DEAR SISTER NANCY......






Dear Sister Nancy......

So many things I forgot to tell you because I thought I had so much time.

How much I loved you.

How much I loved decorating your home.  You were always so excited about it and let me do whatever I wanted....nobody loved her home more than you did.  I am so sorry I wasn't able to finish the kitchen.

How proud I was of you when you opened a restaurant.....during the recession I might add.  You were a waitress and was passed over for a promotion after working for another company for many years.  They gave it to a younger guy who had only been there a short time. You were fearless Nancy and you never let go of the dream.  While so many others wouldn't have made it or given up....you did not take one day off for 4 years.  16 years later you are still standing.

I loved your community spirit.  You knew everyone who came into Nancy G's/Southern Bistro.....they were "your people".  You went to birthday parties, weddings, bar mitzvah's, funerals and school functions....always giving.

How much I loved you.

What an amazing sister you were......so supportive and thoughtful.  You never let a birthday go by without putting a card in my mailbox.  

How much you loved your big sisters....Maggie and I.  Nobody had more fun when we were all together than you.  A simple shopping trip to the mall brought you joy.  Whatever we bought you would buy.

How much I loved you.

You did not get the attention you deserved when we were young because you were the 3rd girl but boy you made up for it.  While you were sick there were so many flowers and 100's of cards and letters.  The Sandy Spring community has wrapped you in their hearts.  I loved reading them all to you in the afternoons.....it brought you just a little joy.


I miss you so much.....my heart is broken.  Watching you die was gut wrenching and I could not stop crying.  You kept saying it was OK to cry....that you cried also but I only saw it once.  You were so brave.

You would say everyday that you weren't ready to die....that you did not want to leave us and Nancy that broke me.  Trying to stay positive for you broke me.


Spending the last 22 days with you was a gift to Maggie and I but we were not ready to lose you.....

How much I loved you.

Diagnosed mid April. 


Nancy Kathryn Jackson Goodrich
September 17th 1956
8:00 pm August 13, 2021

  







118 comments

chrissi said...

i am so sorry for your loss. your nancy looked lovely and simply amazing.

Michelle Walker said...

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I lost my brother quickly to cancer... your post certainly resonated with me.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Leslie said...

Sherry, there is no doubt in my mind that you were, in turn, a fabulous, loving sister to Nancy. In your grief, rest in that. You are in my prayers as you walk this journey.

Gail said...

So sorry for your loss. It’s so painful losing a sister. I pray for you during this time of extreme grief.

CaryB said...

Surrounding you with prayers for strength as you navigate these next few minutes, hours, days and months without your middle sister, Nancy. May her memory always bring a smile and warm your heart. May you treasure the gifts she passed on to all of you during her full lifetime. too will have a life lived so well. So sorry for this devastating loss, but you will survive by One hour, one day, one week.... YOU WILL be okay needs to be your new mantra. There is no greater gift you could have given her then being present with her for those 22 days. It takes only the special ones to say yes for those last days of raw emotional roller coaster, but what a ride you can say you had with her on her last days on earth. SPECIAL for sure.

B. Brace said...

I am so sad for your loss. Know that she is resting in glory, peace in your heart. Beth

Unknown said...

Beautiful thoughts on your sister, Sherry. She would surely have said much the same about you. Sending you prayers and hugs.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your great loss.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for your loss. May her memory be a comfort and a blessing...I'm going to go call my sister now.

michele said...

Sherry, thank you for opening your heart and allowing us to sit with you in the grief house. It's so hard to let go of a lifetime of goodness. What a treasure she was to you! The ache is strong because the love was true. And the pain of grief is simply love with no place to go. When I lost my close as a sister friend, the sky lost its blue. Holding your hand here. Praying for lavish grace to cover you. And sending love across the miles to your beautiful broken heart. xox

Patti Brennan said...

Beautifully said…….straight from the ❤️. What a legacy. She will be missed.

Tracy Watier said...

So very sorry for your loss, Sherry.
Long time reader, appallingly infrequent commenter, but this requires it.
Will be thinking of you and your beautiful words.

Monica said...

Your sister sounded like one in a million - what a loss to lose a sister like Nancy. Sending you much love and strength for coming days.

Regina said...

Sherry, Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute for Nancy. She was a shining light with a compassionate heart. She was so very loved by everyone, she will be deeply missed. My heart is hurting for you. Sending you so much love. Regina

Renee said...

She sounds like a wonderful sister. Sending love to you and yours ❤️

JanK said...

What I know for sure Shay. Nancy knew you loved her, deeply loved her. Nancy knew you were proud of her, you were her biggest fan, and never let her go without knowing it and bragging about it to everyone you met. Nancy loved how you decorated her home, and Nancy was SO PROUD of YOU, for all that you did to make her home beautiful, and everyone’s else’s. Nancy knew……how truly special she was, and that in the end, she was loved beyond words. One can only hope to have a life well lived, and well loved, as Nancy did. She would want you to find peace, to remember her in kindness and generosity, and to continue to live your life with her memories in your heart.

Caroline said...

My heart breaks for you Sherry. I’m sending you and your sister love and prayers.

pbdcal said...

Sending much love your way.

Roberta said...

Wishing you strength and comfort in this time of heartache.

Bethany said...

Much love, Sherry.

Miralomagal said...

I am so sorry for your loss Sherry. Love and prayers to you and your family.

L. Chambers said...

Long time follower but I have never commented until now. Wishing you comfort and peace during this very difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Oh Sherry, I know your heart is heavy. My condolences. Your sister sounded like a wonderful person whom loved life.She will be missed and remembered. Many years ago an elderly friend of mine told something that has helped me get through times like this. He said when we lose a loved one that it’s okay to cry, grieve and cry some more. He said our loved ones are with us during this time, comforting us. Then after a couple/few days we need to pray for their soul to go towards the white light. Our prayers help them say goodbye to us and help them transition to heaven. I will pray for your sisters soul to go towards the white light 🙏

dmw212 said...

Nancy will always be with you in your heart. I am so very sorry. She must have been a wonderful person. Continued prayers and strength. Debbie Wilson

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. There is nothing like a sister.

Cindy said...

I don't really have words to express my feelings of empathy for what you are going through. Damn, i'm just so sorry. If my younger sister died I don't even know how I would define life after she was gone. My heart goes out to you and your sister. You know it is pretty cool that in her last years you made her home so beautiful. I'm sure she took so much joy and delight in it all... so there's that, not much but it was a beautiful gift to her

Anonymous said...

May the angels accompany Nancy. May they comfort you and your family. With Deepest sympathy. Mel

Anonymous said...

Sherry, I am so very very sorry for your loss. We love you.

Tracey said...

So very sorry for your loss. May her memory and her legacy of kindness, love and community remind us all to live a life that would make Nancy proud.

home Barbara said...

Gut wrenching and heart breaking. An almost unsurvivable loss. There are so many that love you and Nancy. I pray you can feel the comfort they offer as it surrounds you. This is awful, awful, awful.

carol said...

So sorry for your loss. Sister bonds are so special, and I can't even imagine the loss you are feeling now. wishing you peace and comfort.

Rose from the Cape said...

So sorry for your loss Sherry. I have three sisters and know what it's like to feel their love. I hope you will be able to take comfort in the memories and know that she was surrounded by love in her last days.

lee said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss-- they say that grief is just love with no place to go. Just this week my Dad was diagnosed with cancer-- so I'm starting the journey, not knowing how it will end...

linda said...

My Heart goes out to you...My brother Ron passed away 8 years ago from pancreatic cancer-also diagnosed in April passed away August 14th that same year....Truly heartbreaking.

cindy hattersley design said...

I have been thinking about you and imagining what you must be going through. I know how much your sisters have supported you and loved you through your trying times. My heart goes out to you. I can only imagine how hard it is to lose a sister who wanted to live and didn't want to give up. I as you know had the opposite. The sense of loss is the same. It leaves a hole in your heart. Take care and take time to grieve.

KLV said...

I am so very sorry for the loss of your sister. Cancer sucks and takes away so many too soon. I know my words can't do much to make you feel better but know that you have so many people in this community who are thinking of you and your family and sending love and hugs and positive thoughts your way. Hold tight to your memories.

Mel said...

Sherry, I’m so so sorry for your loss. Nancy sounds like an amazing, generous woman. May you feel the love and warmth from the community she created during this most difficult time. You and your sister were actually on my mind yesterday (and I was sending up prayers) as I traveled through Atlanta on my way back to Birmingham. There are no words- my condolences.

Chris said...

I am so sorry for your loss...it is not fair. I had been thinking of her...and you. Prayers

Ima said...

I am so sorry to read of your loss.

Unknown said...

So, so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

debbie said...

Sherry, I’m so, so sorry for your loss. Your sister sounded like an amazing, caring, giving person. I know she will be missed so much by her community, friends and especially her family. I hope you can feel all the love and support being sent your way. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

AnneHH said...

Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute to your wonderful Nancy. My heart is breaking for you and your family. Please feel the love and support of this community as you move forward, remembering the happy memories and the gift of being able to be there for Nancy at the end.

Denise said...

This love letter 💔

Ellen Martin said...

Sherry, What a beautiful tribute to your sister Nancy. How sorry I am that her life ended so soon. To know that she loved what she was doing and impacted her community in such a positive way is a true blessing. Now, May God comfort you, her husband, your family, and friends as you grieve. May her light continue to shine through those who knew and loved her.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Erika Ward said...

I'm utterly and totally wrecked for you Sherry. I can't even gather wise words to help you get through this. But as with all things, I will intercede on your behalf and give your grief and sorrow to the Lord in prayer. He will help you smile through your tears and assure you that Sweet Nancy now dwells with Him.

Susan said...

I’m wasn’t blessed with a sister, so can’t even imagine the feeling of loss you must be experiencing Sherry. Just know that because of you many are saying prayers for your sister, and family, who never crossed Nancy’s path in life. So very sorry for your loss, and hope the many prayers being said will lift up you and your family.

jill said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful sister Nancy. My family lost our sister Nancy when she was tragically hit by a train
in April. Our sisters were about the same age. So hard to lose a sibling. My heart goes out to you and your family. Your Nancy sounds like a wonderful person as was our Nancy. Much love to you.

Sharon said...

You have written a beautiful tribute to your sister, Sherry, and I am so sorry for your loss. Nancy knew she was loved which is a huge gift. Sending my love and prayers to you and your family.

Lindy Crain said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You are right, watching a loved one die of cancer is gut wrenching.
I hope you find peace in the wonderful memories you have together.

Allison said...

Sherry, I am so so sorry for the loss of your beautiful, talented sister. I know she felt such overwhelming love from you and your sister, especially in her final days. Praying for peace and love to fill your heart in the days and weeks to come.

StephJan said...

Sherry, I am so very sorry for the loss of your sister. She truly sounds like an amazing person. Love and prayers to you.

Anonymous said...

Sherry this is a beautiful tribute and your sister was so lucky to have you!! I want you to know that I am truly sorry about your sister as a long time follower, I am thinking of you and your family. Take time for yourself! Sincerely, Karen Sunday

Unknown said...

Sherry, I'm so very sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. Although I didn't know her, your tribute to her makes me realize that she would have been a wonderful person to have been acquainted with. I know that we are all lesser people in her absence. May you find comfort in knowing her last breath on earth was her first in heaven. Praying that you find peace in knowing you had a special bond with a special sister.
Nancy

Charlotte said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Your words today are very touching. I’m so sorry for your loss and the pain you are going through. I know your sister was surrounded by love.

barbara said...

Prayers for you and your family Sherry. My heart breaks for all of you-
She was very loved-

cheri said...

My heart is with you.

Unknown said...

Sherry, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for you and your family's loss, Sherry. It is evident by your loving tribute that your sister was so very loved. Let that be a comfort to you as you remember her each day. Sending you a big, comforting hug.

Anonymous said...

So sorry for such a heavy loss. You carry her in your heart now. I am glad you got to spend time with her.

Shannon Kirby said...

Oh Sherry, as one of three sisters I cannot imagine the heartbreak you and your sister are feeling. She fought as hard as she could and you were with her. She will always be in your heart pocket, sending you love and strength.

Warmly,
Shannon

Unknown said...

Dear Shari, I’m so sorry for your loss! How incredibly sad. How unfair, it seems. You were a great big sister and role model. She loved and admired you. Things will get better, even though it doesn’t feel that way right now. It will get better I hope. Nancy’s spirit will always be with you.
Barbara

Jenny B said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Your words show how much she knew she was loved.

Angie said...

My heart is broken for you and your family. What a wonderful legacy Nancy leaves behind. Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful sister to have. My condolences to you and Nancy's family.

Spruced on Vine said...

Thinking of you, Sherry, and hugging my sister a little tighter. Sending love your way.

Valerie Naples said...

What a lovely tribute to your sister. We love Southern Bistro brunch and the family feeling of going there and seeing how much Nancy cared. Sending you and your family prayers and love.

debra @ 5th and state said...

A beautiful tribute to Nancy, she sounded amazing and very loving, as are you Sherry.

it saddens me to know you are breaking under the unbearable grief at her loss. Prayers for all of you

Elstar said...

Deepest condolences and thinking of you. Nancy was lucky to have you and Maggie as big sisters, rest assured! ❤️

CynthiaB said...

Dearest Sherry: Your love and kindness shines through every post you write, so I am sure your sweet sister felt it and knew it too. Keep loving and sharing that love - it is the only way through the grief.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear this news. It breaks my heart. You have been dealing with so much. I hope much joy is in your future. Hang in there!

onnery said...

Sherry, so very sorry that you lost your sister. Take joy in your memories !🙏

Cassie Bustamante said...

Oh Sherry, I am so so sorry for your loss. Sending love to you and your family.

Jennifer said...

What a beautiful tribute to your sister. I am so sorry for your loss.

Barbara said...

My heart is breaking for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

sending condolence to you and all your family.

Deb said...

So very sorry for your loss, what a beautiful tribute to your sister.

Elaine Cascio said...

so truly sorry, we are all lost without our sisters.

Anonymous said...

what a wonderful tribute. thank you for sharing your heart with us. we will keep you close in ours. XOXO

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss and the pain you are going through.

Unknown said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. May she rest in heavenly peace.

hollybholly said...

Oh Sherry, I am so sorry . . . I am calling my sister.

Eenie said...

Heartbreaking reading this. I have 3 sisters & can’t imagine losing any one of them. You have been through so much lately & I’m so sorry for all the sadness & loss you’ve endured. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Your sister is at peace and pain free now. It's so devastating when a loved one passes away for those left behind. You were a good sister to her right to the very end and that's something you can take comfort in. May her soul rest in peace.

Karen said...

Sherry,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I always wanted a sister. I'm so happy you were able to spend the last weeks with her.
Karen

Barbara said...

I am so, so sorry, Shari.....I can't even imagine your pain....

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry.Hugs to you and all who loved her.
With Love, Michelle

Su-z said...

Sherry, my heart breaks for you and everyone who knew Nancy. Your post is beautiful. I know you were lucky to have her, and she to have you. As painful as it was, you were lucky to be there with her at the end. Wish I could take some pain for you.
❤️❤️❤️

Sarah said...

What a lovely tribute to your sister Nancy. How blessed you were to have each other in life and to be together through this time. It's a measure of your love and your innate generosity. I hope you can find peace in those many happy memories.💔

Linda said...

I am so broken hearted for you and your family. Your seems like a lovely and beautiful soul inside and out.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful tribute...so very sorry for your loss.

Anne Al-Nasser said...

Sorry for your loss. May your sister's soul rest in peace.
Anne

Amys513 said...

Absolutely beautiful. I’m sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself.

My Notting Hill said...

Sherry, I am so very sorry for the loss of your sister. Nancy sounds like such a wonderful person. May memories of times together be a source of comfort to you. Thinking of you, Michele

KSimel said...

I am so sorry for your loss of your sweet sister

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss!

Unknown said...

Beautiful tribute to your sister. And what a legacy! Prayers for you and your family. May the choirs of angels lead you to paradise.....

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tribute to your sister. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers your way

jvadas said...

So unbelievably sorry to hear of this incredible loss. My heart is with you! I know that God's loving arms are surrounding you and your family. Praying for you all!

Anonymous said...

What a heartbreaking loss. You and your family are in my prayers!

Gail Storti said...

May the wonderful memories you have of Nancy and time help to relieve the immense pain that has broken your heart. From the loving words you shared about her, I know she was such a very special person and loved by all who knew her. Sending love and my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

lisad said...

I am so, so sorry for your loss. She sounds like an amazing person that will be missed by so many.

Anonymous said...

THAT was a LIFE WELL LIVED, filled with love, fun, and commitment to others. So sorry for this terrible loss of someone so close gone far too soon. Your memories and love will keep her spirit alive. Condolences to you.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a loving tribute to your sister.

Pessa Seay said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Lexi said...

Sherry your sister was a DOER! What a wonderful soul she had that enriched the lives of so many others! Your tribute to her is absolutely beautiful. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Tricia said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You have written a lovely tribute to a special woman. You will be in my thoughts. Take care.

Laura said...

Reading your tribute, I can say that Nancy is the sister we would all love to have had. I am so sorry.

Anonymous said...

Sherry, there just aren’t words. I am so sorry for your loss. I am so sorry for the time you have had of late. You just keep rising up lady. Sharing happiness and writing your heart, just like this post. XO

Lynn said...

Sherry my heart breaks for you and I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved sister. Your post is a tribute to the love you shared. At the end of her life you know that she was surrounded by so much love and really isn't that what all of us want to know that we were loved. I will keep you and your family in my prayers

Sheila in SF said...

Sherry so so sorry for your loss. Your sister was a beautiful lady and very much loved. A beautiful tribute and very touching. May you and the family find peace in the wonderful memories you shared.

tanyaj said...

beautiful words Sherry, lucky to have had her for so many years. but clearly not enough. so sorry for your loss. thoughts are with you

Anonymous said...

Sherry, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your sister sounded like an amazing person who led a life that significantly impacted others. Take care, and please accept my deepest condolences.

Anonymous said...

There was a wonderful article in today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution, written by Ligaya Figueras (Dining Critic), about Nancy Goodrich and her impact on the Atlanta dining community. As frequent patrons of Nancy G's/Southern Bistro, we can attest to what a great person Nancy was. Sherry, we share in your loss. See: https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/food-and-recipes/nancy-goodrich-owner-of-southern-bistro-dead-at-64/MQ2YYN536BAK3LO7LXM4CYSFXE/
Lala

Cathy said...

Sherry, What a devastating loss, I cannot imagine how your heart must hurt. Nancy sounds like an incredible woman and wonderful sister. I hope your memories of her provide you with love and comfort as you grieve her loss. Sending hugs your way.
XOXO

Nashville Lady said...

Sherry, please let all of your readers know that you are OK. After such a tragic loss I think we all understand your need for time to reflect and recover, but there are so many of your followers who, although we may not know you personally, care deeply about you and your wellbeing. Sending love your way.......

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