Happy Hayes Family

The following was read at my Great Aunt Maysel's memorial service on October 10, 2007. Her grandson, Ben, did the reading, and did a great job. It was just so moving that I wanted to share it here on my blog.

My Mom and my Aunts asked me to share with you a little bit about their mother...our grandmother.

We called her a woman of amazing strength...even though for much of her life her body was weakened by the disease of multiple sclerosis. From what my mom and aunts recollect, she was diagnosed with the disease in her early 30s. They recall very little about their mom's healthy days; but do have many very special memories.

Grandma enjoyed the Packers, and I'm sure anyone who ever visited her at the nursing home will remember her green and gold decor. She also had a sweet tooth. Even as her health declined and she lost her appetite at mealtime, she always had a taste for a strawberry milkshake, cookies, black jelly beans, or caramel corn.



Her physical limitations did not affect her wit or sense of humor. She loved to joke; and one of her favorite past times was to tease Aunt Darlene, her youngest daughter.

Grandma loved to hand out Christmas and Birthday gifts to us grandkids, but she always asked if we had been good before she would hand us a gift. Of course...we always said YES!!!

One of our favorite Christmas memories was 2005 when cousin Judi brought her portable keyboard to the nursing home and we all gathered with Grandma to sing Christmas Carols. Although Grandma's memory was not as sharp as it had once been, she was able to recall the songs and joyfully sing along.

Grandma taught grade school before she became a 'mom.' Once she no longer taught school...she kept on teaching. She taught my mom and aunts about having a good work ethic, never quitting, thinking about others and not just themselves. She taught them to pick good friends; those who would help them make good decisions. Grandma taught us to love Jesus, because that is what really matters.

Grandma was unselfish. She didn't focus on herself or her limitations. Whenever we asked her how she was feeling; she would always reply asking how are YOU feeling?

As my mom and aunts were growing up, Grandma became physically limited due to her MS. She was unable to provide the same physical support my mom provides today. However, she consistently provided us with her prayer support. She was a prayer warrior and asked the Lord to keep us in His protection and perfect will.

Grandma left us an incredible lesson to follow. She led by example and never questioned her fate in life. During the past several years she would grow weary and pray for the Lord to take her home. Today we celebrate the answer to her prayer.

As you can probably tell, this lady we call Mom and Grandma will always hold a very special place in our lives and hearts. Because of her personal trust in Jesus Christ, we know this body here today is just her leftover shell. She is more alive today than she has ever been. In fact, now she has a perfect body; with two legs and full of strength. We believe since last Sunday at 9:40 am, she has been running on those streets of gold in Heaven...and she may not stop for the next 10,000 years.


This is me being rocked by Aunt Maysel
in her wheel chair. I was a colicky baby,
and Aunt Maysel was able to calm me
down by rocking me. Mom says this was
the only time I was happy on this trip.
(Christmas 1972)


This is Aunt Maysel's obituary:
On Sunday morning, October 7, 2007, Maysel Crawford, 77, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, after courageously enduring a battle with multiple sclerosis for most of her adult life. Maysel was born September 24, 1930 in Oconto to the late Roy and Meta (Ziemer) Crozier. She married Carl Crawford on June 6, 1953. He preceded her in death on December 18, 1997.

Proverbs 31:28 says "Her children arise up and call her blessed." This verse fittingly describes the sentiment of her surviving daughters Janice (Darryl) Gertzfield, Palatine, IL; Carol Crawford, Green Bay; Patricia (Bernie) Hallett, Green Bay; Darlene Crawford, Green Bay; three grandchildren Adrianna, Benjamin and Bradley Hallett, two step-grandchildren Staci (Rob) Rajcevich, Jeremy Gertzfield, and a step-great granddaughter Jordyn Rajcevich. A brother Gerald (Ellen) Crozier, Milwaukee; and a sister Delores Riewe, Oconto; two sisters-in-law Florence Crozier, Oconto; Lorraine Crozier, Sun Prairie; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by two brothers Harold and Elroy Crozier and a sister Marge Flynn.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto, from 4 to 8 PM Tuesday, October 9. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, October 10, from 10 to 11 AM at Bay City Baptist Church in Green Bay. Funeral services will be conducted 11 AM Wednesday at the church with Rev. Ray Anderson and Rev. David Bender officiating. Burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery, Oconto. On line condolences may be expressed at www.gallagherfuneralhome.net.

Her daughters would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Odd Fellow Nursing Home for their care and support over the past six years.