Together, we commemorate the life of
Terry Alberts
By Dan and Libby's Wedding Registry - In Honor of Nan
In Loving Memory of Terry 'Nan' Alberts
Nan was not just my grandmother, she was my dearest friend.
In these last 4 years of me living 5 minutes away from her, we walked together every week, talking and laughing about everything and nothing at all. She raised my mom to be a beach girl, who raised me to be a beach girl, and I try to pass the love on wherever I can.
Nan brought me to the ocean, to the library and to the backyard of her house where many parties and dinners became core memories for me. She showed me that beauty never fades when you live from your heart. Nan was known for her style and grace (people called her Jackie O as she walked the streets of Bay Head) but to our family, especially in these last few years, she was known to have a preciousness about her. She was all love towards the end, even when she didn't know who we were, she knew she loved us. Even with limited vocabulary, "I love you" was always clear and ever-present.
She was brilliant and endlessly curious, always reading, always learning, always happiest surrounded by family. She was the most wonderful host I've ever known... every table she set was beautiful, and everyone who sat at it felt cared for.
When Alzheimer's took hold, it was painful and challenging, especially as she moved through the progressive stages. But she also became more present and more full of wonder for small things like animals, flowers, funny people and a warm sunlight on her skin. She laughed more easily, marveled at more things, and lived, fully, in each moment because each moment was all she had. Watching her taught me something I carry with me still: to slow down, to stop on a walk at a house that is so odd looking it tickles you to your core, to be with the people you love as often as you possibly can. And, always, to keep your lipstick on.
Every dollar donated here goes directly to Alzheimer's research — in honor of Nan, and everyone else living this same journey.
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