Actually it’s David, her son-in-law, calling her Rona in the story. If David’s own mother still lives, for him to call Rona “Mom” might be awkward, though that often is a term among affectionate in-laws (like she might call him “son”).
About the spartan accommodations, perhaps it is to focus the soon-to-be-decedent’s mind on the purpose. It’s macabre to ponder, but this “service” sure wouldn’t lack the money for a chalet, it’s not like it would be used for long by any “guest.” But about the gloomy digs, a visit to a cheerful chalet with an inspiring, “The Sound Of Music” kind of mountain view with classical music piped throughout and nice food and beverages might perk the person up and he or she might decide to live out his or her natural life after all. Then what would Satan’s minions have to report to their boss?
Apparently my comprehension is not up to par today. Thanks for the correction.
What you say about the gloomy digs makes sense; after all if pleasant things were surrounding the ‘victim’, they might change their mind and demand their money back.
But another thing that crossed my mind is that the people performing these ‘executions’ don’t have the money (yet) to improve conditions enough to fool the victims.
But according to this account no matter what the surroundings were she was determined to end it.
God must be weeping.
Some years ago a friend’s mother was dying and they chose to have her live out her days at his family’s home, where’s she’d lived for several years at that point. They found a hospice related group that provided support services, including a harp player who came to the house a couple of times a week and played soothing celtic songs for the mom. They did everything they could to make her passing as comfortable and peaceful as possible. That’s something I’ve always admired.