Our mom was a very intelligent and strong woman that loved to laugh, to learn and to teach.
She was an only child and had a particularly close relationship with her Grandmother Charlotte.
She grew up rather quickly, and was married at the age of 15 and then a mother at the tender age of only 16 years old.
She went on to have 5 children in her long life. Lisa, Mark, Scott, Shaun and myself. She was a grandmother and a great grandmother.
Our Mother had strong friendships with many people over the years. Even my friends loved her and enjoyed having conversations with her.
She was a teacher and Her students loved her. Teaching was something she enjoyed very much.
Our Mom gave the gift of learning to many people over many years.
I see a few people that knew mom long before I ever came along and I envy you for being able to be with her during that time in her life. I wish I could've known her in her younger years and enjoyed her the way my older siblings did.
15 years ago Our brother Mark passed away and from that day forward, Mom was never the same. She fought long and hard to help keep him alive. I know that when he passed away, he took a piece of her heart with him.
I take comfort in knowing that they are finally together again along with my grandMother and grandFather.
Our brother Scott was way more than just her son. He was her friend, her caregiver, her confidante, her fiercely loyal and dedicated son. No one could ask for a better person to be there to love and care for her for all of these years. I know that Scott got his strength from our Mom. He took good care of our Mother and stuck by her until the end. Thank you Scott for being that person for Mom. Thank you from the bottom of my heart because you brought a lot of joy and happiness into Moms life. Your support and love kept her going and we had her as long as we did because of you and all that you did for her.
Although There were times that our Mother made it difficult to love her. She loved all of us very much.
My Mother had me when she was 42 years old. I am the baby of this family. I know that my Mother did the best she could to raise me to the best of her ability all while fighting battles that not many can or will ever understand.
I understand and I appreciate that my mother kept fighting and kept trying despite the difficult obstacles that stood in her way.
Mom never gave up. She wasn't perfect but neither are any of us.
The Mother that I knew was very strong even up until she took her last breath.
Our mom gave her children many things that are priceless and I am so thankful for this.
She lived a long life and had many happy times throughout her journey on this earth.
Thank you all for coming, it warms my heart to see so much love and support here in this room.
As we say goodbye to a beautiful soul today and lay her to rest in peace, I'd like to ask something of you.
Please light a candle or say a prayer for our Mother and MOST IMPORTANTLY, remember to take the time to be there for and appreciate the ones you love just a little bit more.