Family can’t mourn for grandmother in person, so they connect remotely to sing her favorite song

FILE PHOTO: A family remembers their 91-year-old grandmother by singing "Moon River."

Credit: Manuel Breva Colmeiro/Getty Images

Credit: Manuel Breva Colmeiro/Getty Images

FILE PHOTO: A family remembers their 91-year-old grandmother by singing "Moon River."
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By Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
May 1, 2020
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A 91-year-old woman’s family was not able to gather together to mourn or say goodbye in person, but thanks to technology she was remembered by those who loved her.

Tess Nowalk died on April 11 suddenly, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, they, like many families, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren could not come together for her funeral.

She had six children, 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She also left behind her husband of 69 years, ABC News reported.

The family said many gatherings would singing around the piano.

So over miles, as they practiced social distancing, they were able to put together a fitting tribute for their matriarch, singing her favorite song, “Moon River.”

The video was produced by Kaitlyn Best, Nowalk’s granddaughter.

Best and her sister Anne Drysdale chose the song then reached out to a cousin, Rob McKinnis, to record the piano accompaniment before emailing the other family members to provide vocals, ABC News reported.

The family says one of her grandchildren taught himself the song to play on the violin.

According to the YouTube post, "This song, which was always one of her favorites, demonstrates the beautiful legacy that will live on in her corporeal absence -- a legacy of family and love."

Watch and listen to the tribute below or click here.

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About the Author

Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk