Natalie Morales and family.
Natalie Moralesis mourning the “sudden” loss of her husband Joe Rhodes' father, also named Joe Rhodes.
In a message posted to Instagram Saturdayalongside a family photofeaturing Morales, her husband and their two sons, theDatelinejournalist wrote, “It has been a sad start to the new year with the sudden passing of one of the most amazing people I knew, my father-in-law Joe Rhodes.”
“He was a wonderful father and grandpa,” continued Morales, 48. “He loved and cared for his wife Kay for more then 52 years andas she battled Alzheimer’s. He taught us so much about love, character and devotion. We miss you and will keep you close in our hearts always.”
According to an obituary, the senior Rhodes was 79 years old, and had retired from his Chicago-based position as managing director with the Prudential Insurance Company in 1996 to care for his wife Kay “with extreme dedication until her passing” in 2014.
“In light of the current Covid-19 environment, a service will be planned in Littleton [Colorado], likely in the summertime,” the obituary concludes. “In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the Colorado chapter of theAlzheimer’s Associationat the following memorial pagehttp://act.alz.org/goto/Joe_Rhodes.”
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Joy Bauersaid, “Natalie, I’m so sad and sorry for your loss. I’m sending lots of love to all of you💔.”
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Morales opened up toALZ Magazinein summer 2019 about Kay’s condition and how her father-in-law served as her primary caregiver from the time she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in her mid-50s until her death 17 years later.
“When my father-in-law first embarked on his long caregiving journey, he didn’t know what the future would look like,” she shared. “TheAlzheimer’s Associationwas the first one at his side, giving him information, lending an ear and providing support.”
Even so, “Alzheimer’s is especially difficult for caregivers,” Morales said. “My father-in-law started having heart problems and a lot of other health issues because of the stress of taking care of my mother-in-law.”
“As a caregiver, you need people. It’s a disease that we cannot face on our own — don’t be afraid to ask for help. Youneed the assistance and love of everybodyaround you,” she added.
source: people.com
