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23 Aug 06 - 01:04 AM (#1816730) Subject: Obit: Nora Mary Milner From: Big Mick While at Jean and George's this weekend, Joy Bennett informed me of the passing of the Mother of Dan Milner aka Liam's Brother here on the Mudcat. To those of you new to this place, Dan has been free to share his knowledge and love for the music with us here for many years. Seamus Kennedy, Jed Marum, and I have all recorded songs that Dan has rescued from obscurity. Dan co authored a must have songbook called "A Bonny Bunch of Roses", and has several CD's with Bob Conroy on Folk Legacy. If you are serious student of the music, you would do well to look up the posts of Liam's Brother. I didn't know Nora. But I count her son as a close friend. I can tell much about her by the way Dan is. She must have been a remarkable person. Here is how Dan described her in an email to his friends informing them of her passing; Dear friends, Many of you have met my mother either in her own home or at places as far apart as Dublin, San Francisco, Reykjavik and New York. More of you have just heard me talk about her so often that you may feel that you knew her well. In either case, I must tell you that she died last Thursday night. My mother grew up as Nora Mary Cremin in the townland of Laughalla, Brosna, Co. Kerry. Her father and mother were from Kishkeam and Blueford, Co. Cork. She loved music deeply but was absolutely crazy about dancing. Her face would glow with mischievous delight as she told us about sneaking out of her bed at night, bicycling to a dance at Newmarket and then returning home by daybreak. A priest from Brosna brought my mother to England when she was 16 to work at his parish in Wolverhampton. She met my father 10 years later. We moved to Ballybunion, Co. Kerry in the late 1940s but my parents later decided to emigrate to Canada. Within a couple of years of that, we were in New York. Six of her 11 brothers and sisters had already emigrated to the United States. Nora had many jobs in her life. In England, she was a conductress on a double decker bus and made munitions during World War II. In New York, she was a checkout girl in a supermarket and a bookkeeper. My mother lived in the same house for the last 45 years. As the neighborhood changed, it ceased being Irish and German, and became multicultural. As an older resident and someone who could be seen daily patching concrete, pruning bushes or shoveling snow, quite a few of the newer arrivals sought her advice on a host of practical questions from waltzing with the city bureaucracy to replacing gutters. Many of her neighbors, people from China, Greece, Ecuador and Italy, called her "Mommy" or "Aunt Nora." Tip O'Neill once said "all politics is local." If such an office had ever existed, my mother would easily have been elected president of her block. Dan Milner I attended the wake for Nora tonight in the Jamaica neighborhood she lived in. The faces looked like the neighborhood she lived in. One family, a Mother, Father and child, just sat there. You could tell they loved her very much. Bonnie Milner and Joy Bennett of The Johnson Girls did a stunning rendition of a song in Irish. The tricolor was draped over the casket, and Nora's son did a wonderful job of telling of this marvelous woman. She was a force, and her voice will be found in those she touched for years. Here's to you, Nora Mary Milner. God be good to you. Dan and Bonnie, we love you here and are with you in this time. All the best, Mick |
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23 Aug 06 - 01:43 AM (#1816744) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner From: Ferrara Dan and Bonnie, we will be thinking of you. It sounds as if Dan's mom was truly a treasure and a gift to everyone around her. I know you will miss her. Clearly you were blessed to have her in your lives. Rita F |
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23 Aug 06 - 11:16 AM (#1817040) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner From: Amos Dear Dan, I am touched by your letter and moved by your loss, and offer my sympathy and condolences, for whatever they may be worth. This is not something you get over; it changes your life. Deep breaths, and good fortune to you. Please --although I never met her--send her my fond farewells if she "appears" in the near future -- you never know with these high-spirited ladies. Best regards, A |
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23 Aug 06 - 11:57 AM (#1817075) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner From: Jeri I did meet her once at NOMAD, I think. The festival itself is blurry, but my memory of briefly meeting Nora is clear. Dan, my condolences for your loss. Your mother sounds like a grand lady who touched a lot of lives while she was passing through, and will long be remembered. |
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23 Aug 06 - 12:13 PM (#1817083) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner From: JedMarum All my very best to you and your family, Dan. My thouhgts and prayers are with you. What a lovely tribute you letter is. I am sure her light will shine forever through your works and words - and through the lives of those she's touched along her way. |
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23 Aug 06 - 12:53 PM (#1817104) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner From: SINSULL Dan, She led a wonderful life and apparently enjoyed it to the end. Celebrate her! Mary |
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23 Aug 06 - 01:00 PM (#1817110) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner From: Joe Offer It sounds like she was an extraordinary woman, Dan. I wish I had known her - and I'm glad I know you. May her memory stay with you. -Joe- |
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23 Aug 06 - 01:17 PM (#1817131) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug From: GUEST My condolences Dan. I never met her but she raised some damnfine singers. Mark Ross |
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23 Aug 06 - 01:40 PM (#1817148) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: Wesley S My condolences too. It's tough to find the words at a time like this. My thoughts are with you and your family. Wesley S {married to a Milner} |
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23 Aug 06 - 01:41 PM (#1817149) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: sciencegeek Dan and Bonnie, So sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure she will live on your thoughts. Chris & Mike |
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23 Aug 06 - 01:51 PM (#1817160) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Dan and Bonnie, I am so sorry to hear this news. My condolences to you, your family and friends. Your note about her was beautiful and inspiring. Your mother seems to have left a wonderful legacy and set a fine example for us all. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Regards, Ron Olesko |
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23 Aug 06 - 01:57 PM (#1817166) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug From: Dan Schatz What a beautiful tribute. Dan, I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother. My heart is warmed that you are able to tell her story and so eloquently and celebrate the life thats he had and the music she gave you. Dan Schatz |
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23 Aug 06 - 02:38 PM (#1817201) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: InOBU My condolences Dan, holding thee and thine in the light. Lor |
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23 Aug 06 - 03:52 PM (#1817278) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie) That's a beautiful lettr, Dan, and about a beautiful person, obviously. Happy memories of my own Mommie came around me as you described her. Our loving thoughts are with you and yours. Jean |
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23 Aug 06 - 05:23 PM (#1817342) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug From: Sorcha Dan, I'm so sorry. |
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23 Aug 06 - 05:30 PM (#1817351) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug From: katlaughing My condolences, too, Dan. Your letter is beautiful and certainly brought her into our hearts. What a blessing she was to so many, as she taught her children to be, also. Mick, thanks for letting us know and for posting Dan's beautiful tribute. If there was ever any doubt that you are both of Irish background, your and Dan's eloquence leaves no doubt. Rest well, Nora...job well done. kat |
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23 Aug 06 - 05:38 PM (#1817355) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: wysiwyg Now begins the time in your life when all the rest of the lessons she left within you pop up to announce her abiding presence in your life and all the lives she touched. A blessing on all she loved. ~Susan |
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23 Aug 06 - 06:23 PM (#1817383) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug From: skarpi Dear Dan I am sorry about your loss , now she´s gone to a higher floor and she´s still singing Irish songs . Dear Dan I only saw you once in Dubliner In Reykjavík and if you come to Iceland again please Pm me and let know you are coming , I would love to meet you and maybe play a little Blessing to you and yours and may god be with you All the best Skarpi Iceland. |
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23 Aug 06 - 06:43 PM (#1817396) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: GUEST,Chanteyranger Dan, my deepest sympathy and condolences. I never met her, but your description is lovely and moving. Sending all my best to you and Bonnie. Chanteyranger |
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23 Aug 06 - 07:23 PM (#1817419) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: kendall She must have been an outstanding mother to have a son like you. My deepest sympathy to you my friend. |
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23 Aug 06 - 10:49 PM (#1817547) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug From: open mike Dear Dan and Bonnie (and Liam?) I am sorry to hear she is gone from you, and us, and her neighborhood. The many hearts she touched will carry on her fine example, and you can carry the music on, as well. |
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23 Aug 06 - 10:54 PM (#1817550) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: jeffp I can only echo what Kendall said. I pray for peace for you and yours. Jeff |
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23 Aug 06 - 11:00 PM (#1817554) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: Seamus Kennedy Dan, my sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy on your loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Seamus |
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24 Aug 06 - 12:34 PM (#1817975) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: SunnySister Dan, please accept my condolences for your mother's parting. Your letter reminds me how much one person's loving and positive energy touches and enriches so many people's lives. I know is and will be missed. Mick, thank you so much for caring enough about Dan, and us here at Mudcat, to share about with us such a wonderful lady. -- SunnySister, who would have dearly loved Nora to have been my neighbor. |
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24 Aug 06 - 02:20 PM (#1818045) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: Big Mick Dan was so obviously proud of his Mother. At the wake, first he taught folks a bit about the history of this practice. Then he talked about his Mom and how she was such a proud Irish Republican. The reason, sez Dan, was because she was born in just as the Rising was heating up, went to school during the Civil War. After we recited a short Rosary, we just started to talk. Dan chuckled as he related the following story: He said he bought his Mom a nice VHS VCR. He told her he would attach it to the TV and then she would be able to watch the tape of "Michael Collins" he had bought for her. He said her voice dropped to a whisper as she said "we didn't care much for him". Of course she remembered those times, and I imagine her parents, being from Cork, probably weren't big fans of Collins and the partition. Well done, Nora. |
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24 Aug 06 - 02:27 PM (#1818049) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: Liam's Brother Many thanks to all of you for your very kinds words. Yesterday's weather was near-perfect. The church looked really lovely. My cousin, who is both a priest and a professor, conducted a warm and elegant service. Sean Quinn, Gabriel Donahue and Tim Canniffe made stunningly beautiful traditional music. We were all very fortunate to have known my mother and we will not see the likes of her again. All the best, Dan |
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24 Aug 06 - 06:22 PM (#1818196) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: GUEST,Dani It's clear that her love and spirit have been generously sprinkled around, and her living has added spice to the stew. Thanks for sharing here, Dan. My condolences for your sorrow. Dani |
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24 Aug 06 - 08:18 PM (#1818289) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: GUEST,Art Thieme Dan, I'm so sorry. My sincere condolences to you and the family. Art |
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24 Aug 06 - 09:17 PM (#1818316) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: karen k Dan, I remember meeting your mother, just briefly, at NOMAD one year not too long ago. I remember my impression being that she was someone I would like to know better. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Nora, may you rest in peace. Dance on. karen kobela |
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25 Aug 06 - 04:48 PM (#1818932) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: MARINER My condolences Dan. Sounds like she was a great lady with great character . |
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27 Aug 06 - 04:46 PM (#1820183) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: Liam's Brother Everyone: Many thanks again. All the best, Dan |
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12 Sep 06 - 05:07 PM (#1832928) Subject: RE: Obit: Nora Mary Milner(Dan Milner's mother-Aug 06) From: chazkratz Dan, I just regained access to my personal page and found the message from Mick and the link to this thread. I know I'm more than a month late, but I'm sure your mom is still much on your mind. She came very much alive in your description, and I wish I had had the chance to know her. Charles |