In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory...

Marie Rose Poklemba
1924 - 2010

A Note from her daughter, Julianne...
My mother, myself.
My mother was a person of incredible strength, love and she was truly an invincible force.  When dad died in 1989, mom continued to care for their home in Florida and maintained her fiercely independent lifestyle, full of friends and action.  When her health began to decline, I traveled to Florida and the conversation about her moving north was not an easy one. But despite her reluctance, the journey began a new and amazingly wonderful relationship between us, and the last three years will be time I will cherish always.

Mom referred to Selah Care Center as her "country club," and bragged about her membership in Selah.  There mom continued to feel vital, energized and connected.  They gave her more years and more love and I am so thankful.  As for me, Selah and Darlene were and continue to be my refuge in a stormy world.  They gave me respite and reassurance at the most stressful time of my life.  Thank you everyone at Selah and God bless you all for the invaluable work you do.

To Mom, who loved us, "no matter what."

So full of life, You taught us how to live. 
So generous of Heart,
You taught us how to give.
So full of love,
You taught us what love is.

A Note from Darlene...
Selah met Marie back in February 2009. Marie was the bell of the ball! She loved people and life! There wasn't a day that she did not show up with her hair done, eyebrows on, lipstick and jewelry all in place. You couldn't help but love her. She only saw the good in people. The first day at the Center, she came up against a member who had Dementia and wasn't exactly the nicest person at that moment. Marie was taken back by the gruffness in words expressed to her and found it very difficult at to respond. However, in her time and gracious way, she became friends with them by comforting them, assuring them that everything was okay and she just wanted to enjoy their company. She made everyone feel loved.
I have had the pleasure of caring for Marie, of having her touch not only my life, but the lives of many. In her last days, her moment of joy were playing bingo, our dog Marco, and riding her scooter. She was a hoot! Our hearts will forever remember her and we shall be comforted by our memories of laughter and joy. To the family, especially Julianne, we are deeply grateful for the honor of sharing a part of her life with you.