196 Photos, One Life
October 14, 2021
Peter passed away on October 11th at 4:30 p.m. Jeremy, Seth and I were able to say good-bye to him at home. His room was full of sunshine, and Mozart CDs had been playing non-stop.
I had fifty-six wonderful years with that man. During the past eight months, his capacity to do the things he loved diminished steadily and he decided he didn’t want to live any longer.
On October 13th, as friends came to offer their condolences, our computer showed a repeating slideshow of 196 photos of Peter’s life. They were all of happy times, and that is how I will remember him.
Rest in peace, my love.
May his memory be for a blessing. Love and strength to all of you.
Posted by: Janet Gottlieb | October 14, 2021 at 06:48 AM
My deepest condolences. We feel like we have known Peter through your writing. Thank you for sharing him with us. May your family find comfort during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Lillian | October 14, 2021 at 06:49 AM
Judy,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Posted by: Nancy (Ponder) Callahan | October 14, 2021 at 08:45 AM
My condolences to you and the boys. God Bless you all as you grieve and move forward in your lives. Hugs to you all.
Posted by: Elle | October 14, 2021 at 09:30 AM
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Posted by: Monica James | October 14, 2021 at 09:51 AM
Our experience was very much like yours. My husband Frederic left us this March after our 15 year fight with Parkinson's. He showed amazing courage in that he never complained once about his illness and we were together 40 years. I'm a visual artist and we had spent all the previous years traveling to my exhibitions in 13 different countries. He was always a wonderful support and help.
To keep sane during the 15 years of his illness I wrote a book called ART & CREAKY BONES that's illustrated by 70 of my newest work, 400 collages that I call 'Plenitude'. The book explores how and why a creative activity keeps us healthier in later years and actually helps us live longer. It received six awards for Aging, Inspiration and Art, which pleased me because it meant that people are receptive to a creative life and that's such a wonderful aid when you're lonely. Thank you so much for this blog. I was really happy to find you..
Posted by: Sheila Reid | October 14, 2021 at 09:53 AM
Our deepest condolences. May he Rest In Peace.
Janet and John
Posted by: Janet and John | October 14, 2021 at 10:00 AM
So sorry for your loss, dear Judy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Maureen Helen | October 14, 2021 at 10:41 AM
What a wonderful love and partnership you were blessed with, Judy. As Lillian said, thank you for sharing Peter with us. It's so good that your sons could be there with you this week. My thoughts are with you as you navigate these new waters ahead, hoping that you can find strength and peace.
Posted by: Becky | October 14, 2021 at 11:08 AM
Peter Kugel was one of the most influential people in my life. When I first arrived at MIT/Cambridge (1966), it was Peter who introduced me to a whole new world of technical and cultural wonder. That was one of the most wonderful periods of my life. I haven't seen him for many years so I have the privilege of remembering him as a young man with contagious enthusiasm.
Posted by: Bob Kusik | October 14, 2021 at 11:14 AM
Oh so sorry to hear this news, Judy. I know you were soulmates and I so admire the fact that he decided to die in his own way with you and your sons at his side. Peace be with you.
Posted by: Anne Stewart | October 14, 2021 at 12:51 PM
Sending condolences and wrapping you and your family in love.
Posted by: MW | October 14, 2021 at 02:37 PM
Peter's was a life well lived. Now sending you support, Judy, as you forge ahead.
Posted by: Susan Hansen | October 14, 2021 at 03:20 PM
What a huge loss this must be for you, Judy. May all those rich memories wrap around you like a warm cloak and comfort you constantly. Much love as you learn to live without Peter's physical presence in your life. I too feel that I've got to know him through your blog. It was a privilege.
Posted by: Juliet | October 14, 2021 at 06:33 PM
Judy, I was stunned to read your 10/10 entry about Peter's decision. It stayed with me until just now when I read that he died the next day.
I admire your bravery in sharing these traumatic events with your readers. I have been a reader for years, and I always reflect on your experiences as my husband and I age at now, 74 and 78. We began our lives together 52 years ago in a non-traditional way as ex-pats working in Asia and raising our daughter there. Twelve years ago, we had to come back to care for my father. Then, we found ourselves in a kind of culture shock of stasis of movement and aging in place. It was then that I found your words of wisdom and have stood on the sidelines rooting for you and your husband. Today, I continue to root for you and for Peter's spirit.
I hope you can rest and find comfort from your family and friends.
Posted by: Liz Drahman | October 14, 2021 at 09:33 PM
Sending love and lifting a glass to a life well lived!
Posted by: Debbie Newhouse | October 14, 2021 at 09:35 PM
My heartfelt condolences…your love and your friendship were a joy to read. So thankful you all were not alone . May all the sweet memories give you comfort in the days and months ahead. Prayers from Tennessee for a lady I admire .
Posted by: Devonia Cochran | October 15, 2021 at 03:11 AM
Judy,
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing him with us, I thoroughly enjoyed all the anecdotal stories about him as well as his own comments. Sending you wishes for peace.
Janet
Posted by: Janet | October 15, 2021 at 06:53 AM
Hi Judy,
I am so sad 😞 for your loss. My deepest and sincere condolence to you and your family. Peter had a long and wonderful life. May he has blessed memory. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Linda
Posted by: Linda McMahan | October 15, 2021 at 10:02 AM
I'm so sorry; I wish you strength and peace in the coming days, Judy.
Posted by: Robyn Champion | October 15, 2021 at 11:14 AM