We of the Ladybirds Barbershop Harmony Singers wish to express our condolences to Betty Twigg on the passing of her mother, Naomi Colosimo, and to call attention to some of the details of this remarkable woman’s 99 years of life. She was just three months away from reaching that Century mark!

Betty’s mom, referred to hereafter as Naomi, resided at the Beverly Living Center for approximately 5 years, and Betty dutifully went there on a regular basis to visit her, even though for a while now Betty was never really sure her mother knew who Betty was or if she understood what Betty said to her on recent visits. You will want to read about Naomi’s life in the obituary, which was published in the Times/News on June 13th. The funeral arrangements were published therein. The Funeral Home where both the viewing and the funeral were held was Durst Funeral Home on Frost Avenue; the viewing was on Thursday afternoon and evening, June 14th, while the funeral ceremony was held the next day, June 15th at 11 a.m. The funeral leaflet is also viewable for your information in the Ladybirds Gallery.

Naomi Colosimo Obituary

The service, also held at Durst, as mentioned above, was conducted by Reverend Ruble of Trinity Lutheran Church. He read scriptures, including the Twenty Third Psalm and spoke glowingly and reverently about Naomi, stating that in last years, while Naomi might not necessarily respond when someone spoke with her, she knew and understood what was said. He said he could tell by the expressions on Naomi’s face.

Music, other than the selection by the Ladybirds, included hymns played by Ellie Batchelor from one of her CD’s and Naomi’s favorite song, You Are My Sunshine.

Remember, Betty, that time heals and that memories endure!

The Ladybirds had probably all met Naomi on occasions when they went there to sing for the residents, and we were all aware that Naomi loved the song You Are My Sunshine above all others. Since Naomi was approaching her Century Birthday in September of this year, the Ladybirds would, undoubtedly, have made an effort to get over to the Beverly Living Center to serenade her and congratulate this Centenarian!

Betty was so pleased that her two favorite organizations, of which she is a member, showed up in great numbers to pay their respects. The Ladybirds actually had an abbreviated rehearsal that night and then car-pooled to Durst Funeral Home for the viewing. Betty had requested that we sing The Irish Blessing while we were there. Then, she requested one more song, Heart of My Heart. Thirteen Ladybirds, who were informed by Liz West and Ellie Batchelor of their plans to leave rehearsal earlier than usual, arrived at the funeral home at about 8 o’clock in time to pay their respects and to sing their two songs. Plans and practice for their rendition of Amazing Grace during the funeral service were all set for Friday morning. Betty’s group of Notables were also present at the viewing and/or the funeral in great numbers.

The chorus was so very willing to sing for Betty and her mother, and they were able to feel Betty’s pain at the loss of her beloved mother.

After Friday’s funeral service held at Durst, some of us attended the interment at the Frostburg Memorial Park Cemetery. The family and several friends then went for a luncheon at the Sandy Spring Restaurant in Frostburg. We returned to the Durst Funeral Home to pick up our cars and returned to our homes, keeping Betty in our thoughts and prayers, and praying for Naomi’s soul to rest in peace in Heaven.

You can view photos from the funeral ceremony in the Ladybirds Gallery.