Eulogy for Mom

This is the eulogy delivered at the funeral of Johanna Lina (d. August 14) on August 20, 2009 at Our Lady of the Holy Cross in St. Louis, Missouri.

We’re here to remember Johanna, Mom, Grandma, Aunt Jo, and her lifetime of more than 100 years. I’m borrowing from Shakespeare:

Her life had seven ages.

First the youngster growing up in English Grove with her playmates who numbered more than fifty and creating memories that would last her lifetime;

Then as the schoolgirl, right here at Holy Cross, learning her ABC’s and becoming strong in her faith;

Then the career woman as a successful member of the Harris Polk Hat Company;

Until she became a wife and mother. The wife of Eddie for almost 65 years, until he died, and the mother of Barbara and me. She made sure we learned our ABC’s and many other things that life had to offer;

Then the Grandmother who gave us advice but only when we asked for it, and kept up with us through visits back and forth;

Then the caregiver for Pop as he became less and less able to care for himself and for Sally as long as she lived across the street;

Then finally, the Matriarch, as she presided over Christmas and birthday celebrations at our house in Louisville;

And now she knows something that no one else here knows, what happens to us when we die. And if it’s true that there is a life hereafter, she’s right here smiling down on the whole proceeding.