Simply Cardinal

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People mean well.
They offer advice.
They tell you how strong you are.
They say things like “they’d want you to be happy,” or “at least they’re not suffering.”
They talk about closure. About moving on. About staying positive.

But here’s the thing—
Until you’ve sat in the front row at a funeral…
Until you’ve looked at a casket and felt like the world cracked open…
Until you’ve had to stand there and say goodbye when you weren’t ready—
You don’t really know.

You don’t know how grief rearranges every part of you.
You don’t know how long the silence lasts after everyone else goes back to normal.
You don’t know what it’s like to carry someone in your heart because you can no longer carry them in your life.

So, if you haven’t been there yet, I’m truly glad.
I hope that day doesn’t come for you for a very, very long time.
But please—
Don’t tell me how I should be grieving.
Don’t tell me what joy should look like right now.
Just sit with me. Walk beside me.
Or let me be.

Because unless you’ve sat in the front row…
You don’t get to hold the mic.

Betty J. James nee McDaniel
Born August 5, 1930 in Melrose Park Illinois passed away peacefully December 7, 2024 in Elgin Illinois.

Betty grew up in Maywood Illinois with her large family of 12. Nine siblings and her parents, all girls and one boy who have all predeceased her.
She worke...

Simply Cardinal

When it comes to the topic of death and dying, there isn't much that surprises us, but Gen Z certainly has, bucking the trend of increasing cremation rates and choosing casket burial instead. In our recent survey of generational preferences regarding death and dying, 37 percent of Gen Zers said they'd prefer casket burial, versus only 18 percent of Baby Boomers choosing the same (66 percent of Baby Boomers would choose cremation). Honestly, we thought Gen Z would go the natural burial route! What would you choose?

Image description: Illustrations of green leaves and other elements. Text: What is Gen Z most likely to choose to have happen to their body after they die? A: Casket Burial, B: Cremation, C: Natural Burial. D: Natural Organic Reduction

MaryJo Kazimer ( MJ, Marjo) passed away peacefully on October 31, 2023 at the age of 68. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph T. Kazimer II, and her mother, Mary McCusker Kazimer. Beloved mother of Desiree Day Schultz (Ken Sporich) and Olivia Theresa Nusbaum. Beloved partner of 25 years t...

Simply Cardinal

On a cold January afternoon, I got a call asking if I was available to sit with a patient in our local hospital – my first shift as a NODA volunteer. I arrived at the hospital several hours later for my shift, relieving the volunteer who had come before me. As I sat holding vigil for a sweet soul laying peacefully in the hospital bed in her final hours of life, I realized in a moment of sadness that for reasons that did not matter, nor was I privy to, this person had no family or friends that were able to be with her. Our NODA community rallied and set up a rotating schedule of volunteers who would sit with her around the clock each taking three-to four-hour shifts ensuring she would not be alone on this journey.

Tannis Dorscht reflects on her volunteer service to the No One Dies Alone program and how we are more similar than different in our final days: https://hubs.li/Q02wXkrF0

Image description: Image of person in a bed blurred in the background. Someone's hands are holding the hand of the person in the bed. Text: As I held her frail, withered hand, in awe of each wrinkle and fold, I was brought into a free, liberating space never experienced before in my adult life.

Amerie Tone Hollingsworth of Elgin, passed away October 20, 2023 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Born January 24, 2005 in Elgin to his beloved parents Anthony (Crystal Turner) Hollingsworth and Charmalyn Cadney; loving brother of Shaniyel Hollingsworth and caring step brother of Jal...

Simply Cardinal

Amerie Tone Hollingsworth of Elgin, passed away October 20, 2023 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Born January 24, 2005 in Elgin to his beloved parents Anthony Hollingsworth and Charmalyn Cadney. Full Obituary details to come.

A memorial visitation to celebrate the life of A...

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Luis Alberto Acosta of Elgin passed away October 23, 2023 in Elgin Illinois.

Join us for a time a memorial visitation Sunday October 29, 2023 from 12:00 - 4:00pm at Dundee Funeral Home 525 Dundee Ave. East Dundee IL 60118.

Simply Cardinal

Peacefully and surrounded by family, Gladalon Gwyn Snowwhite, 82, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Gwyn was born in Marlin, Texas on August 24, 1941. She was the proud daughter of John George Jr. and Gladys Chrystelle Snowwhite. She was the older sister to three brothers but best known as “...

Simply Cardinal