My mom - a DU member since 2002 - has passed away
Last edited Tue Sep 24, 2013, 07:02 PM - Edit history (1)
**This is a repost from GD which I also wanted to post here**
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I never thought I would post this kind of information in this manner, in fact this is a spur of the moment thing and hopefully for me it will be an act of ongoing catharsis. My dear mother Gloria - who went by the DU screen name "glarius" - passed away this summer. Like many seniors her age, 83, she had been beset by an increasing number of health issues in recent years. Unfortunately she spent most of the first half of this year in hospital, and succumbed to complications from congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation in June.
For the first probably 8 or 9 years of her DU membership my mom "glarius" (I'll call her that for the rest of this post, it seems appropriate
) was very active, however when her health began to decline her participation here began to dwindle as well. Still, over about a decade of DU membership, she racked up a very respectable post count of just shy of 8000.
My mom "glarius" never shied away from a debate, or from expressing her opinion, on both Canadian and American politics. A proud Canadian like me, she was a mainstay for a long time in the Canada forum. Mom could be argumentative, but I don't think ever confrontational. Above all else, she came to DU to enjoy spirited and informed discussion - mostly, but not limited to, political issues - with like-minded folks. And she always kept her sense of humour about her. No argument was that important. And most people on DU got, and still seem to, get that. And that's what kept her (and I, who joined at her urging in 2005) coming back for so many years. What I found most endearing about her posts - as an admittedly biased admirer of them no surprise 
- was how she expressed her views on American politics while being ever mindful of the fact that she was Canadian, and hoped she wasn't offending her American fellow DU'ers by speaking her mind when talking about U.S. political issues. My mom always worried that her friends south of the border would think she was telling them how to run their country!
My mom "glarius" made her last post here in January of 2012, and for those who may remember her - and for those who do not - I would like to share with you the last thread she started which includes the last post she ever made. I think it illustrates her feisty opinionated nature, as well as that endearing quality I felt she had, where she just hoped she hadn't offended anyone or spoken out of turn:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002186392
I miss my mom every day, I miss her because she was my wonderful mother, but also because she was my friend. We really and truly enjoyed each other's company. I am glad to have been able to share at least a little bit of her with all of you.
Sincerely,
Patrick
(aka "ClusterFreak", and formerly known as "Chimpys_Last_Stand"
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ADDED 24/09/13 @7PM.... Thank you to everyone here who has taken the time to post your condolences about my mom. I am very grateful. It doesn't matter that you and she nor you and I have ever or likely ever will meet, decency and humanity can take beautiful form in the virtual world as well. And I thank you all for yours.
Pat
= new reply since forum marked as read
Thank you for posting, Patrick.
a wonderful DUer and I wish I had 'met' her online at least.
I have not yet checked the links you provided, but I will so after this comment.
I wish you peace and comfort as I know well how sad the loss of a loved one is and how hard it is to grasp sometimes, that we will never see or hear or talk to them again. I like to think they are somewhere 'out there' and with us always regardless.
Take care, ClusterFreak. RIP to your wonderful Mom. 
One less DU star. 
She'll be with us as long as we keep the memory alive
and that she was a very interesting person. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I will miss her posts.
Brightest blessings to you and your family, Patrick.
I remember your mom very well, she was a regular poster here in the Canadian forum and we would post in defense of the Liberal party at the time. I enjoyed her posts very much. I had noticed she had not posted for a long time but thought she had left DU for another site as others have.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family for your loss.
When I saw you had replied I just had to reply back. My mom used to say how much she really liked your posts as well Spazito. She thought the two of you saw eye to eye on a great many things, and to hear you say such nice things about her means a great deal. I actually recall you both seemed to commonly agree with each other on various threads lol. Right now I am certain she is so pleased to know that you have so kindly remembered her. I know I am. It's funny too, as I see familiar names like yours posting here and on the GD thread I want to tell her 'guess who just commented, mom!' Of course I can't. She knows anyway.
All the best,
Patrick
I am very moved by your post, to know your mom spoke of me means a great deal. We did see eye to eye on so many things, I enjoyed our back and forth posts in threads they were fun. After reading your OP of her passing, I began remembering some of those times with great fondness.
pain and loss you feel. She sounds like a wonderful lady and I wish I had known her before her passing. My Mum was my best mate as well, I know where you are at. Peace and much love to you
And my condolences on your losses as well.