My mother was 97 when she passed away on December 3. She died as she had lived, independent, assertive and aware.

Early in November, after a routine examination, including a cardiogram that found tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, I brought my mom to the ER at John Muir Hospital. After an exam and tests, her meds were changed and she seemed to be much improved and doing pretty well. She even did well for Thanksgiving at Miriam's with the 34 stairs, which she negotiated without assistance and seemed to be in pretty good shape until the beginning of December when she started retaining fluid and her feet and legs seemed to double in size, developing cellulitis in both legs.

The next day Ben and I took her to a Dr's appt. and she ended up in the ER again. Her heart was acting up again they were unable to get her blood pressure up and the tachycardia under control. That process started around 11 AM and continued until 8 PM when she was moved to the ICU where she died eight hours later due to organ failure and sepsis.

Mom's ICU nurse spoke to me of how remarkable her attitude had been, positive, funny and quick to answer any question about how she felt with an "I'm pretty good; you know I am 97 years old!" So I guess that she went out with the same exclamation point with which she lived her life.

None who knew her would be surprised.

While she did not specify where contributions in her honor might be made, she herself was an enthusiastic financial supporter of both the Contra Costa Jewish Community Center and the National Council of Jewish Women.

My mother was very clear about not wanting a funeral or a memorial service but she did want a place where recollections and family stories could be shared. To those who have called, sent condolence notes or emails, this forum is for you, as well, to share your thoughts and recollections with the wider group who knew, were touched by, respected and loved Helen Kritzer Serxner.

About a month ago, my grandmother told us that she had decided that when she died, she would like not a funeral or a service but a web site! Yes, a 97-year-old who had never really used the Internet, did not own a computer, and still corresponded using felt-tip green pens wanted to be memorialized in cyberspace.

It's only fitting that she wanted such a modern remembrance, because she lived a modern and progressive life. How fitting that her last journal entry to herself expressed happiness at having voted for Obama. How thrilled she was when such a progressive candidate won the office. This year was one of triumph for her, seeing me married and settled in a new home, watching the Democrats win such strong victories in November, and spending quality time with friends and family.

While we grieve any loss, we should really be celebrating what a full and wonderful life she lived. We would like for people to use this blog to share memories. While we cannot all be together, we can create a virtual community to celebrate an extraordinary life.

Miriam