Prayer Service in Memory of Cora Rodick

Cora graduated from nursing school in 1998 and worked as a licensed practical nurse, first at Ashton Court Nursing Home in Liberty, Mo., then at Liberty Hospital. In her spare time, she enjoyed family gatherings, fishing and other outdoor activities, and football. She was a faithful member of Hosanna Evangelical Lutheran Church in Liberty, Mo., and very often was seen demonstrating Christ’s love. In short, she lived the verse of scripture that advises, “Let your light so shine that others may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” And those whose lives she touched have the privilege of following her example to, no matter what, treat others as they would want to be treated.

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An in-person celebration of life service for Cora is being planned for mid-summer.

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Memories and Blessings Shared Before Today's Service:

 

From Alma Rodick:

One of my earliest memories of my mom is of her singing softly to me as a young child while I was in the throws of a severe migraine headache. I used to get them on a weekly basis as a child, and the only way to make them go away was to take a bath and sleep. Because noise made the migraines worse, my brothers often had to stop what they were doing entirely or, in my youngest brother's case, mute the TV such that he could only see the evening cartoons he was watching. I didn't realize until I was much older how much of a disruption my migraines were to everyone else I lived with. I realize now, that a lot of the reason I didn't connect the dots sooner was that my mom made sure I didn't.

     As I grew, my mom was always there cheering me on, telling me how proud she was of me for my accomplishments and doing her best to offer adequate support when I didn't achieve my academic goals. I have fond memories of helping her do homework as a teenager when she was in nursing school and when she graduated, I had the honor of playing the piano during the commencement ceremony.
     To this day, my favorite Christmas is the year when my mom worked at Ashton Court Nursing home and the three of us kids got up early and opened presents and got the treat of going with her to work that day to play the piano (in my case) or just to be there to help out in general and make the residents' day more joyful. As a teenager, at the time, I was a bit annoyed that our plans were changing, but once the day was done, I knew why my mom chose for us, as a family, to make that sacrifice. This past Christmas season, she and I attended the light show that Pleasant Valley Baptist church puts on annually. While there, we discussed that Christmas and I thanked her for the lessons that it taught me. It was a very sweet experience, and I'm thankful that God gave me the confidence and strength to broach what could at times be a painful topic, and am beyond grateful that instead of sadness in her voice, I heard only peace, love, and joy.
     My mom taught me that patience always pays off, that it's always better to give than to receive, and that extreme criticism (whether of yourself or someone else) should be avoided whenever possible.
     Since she's gone to heaven, my perspective  has changed considerably. My three goals for the rest of my life are to see my glass as half full rather than half empty, concentrate on my strengths rather than my weaknesses, and help everyone else I meet along my way do the same. And I pray that in doing so, I will make her proud.
     I conclude with the words of the chorus of a song that she and I have labeled as ours since my childhood:  "If you get there before I do, don't give up on me. I'll meet you when my chores are through. I don't know how long I'll be. But I'm not gonna let you down, Darling; wait and see. So between now and then, till I see you again, I'll be loving you. Love, Me."

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From Dan, Jodi, Adam, and Maddie Prom:

We just wanted to say how she became Adam's caregiver and was a great blessing for our family. She was more than willing to pick him up at School when he misbehaved and care for him, got him off bus everyday and much more. She was part of our family and we miss her greatly! 

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From Shirley Harnish:

Our friend Cora was one unique woman. She was strong, gentle, loyal, honest, caring, enjoyed her family with a passion, quiet and soft spoken, but has been known to raise her voice occasionally! We have known Cora all her life and watched her grow from a young girl to a proud mother and grandmother. We have enjoyed many good times over the years and weathered some difficult times. Cora always bounced back and kept moving forward Cora loved Christmas. Every year she spent many days making candy, cookies, and other goodies for her friends Cora knew Art dearly loved her peanut clusters,so she always showed up. with a large tin just for him,much to his delight. Cora was a special friend,and we will miss her impish twinkling eyes,her mischievous smile, but most of all her presence among us. We will miss our good friend Cora..

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With love from Phyllis Anderson, Cindy & Mike Plesko:

We want the family-especially Virginia-to know that we are here for you all in this difficult time. Cora will be deeply missed. Her refreshing laugh, enthusiastic smile and willingness to “pitch-in” were such a pleasant attribute! Rest In Peace Cora.

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From Donna Krugman:

My heart just aches for the loss of Cora.  Cora was really there for me when Merle was hospitalized prior to his passing.  She was such a comfort to me with all that she done to make his hospitalization easier on all the family.  I'm sure more of a comfort than she ever  realized.  Truly a great friend!  I will miss her!  My sympathies to all her family I know will miss her also.  

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From Debbie Gallacher:

My heart grieves with you! I will never forget the wonderful care that Cora gave to my son, Jordan, when he was living in Missouri and suffering from severe migraines. I will be forever grateful to her, for her kindness. My warmest condolences to each and every one of the family members, and especially to Grandma Virginia. No one should lose a child, but her loving daughter lives on in the hearts of the many people whose lives she touched.

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From Marjorie Yates:

The last time I saw Cora was at the Dollar Tree where she was shopping with Alma. I noticed Alma's hair was wet and mentioned something about getting a haircut at Great Clips. So it turns out we all like on particular gal (Kathy)  at Great Clips. Cora said Kathy was able to cut Zack's hair just the way he liked it. We agreed that was the ultimate recommendation for a hair stylist.

 

From Mel, Lorena, and Karl Peterson:

To you family and friends of Cora:   "O rest in the Lord wait patiently for him"   After the night comes the morning.   We walk with you in our hearts.   May you sense the presence of our Savior God.    

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From Donna Lewis:

I will miss Cora’s friendship so much. We were neighbors for several years in a trailer park. It was comforting to know she was keeping an eye on our place as, we were hers when no one was home. I’ll miss that , “do you have an egg or lean out the back door I made something for you to try. Our families were entwined in many many ways. We may not have seen each other every day or called as often as we should have , but we have always kept up on each other’s families. Rest now Cora , I cherish what we had through the years. With love from your friend Donna

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Shower Virginia with Cards:

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Grieving during this time is difficult, but it's especially difficult if living someplace that is on lockdown.  Since we can't give Virginia (Cora's mother) hugs right now, we are encouraging you to send her a note expressing your love for her during this time.  Cards can be mailed to: 

Virginia Bell, Room 113, Oxford Grand, 8280 North Tullis Ave., Kansas City, MO  64158