Mignon Ann Bloch
16 October 1949 - 14 April 2001

Mignon passed away after a courageous battle with Bright's Disease (kidney failure).

Eulogies from Service - 18 April 2001 

(Richard Bloch)

"Thank you for coming. My sons and I appreciate your expression of love and respect for Mignon.

If anyone is wondering about the format of procedures here today, all I will say is that everything is as it should be.

After I finish speaking, my sons will have something to say and after that if anybody wishes to speak they are most welcome.

It may be expected of me to tell you who Mignon is. I use the term "is" because that is the truth of the matter. A caterpillar does not cease to be when becoming a butterfly.

However, I cannot tell you exactly who Mignon is. There is no living person who can do that.

There is a saying that we are each three people. The one as perceived by others, the one we perceive ourselves to be and the one we really are.

The person who Mignon really is may or may not have been revealed to her now.

The person she perceived herself to be is known only to herself.

The person we perceive her to be is as varied as our individual perceptions, no two of which can ever be the same. Perhaps, and I stress perhaps, Mignon could be described as the sum total of all these perceptions. So to draw a complete picture we would require the input of every person she ever touched. Not possible, so please treasure the little bit of Mignon's "isness" that you carry with you.

If you wish me to tell you something about Mignon, then yes, I can do that.

Mignon is a little person, born in a little town called Wallaroo in South Australia on 16 October 1949. When I say "little", I refer to physical stature only because the years have proven that she is a giant among us.

The foundation of her life has been severely cracked with much pain, both physical and emotional. Many a time she wanted to be loved and accepted only to be rejected. The painful area of her life is something I could spend quite some time on but I will leave it there, taken as read.

But she was never bitter, sometimes asking why, but never "why me?". On more than one occasion Mignon said "If this is happening to me, perhaps someone else is being spared".

Mignon was in awe and in love with God's creations and used all her senses to appreciate them. When I brought in flowers she would look at them taking in their colour and shape, then check for any scent however light and then touch the leaves, petals and so on thus absorbing them completely with an appreciative look on her face.

Mignon is houseproud and everything must be just so. In the workforce she was a conscientious and loyal employee and has references to prove it……from age 16. Yes, she is also a hoarder. Mignon was a good employer, always fair and compassionate.

People with problems gravitated to her like iron filings to a magnet and she gave what support she could. There were many times she would agonize for hours that she had said the right thing.

But these people came in and out of her life like a breeze through an open house. Only one remained as a friend and I quote from a letter she sent last Christmas:

"At this special time of the year it makes me happy every time I receive your letter and very thankful that you and I have kept in touch over all these years even though we are far apart. I reflect on how we have followed our children through the years to their adult life and that you are a true friend even though we never meet. May we have many more years and who knows one day we may meet again."

Yesterday we received an e-mail from people we, and particularly Mignon, had spent considerable time with in England and I quote the following extract:

"We are so sad to lose such a loving and courageous spirit"
"We think of flowers, sunshine and laughter and generous love when we think of Mignon, can we say more?"

Mignon and I married a whisker short of 33 years ago and is loved by me greatly.

She bore two sons, Michael about 32 years ago and David about 30 years ago.

Mignon is a devoted mother and ferociously defensive and supportive of her sons……. something she did not receive in her own life. In the hours before their arrival at her deathbed, she had their pictures in her lap and kept looking devotedly at them. The past week has made it abundantly clear that this love and devotion is fully reflected by them.

But Mignon's greatness is measured by her unconditional love for all - even through all the pain and disappointment.

Her presence has been felt physically both in Adelaide and Totnes England by our sons' respective partner and wife. Others, at the exact time of her passing over found themselves in a place where she and I had spent time with them prior to our departure for Australia.

Mignon was in full control over the treatment of the illness to which she finally succumbed. The act of succumbing was wilful and at home where she controlled the pace at which it happened. Mignon appeared to be taking instructions and on the two nights prior to the final act, the presence of many was felt.

I have no doubt that her arrival was eagerly awaited because not long after the final breath there was a certain clarity and lightness in the room. She had been whisked away.
We cannot commit her spirit to the Creator, we do not have that power or right. Mignon did that as she talked to the Creator frequently. We can only wish her Godspeed and ask the creator to help, guide and protect her on her next journey.

But come what may, she is always with us and she is free of pain."

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(Michael Bloch)

"It is a time of great sadness; but also a time of great happiness - Our mother is free.

Our mother died at around 1am on Easter Saturday morning. Her last days on this planet were by no means peaceful. She had endured great pain throughout her life, and her last week was no exception. Mum kept energy in reserve to speak with both David and I, at the expense of her own physical comfort, and we feel most humbled that she did so. Mum rejected a good deal of the pain relieving medication offered her after she had her last conversation with us, for reasons best known to her.

I wrote the following shortly after her passing:

It's around 2.15am our time. Our mother is at finally at peace and we have been able to show our love and respect for her by preparing the shell that she has left behind.

Mum died in Dad's arms. The last seconds of Mum's existence in this form were spent as close as possible to the man that she loved. David and I were close by. We heard Dad beginning a Tibetan type ritual to guide Mum's spirit out of her body and into eternity. It was a relief to hear him begin this; finally the release that Mum and Dad deserved.

We then assisted Dad who washed Mum's body and put her into a shroud. We helped Dad move Mum's body from the chair onto a bed prepared for her. She was gently laid out, a pillow underneath her head and her arms folded across her chest. The lavender wheat bag was also placed under her head.

The pain that had previously been deeply etched into her face was gone. It was replaced by a peaceful, almost youthful expression. Mum was then surrounded with photos of importance to her, a teddy bear she adored and several other toys she loved.

Dad retrieved a beautiful Camelia from the garden and placed it in her hands. Oils are being burnt to remove the remnants of pain and replace it with the scents of life.

We are now sitting around her - there is no fear or revulsion of being in the same room as Mum's body - we are relieved, happy and proud that we helped fulfill her last wishes. 

There is no mystery in her passing, no clinical environment, no nurses to draw curtains and to whisk her body away, no doctors with their professional sympathy, no industrial noises - just the three of us, the sounds of the Australian bush, Irish folk music playing........ and peace. 

While there have only been 3 of us here physically to help with Mum's transition, she was aware and greatly appreciative that there were others who were sending their love and energy. We would like to express our gratitude on behalf of Mum to all - you have all shared in this experience and given us strength during the difficult phases.

This time with Mum was special. We laughed and cried over the situation - we grieved for Mum and for ourselves in her presence. Nothing was left unsaid or unfelt. Many family issues were discussed between us that may never have been addressed properly. 

We have opened up the cottage to allow the breeze to carry what was before out of the house and to permit the winds of change to permeate every corner - a new chapter has begun for our family.

(David)

When Michael rang me at 3am in the morning to tell me the end was coming, I was not sure I would get there in time so I sent the following e-mail to him and Dad to read to Mum. As it turned out they both managed to read it to her, but I did arrive in time. It went like this:

Dearest Mum,

When I think of you I do think of a caring, nurturing beauty of one who gives out so much to others. When it came to me, you have a intuitive sense second to none, sometimes aware of my next step even before I. There are aspects of you I carry and am proud of in me, I endeavour to enhance these qualities to benefit myself and those who surround me. Much love is with you and supports you through this journey, may it be smooth, and I know there will be many a being rejoicing to see you again. We will all miss you. Thank you for everything, I am truly aspiring to reflect the beauty, courage and determination you have reflected for yourself and others to make this world a better place, I will continue this legacy, and any thought of you will only strengthen and encourage me. You and me make a mighty fine combination indeed. From the boy who gave you the bottom wobble to a Mum who gave him everything she could, much love and reverence to you and your life.

Lynne, Jasmyn and Chay love you greatly, funny that, you seem to have that effect on people. We all raise our hearts to you Mum "the soul who asks for so little but gives so much". The only thing that separates us is the physical bodies. You truly are a wonderful being who is a good friend to me.

Lots of love and affection

David xoxoxoxo

(No other person came forward to speak)

(Richard)

When Mignon was in great pain she would try to sing and hum the Hallelujah chorus from Handel's "The Messiah". I would hear her doing this and keep away giving her some privacy. It did seem to help with easing the pain.

I can think of nothing better to play as we say our farewells.

(The curtains close and the coffin disappears from view)

End of Funeral Service.

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