. That was good. She always made me feel good when I was around her. I offer you my heartfelt condolences.
Peggi, what a good mom she was…I didn’t know her except through stories and it’s hard to believe that it has been 8 years since she moved to be closer to you. The circle of love. That you and Paul could be there with her, on her last day, is very touching and I hope you will feel her presence for many many years to come.