Dear friends:

I just wanted to let you know that today at noon, Ruth Beisman, Carol Ann’s mother, died peacefully at home. She had a fitful night and it was clear that the end was near. She finally let go today, July 10 at 12 noon. She was 92 and 7 months. Androscggin Home Hospice was invaluable in this process.

She died of myelodysplastic syndrome. This is a leukemia-like condition. The blood fails to carry oxygen as the red cells are not replenished. Transfusions are the only maintenance known to extend viable life. It had become over burdensome for Ruth to go through this process at St. Mary’s in Lewiston, ME, which is a 30 to 45 minute drive, depending on weather, and which took several hours to complete. This treatment had come down from monthly to every week with more frequent treatments in sight for the near term. She decided to cut the transfusions off about a month ago. It was the beginning of the end. She also suffered from Post Polio Syndrome, weakening her left leg, on which she wore a brace. Mobility became a huge issue.

She filled a large space in my life for the past two years during which she lived with us, and was a defining factor for both of us during that period. It will take some time to adjust to her absence. I will miss her sorely.

There will be a memorial service at Our Lady of Lourdes in Rochester NY at a future date. She was the oldest charter member there.

Thank you Ruth for shedding light on the path.

Jerry H