Greetings to the Mahin family and Marsnik-Kuzma crew: Since I am the last of the Marsnik-Kuzma siblings living, I feel that I should say a few words about my beloved sister Ruth. I like to share a beautiful experience Renee and I had while Ruth was passing. During my prayer time I decided to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for anyone that was in need of prayer. At this time Renee was driving from Bend to get to her Mom. I was half way through the Chaplet when I saw a vague image of Ruth and Renee. Shortly after that, Renee called to pray for her Mom who was passing. We prayed for her. During this time Ruth passed away. Both of us feel that we experienced a spiritual sending off of Ruth to her heavenly home. A great peace and joy came over us. Wow. God works in mysterious ways. We had an experience we will never forget. God made each of us in a special way. Ruth was different and special. Throughout her life she faced many challenges, especially medical issues. She came out of these difficulties stronger and better. Ruth was always determined to fight for what she believed was right and good. In scripture it says that love covers a multitude of sins. Many love stories can be told about Ruth. She was very loving and a beautiful person. I always think of Ruth in a special way at Christmas time. Since the family was poor we could never expect too much under the Christmas tree Ruth married and left home. We anxiously waited for the beautifully wrapped packages that she sent. They were so special. One Christmas she sent Annette a doll that Annette treasured for life. This still brings tears to my eyes. Ruth was also there in times of need. I remember when I was in need of surgery and she came to help my mother watch my babies. I was so thankful for her. Ruth also had a great empathy for people. She always seemed to sense the needs of others. She surprised the McManus family when she showed up at Joe’s wedding. The family reunions were due to her persistence and promotion. I am sure that her love for others far outweighs anything else. Renee and Dan, Denise and Steve, Jim and Ann remember she loved you dearly from the bottom of her heart. To her grandchildren, you were the apple of her eye. She also loved the big Marsnik -Kuzma clan. Now when I reflect upon this, Ruth had more than enough love to make her passageway into heaven. Goodby Ruth until we meet again in heaven. Jeanette, Ruth’s sister

Posted by Anonymous on April 17, 2026

Today I am faced with a deep loss yet I am grateful for the final 10 years of my mom’s life. Mom was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016. In helping her transition from independence to acceptance of care in her apartment near me, I wrote this letter to my mom: Dear Mom: As you approach the final decade of your life, I continue to marvel at your courage and awe-inspiring spirit for life. You continue to remain independent and ever present with what is most important. I love you. You are you .I am both your daughter and your friend. Following many years of guiding and helping me, it’s my turn to advocate for what will keep you independent and happy……Change is hard and exciting. I have seen you move twice since the loss of Dad. Each time, you have created a lovely, peaceful home that upon entrance gives one a sense of how special you are. We will be there for you every step of the way. It is so important that we have each other through all of this." At times there were struggles in mom’s acceptance of care. Conflicts occurred, words were exchanged as mom fought for her independence. Yet, she always returned asking forgiveness, and extending a hand of support. She ironed my clothes, house sat, cat sat, and dog sat. She rescued our dog, Piper, who ran away. She baked for me, cleaned for me, and helped me set up parties and family gatherings. I have received so many greeting cards that extend her love and gratitude. As we transferred her care to Jovial Care Home, formally River Heights Care Home, in May of 2019, we joined efforts in keeping mom safe, happy, and productive. I could not have done this without my sister, Denise, my brother, Jim, and sister in law, Ann. As the Covid pandemic surfaced, our attempts to keep her connected were challenging. Once Leah took over and the pandemic was lifted, mom was able to access the things she enjoyed, art, music, praying the rosary, and physical recreation/therapy. When she wasn’t visiting a therapist, Eucharist minister, friend, or family member, she had access to the most beautiful soul ever, Leah Nkomo. Leah was magical. Mom always appeared clean, well kept, and happy. Leah and her caregivers gave her purpose and joy. They walked her, sang with her, danced with her, and laughed with her. I can firmly attest that mom’s access to joy and life were a result of her acceptance of care. Everyone loved her spirit. Tim Henry, her Senior Fitness Trainer, describes this spirit beautifully, "I have worked with quite a few people that have some type or level of dementia, and never encountered anyone that appears to live in such pure and simple joy," to which I echo, "She is and was an amazing survivor full of hope and faith prior and after this transition…She was perhaps more strong in her convictions..never afraid to assert what she found important, particularly in order to protect those she loved..Now she is gentler, more flexible, and at peace for sure." In the last 5 years Mom had some medical challenges beyond dementia. She broke her hip and with the support of my family and Leah, we opted for surgery. With guidance by my family, Mom’s sister, Jeanette, and Leah, we opted for surgery. We know how music was important to her. Music acts as a powerful sensory trigger that reduces agitation, improves communication, and brings joy even after verbal skills fade. When mom was recovering and under the influence of medication, I witnessed her waking from a deep sleep, and in agitation and fear, lamenting, "I’m gonna die, I’m gonna die," I ran to her bedside, held her in my arms, and began singing a favorite melody, "This little light of mine…I’m gonna let it shine…As I sang she began singing along, her body relaxed, and her mind eased. Once again, Leah accepted her back to care for her rehabilitation and return to physical health. Mom was so happy to be back in her sweet home and in Leah’s loving and capable care. As I say my final goodbye to Mom, I want to thank her for accepting my care and the care of everyone she encountered. More importantly I want to remember in awe how her life became simplified to only the moment. She immersed herself in her painting, sang and swayed to the music, prayed the rosary, performed chair dance yoga, read books and quotes, sang hymns and songs from her past, and marveled at nature’s wonders. She seldom turned down an invitation to walk, color, sing, dance. I led and she learned to follow and listen as best she could. Our roles reversed and I was given an opportunity to reciprocate what she had given me and for that I am grateful. Each visit I tried to record a moment with her. I have many videos of her singing, reading, and celebrating life. I kept a diary of her special words of encouragement. Following are some of those statements, some of which you may have heard her say as well. If you need anything, give me a holler, I’m so glad you are in my family. This tells the story, Everytime I look at birds, I think of you. How can I help you? Tell your hubby hi. Let me know if you need a rest, Thank you for taking me here. I love the clouds. I love the green. I’ll be okay, don't worry, We like the same things, You are a good driver, I trust you, What can I do for you…you do so much for me, Hi, Renee, When I see God, I think he is saying he loves you. Everyone needs a person like you. For Christmas, I want God. Where is the gang…are they waiting for me? Did you give me these sparkly shoes…they sparkle like you. When they sparkle I’ll remember you. Thank you for the baby..how did you know? I’m so happy to see you. You are so bright..you got what it takes. I always like to see you..will you visit again?" On my final visit before her passing, I reached for her hand, she squeezed it so hard…my fingers were red. I kissed her and she whispered to me, "I love you." Following Mom’s passing, I recovered a letter I accessed 3 years ago that helped Denise and I decide to cremate her. The letter was saluted to Renee and dated March 21st. The year isn’t recorded but I estimate by her penmanship and grammar that it was written while struggling with dementia. Here it is: Renee - March 21 12:50 PM (AM) "I had a dream last night and I want my ashes to be spread on Mt. Hood. Mix the Ashes with tree seeds. Have as many people who have known me..Start at the bottom and climb to the top. Always wanted to climb the top of the Mt…" And she ended it with the familiar song lyrics, "Climb every Mountain follow every dream..With help I will climb my dream.." Mom In respect for her Catholic faith, Mom’s ashes will be buried by her beloved husband, Jim Mahin. As you leave, please take a bag of seeds to plant in Mom’s memory where you see fit. If you have an opportunity, please honor her dream to climb Mt. Hood. May I recommend Tom Dick Harry Ridge where you can see Mt. Hood in all its majesty.

Posted by Anonymous on April 15, 2026