Christine's funeral

'lizbeth · 06-03-2013, 02:28 PM

Adriana and I attended the service this morning. It was a beautiful service. Most touching was the memories that Debra and Danielle shared.

Although many of you could not attend, your spirit came through when the daughters shared the kind thoughts many of you posted of Christine.

Christine and Joe have raised two lovely young ladies. They can be very proud of the legacy they left.

karen z · 06-03-2013, 09:18 PM

Thank you so much for your post. Christine and Joe did raise two fine gals and I know their daughters are proud of their mom and dad for all of the good works and deeds they did for others.

StephN · 06-03-2013, 09:41 PM

Thanks, 'lizbeth -
I am sure your presence meant a lot to Debra and Danielle.
Give us more details when you can.

IrvineFriend · 06-03-2013, 10:14 PM

I had the pleasure to meet Adriana on Sunday at the viewing as well as Debra and Danielle. I think those two young women know just about all there is to know about HER2+ BC. They had a lovely slide show of Christine's life, from pictures of her 2nd birthday as a toddler, pregnancies, the life she shared with Joe (the kind of marriage that makes you really believe in 'til death do you part) and her daughters and their lives together. There were also many, many pictures of her HER2 work; she seemed to be quite the celebrity! Photos of her name and story in lights on Time Square in NYC, a Genentech billboard in San Francisco and in a brochure by another medical provider. Seeing someone's life like that makes me believe in humanity and real love of others and paying it forward.

And 'lizabeth is right, they raised two very exceptional young women who are and have been very involved in this website and our fight. I wish them healing over their loss, and for their lives to continue to grow and prosper.

It's sad to lose such a strong advocator but I think there are several women on this site that seem to be carrying the torch, and I do thank you for your service. Christine would be proud!

With gratitude,
-Julie

NEDenise · 06-04-2013, 06:52 AM

Thank you ladies!
Both for representing our community, and for posting these details of what sounds like a beautiful and worthy celebration of Christine's life.

Denise

SusanN · 06-04-2013, 09:14 AM

Thanking God for the life of Christine...that she took a journey to educate, promote awareness, celebrate sooo many of you and others...and now I am hunbled as I read stories, memories and pictures rememering her gift of life...a legacy!!

And, even more, because of this, I stumbled upon a WONDERFUL site made for me to find the knowledge, encourgament, joy and laughter in soooo many of you carrying her "torch!!"

Praying God continues to give her family strength, peace and love.

'lizbeth · 06-04-2013, 11:42 AM

StephN,

I am not the greatest at details, but I can tell you more.

On her funeral program:

In loving Memory of Christine Handal Druther, August 4 1948 - May 25, 2013.

"Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them" Revelation 14:13

The funeral mass was held by Rev. Father Donald Coleman at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic church. (great name) It is a beautiful newer church in the La Costa/Carlsbad area.

http://www.ses-church.org/

Some of the songs included "Be Not Afraid", "Psalm 25", "Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia", "You are Mine", Ave Maria and "There Is A Place"

Father Don spoke of Christine's 20 year history as a brain met survivor. How we often have to let go and give someone permission to die.

I was most impressed with the daughters and their strength to share special memories about their mother, even in this time of grief. Personally I don't think I could have been able to do the same without breaking down into sobbing.

Forgive me if I can't remember which remarks are from Danielle and which from Debra. One shared what it was like growing up in the Druther household, the special values, her fond experiences. Christine was quite the bargin hunter and they found her prom dress for $40. "She would like you to know that." Christine shared with everyone that she was a breast cancer survivor. She could blend the conversation in at the grocery store with the best way to pick a mango.

Her other daughter shared about Christine's experience with breast cancer. She researched and studied and came up with her own plan for her treatment. If her doctor did not agree she fired them and found a new one. She was amazing at networking and reaching out to others. She called up the Doctor (Slamon?) who was responsible for Herceptin and thanked him.

As you know, both Joe and Christine passed within a short amount of time. Her doctor invited one of her daughters in to talk about losing both parents. This doctor pointed out that you are their living legacy. I found that kind and touching.

The Her2support ladies where represented as well in the Remarks of Remembrance. Postings from Jessica, Bonnie, Alaska and others were read. Many of you are well spoken and your sincere gratitude of having this site to come to during your journey with cancer showed. Your words were received with great appreciation.

After the funeral mass Christine was interred at Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia on Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA.

I did not attend the burial, but Adriana was able to go.

I did give a ride home to Christine's friend. She was telling me how she would go shopping with Christine who was a nutritionist. She learned all about how to read labels.

The mass was a lovely fitting tribute to Christine. Even if you could not be there in person, please post to Debra and Danielle. They are very appreciative of hearing from us.

'lizbeth · 06-04-2013, 11:48 AM

On Christine's memory card:

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

In Loving Memory of Christine Handal Druther August 4, 1948 - May 25, 2013

Don't think of her as gone away - her journey's just begun.
Life holds so many facets - this earth is only one.
Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years.
Think how she must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away.
And think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched - for nothing loved is ever lost and she was loved so much.

tfabre · 10-21-2013, 02:34 AM

Oh my! I have been away too long, and did not know about Christine. I do hope that all of you continue to share your knowledge and experience with us. I am a 3 1/2 year survivor, and must admit that I didn't have much hope or info about Her2, until I found this group. Christine, and the rest of you "old timers" have given me so much hope and inspiration, which is why I am here today. I hope this group continues. She will be greatly missed.

Toni