Miriam Elizabeth Rau

Miriam was born in Brooklyn, New York to Anna and Joe Dietrig.  She was one of 4 sisters (Joan, Anita, Miriam and Elaine). She was fondly referred to as "Midge" by her family growing up.  Miriam met Ed Rau at a party aaaand...the rest is history: Love, Marriage, Family.  They settled in Florham Park, New Jersey to raise their "brood" of 4 children: Chris, Karen, Greg and Steve.  Needless to say, they led busy lives.  Mom volunteered as a Class Mother and a Girl Scout Leader and probably other things that her children cannot remember.Mom joined the Florham Park First Aid Squad as a volunteer.  It was one of the most fulfilling decisions of her life in Florham Park.  She became a Crew Chief and eventually an EMT.  She was an example to her children of calm under pressure and the meaning of dedication.  The rich friendships that grew from her involvement in the Florham Park community lasted a lifetime.Once her children got older, Miriam went to work as a bookkeeper for Stannard Furniture Design and Deuchler's Opticians.  Many of the people Mom worked with became extended "family".Mom also saw Broadway shows with her theater group.  She thoroughly enjoyed the shows and lunch in New York City but it was the people in the theater group that she talked about the most.  Mom was a member of the Florham Park AARP as well as the Seniors group.  Miriam moved to Crofton about 6 years ago and settled into her new community.  An exercise class at the O'Malley Senior Center became the source of many treasured friendships.  She joined a lunch group "in search of the perfect burger".Mom was surrounded by family and friends the last week of her life.  On April 14th she found the peace she was seeking in God's hands. Mom and Dad are together again.  They leave behind a legacy of love through their adult children (Chris & Gina; Karen & Tom; Greg and Mary Ann; Steve & Chris) and grandchildren (Sean, Brian, Allison, Nate, Matt, Ben and Alex) ... When tomorrow starts without me and I'm not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;   Be assured I know you love me, as much as I love you, And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too;   But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, I was happy that my angel came and took me by the hand,                 She said my place was ready, in heaven far above, But that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.   And as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, For the hardest thing of all to do, is say the word goodbye.   I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.   And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.   But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,   So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, For every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.