The Eulogy of  Diane Anderson - Eulogy for a Mother - Eulogy by a  Daughter

Diane Anderson
 
          On behalf of our entire family I want to thank you all for being here today as we say a final farewell to a wonderful woman. Mom left us so quickly that we didn’t have a chance to say a proper good-bye and we will regret that forever. But we have been strengthened and encouraged by all the support that you all have given us in these past few days. We’ve been overwhelmed with the calls and cards and emails and words of sympathy… and we have been sustained through your prayers and your love. Thank you for all you’ve done.
 
          There is a beautiful passage in the book of Proverbs (31) about a virtuous woman. It’s too long to read in it’s entirety but I’d like to start with a few verses from it because it describes mom so well:
A woman of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
 She brings him good, never harm,
    all the days of her life.
She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks. She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed and warm.
She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and is never idle.
 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
 
          I could probably end right there. That’s mom.
 
          Mom always encouraged us to make sure our kids had a Christian upbringing in the church. She knew that the best people on earth are found in the church and she knew that the values and the guidance we all need are found there… not to mention the faith and relationship with the God of creation. She adored the five grandkids: Hunter, Christopher, Davis, Rylie and Aubrey. There wasn’t anyone who loved family more than mom. When Gerry and I got married, he and his children instantly became part of ‘us.’ She knew no ‘in-laws’ or step children. She drew everyone in and loved them dearly.
 
          Mom was the kind of mother who was always there for us. Chris and I never had any doubt that she was in our corner – always supporting us – always encouraging us – always ready to talk things out and offer some sage advice.
 
          Of course her greatest love was for dad. They’ve been married for fifty years – half a century! Dad, more than any of us, you are going to miss mom – how she always took care of you and the house and how she was always there…
 
          When we were young, dad did a lot of travel for work. Mom didn’t let his absence get her down. It was in those times when her true strength came out. She ran the house. She disciplined us. She kept us organized. She made sure we were fed and clothed and doing well in school and in all of our extra-curricular activities. I’m sure she got plenty tired from all she did, but she truly seemed tireless – always ready and willing to do what was needed.
 
          Mom loved to golf – with dad or with friends. If it was a sunny day and she had the time, she’d be out there knocking that little ball around. And she loved her book club. She loved to read the books assigned and getting together with the group and talking about ideas and how the author’s imagination made characters and events come to life… And she loved all the activities she was involved in at ___________ church. She was a member there for ____ years. I’m sure that congregation will  miss her greatly.
 
          She was also involved in an organization referred to as PEO. To the rest of us it was some kind of secret organization that she said little about and refused to invite me, her own daughter, to any of their meetings. This organization was so secret she wouldn’te even tell us what the letters PEO stand for. Dad, now that mom’s gone, I hope you will reveal her secret and tell us what she was doing…
 
          Mom was an organizer. If there was an event she could work on, she was invaluable. People loved to have her pitch in. She had a way of getting things done… One of the things she was planning was a trip to Africa. It was to be an eight day river cruise with our cousin, Olivia. It had been on her bucket list for  years and it looked like it was finally going to happen… but now it won’t.  Olivia – you and mom would have had such a wonderful time. I’m sorry you can’t go….  She loved to travel. She and dad travelled to ____________ and _____________ and _______________. They loved seeing how people live and seeing the sights and just being ‘away.’
 
          One of her favorite places to be was at home since dad retired. They lived on Lake _________ and there were few things she liked more than going out on the boat and enjoying the beauty of the sun sparkling on the water. That was heaven to her.
 
          One of the things I’ve most admired about my mother is how she, all her life, stayed true to her convictions. She had a keen sense of right and wrong and how things ought to be and she never wavered. She’d discuss anything with anyone and she’d be open to the opinions and ideas of others, but she knew what she believed and couldn’t be swayed… Mom leaves to her family – and all of us – a legacy of love and perseverance. She touched so many lives in so many ways. Part of who she was is in all of us.
 
          Mom – we’re going to miss you immensely. You were our rock. You were the one who kept the family on an even keel. You were an example of the best a person can be. We will never forget you… You will hold a place in our hearts forever.


           
 
           Eulogy for a mother... Eulogy by a Daughter