"I'm a listening grandma, not a cooking grandma," my Gmee once told me. And I couldn't be more thankful to have a grandma who listened to, but more than anything cared about her family. Gmee was born while World War II was being waged. She had a loving mother and father, but lost her mother all too soon to breast cancer. Her early years were spent in a catholic boarding school, where she avoided eggs for breakfast, and the ire of nuns who would punish her for not eating them. Gmee met the love of her life at one of the world's largest advertising agencies and embarked on a near 64-year marriage. She and my grandfather had four children, whom they loved with all their hearts and worked hard to give wonderful lives. Gmee and Gpee had the fortune of sharing personal and professional life together; eventually building their own advertising agency and sharing laughs all the while. Gmee's life was not without struggle. In the nineties she fought her first battle with breast cancer. But she kept a positive attitude -and her beautiful hair, to boot! She went into remission, but years later the cancer came back again. She fended it off to enjoy many happy years with her children and six beloved grandchildren. Life took a hard turn again, when she lost her eldest child, Chris. No parent should have to see their child laid to rest before them. Though his presence always remained with her, she missed him dearly. Then her husband went blind. And it was time to figure out how to be his caretaker, all the while fighting a new cancer that had emerged in her body, and would, in the end, take her life. I do not write this to paint a bleak picture, but rather, the opposite. My Gmee was a singular woman. She had strength that rivaled an ox and love that knew no limits. Gmee taught me to appreciate flowers and fauna around me, but more than that to appreciate all I had. Gmee found joy in every day. She drew happiness from talks with her family; incredible bargain shopping scores; decorating her nest and traveling the state of Maine with her dear husband by her side. Gmee cared about others. She gave of herself to people familiar and unknown. All with the belief that what you do for others matters the most in this world. She was a cheerleader and champion of her family. And as I became an adult grandchild, she was a friend -a privilege I wish all grandchildren could have. And her family loved her back with all their hearts. I will miss her more than I can put into words, but I will love her and feel her presence forever. I know that somewhere in heaven there is classical music playing from a distant room. And two hearts are beating as one, rocking on porch chairs in the cool summer breeze, laughing and enjoying each others company to the fullest. -Words by Maddie Clark. With heartfelt love from her entire family. Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting www.khrfuneralhomes.com