Funeral of Mildred Dorazio

The Bible says that “the days of our life are seventy years, or even by reason of strength eighty” (Psalm 90:10). Yet God granted to Mildred ninety-nine blessed years upon this earth. Perhaps we might be tempted to ask, “Yes, but is it really a blessing to live this long? Is it really a blessing to outlive one’s husband, all eleven siblings, every last friend? Is it really a blessing to linger on this earth long after the ability to see and hear are gone?” The answer can be found in the Psalm verse that is written on the front cover of the bulletin, a verse that perfectly describes Milly: “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is as my right hand I shall not be moved” (Psalm 16:8). As Milly lost the ability to do the things that we take for granted—read a book, go outside, watch a movie—as the things that occupy our time and energy were removed from her life, one by one, she relied more and more upon her Savior.

Tony tells me that as she went about her day, she was constantly saying, “Thank you, Jesus.” Turn on the light switch, “Thank you, Jesus.” Walk two steps, “Thank you, Jesus.” Have a sip of water, “Thank you, Jesus.” What an example she was for all of us. Truly, one thing in this life is needful, and Milly had chosen the better part: to sit at the feet of Jesus, to hear his words with gladness, to rely on Him completely even when all earthly comforts had failed, and to trust that His Body and Blood had been broken and shed for her. This is the definition of a blessed life!

Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Rev 7:13–17).

This is the future that God promises to every believer, but it is no longer the future for Milly. She is presently experiencing the fulfillment of these words. Though we will miss her, even if only for a short while, today is not a day for mourning. It is a day to rejoice. The world can’t understand this, but it is right for Christians to be glad when the days of a loved one’s suffering come to an end. God’s gracious will to take us from this vale of tears and bring us to Himself in heaven is being accomplished. When we mourn at a funeral, it is not for the sake of those who are now with Christ. When we mourn it is for our own sakes. But when we rejoice, it is for those whose toil has ended, who have cast off the corruption of sin and entered their heavenly reward. This is the goal of our faith, the blessed end for which we should all yearn, and it is right to rejoice when God grants this victory to those we love.

After ninety-nine blessed years on this earth, God granted to Milly one final blessing, the greatest blessing of all: a faithful death, a faithful falling asleep in Christ. Having trusted in Jesus every day of her life, she is now before the throne of God, and serves Him day and night in His temple. God grant that we may follow her blessed example. Amen.