My mother died last Saturday, October 20th, just a bit after noon. Her death was very peaceful, though quicker than anyone expected.  I spoke with her only Friday morning and she was quite clear although very tired.  Then Friday night she got much weaker and the nursing home folks called my brother, and he called me.  I had been planning to visit her this week but Friday, as it became clear that that would be too late, I tried to find a way to get there sooner.  I was about to leave Saturday morning when my niece called to say that there was no time left at all.  Fortunately she and my brother, and the hospice nurse as well were at Mother's bedside when she died Saturday.