A eulogy delivered by Mila's father, John More

Thank you all for being here today, and thank you for the outpouring of love and support you've shown our family during this unimaginably difficult time. Your kind words, thoughts, and prayers have been a source of comfort as we grapple with the loss of our beloved Mila , our MiMi, whose life was a vibrant mosaic of joy, resilience, and love.
 
Yesterday, Mila would have turned five years old. It was a day we had looked forward to, one that should have been filled with the laughter and excitement of a little girl who loved life with every fiber of her being. Instead, we find ourselves gathered here to honor her memory, to share stories, and to celebrate the profound impact she had on all of us in her short, bright life.
 
Mila was the embodiment of pure joy. With her fiery personality and sassy demeanor, she brought laughter and light wherever she went. She found bliss in dancing, in the melodies of Disney Princess songs, and in the empowering anthems of 80's rock. She loved Tayor Swift, and Lady Gaga. One of her favorite songs was “Barbie Girl.” Mila’s imagination was as colorful as the makeup she adored playing with, and her creativity knew no bounds.
 
Despite the challenges of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Mila danced through life's obstacles with a spirit that inspired everyone around her. She was a girly girl with an attitude, a spunky little sister who loved bossing around Sebastian, and a loving daughter whose heart was as big as her smile. Mila was a little girl who personified love for everyone and everything…
 
Mila's friendships were precious, especially with her best friend Arriyah, whose bond with Mila was as sweet as the cake pops they cherished on their Starbucks dates. Arriyah’s mother and I were childhood best friends, so it seemed right that Mila and Arriyah should be, too. Their birthdays are just two weeks apart. Together, the two of them created a world where every day was an adventure, where McDonald's chicken nuggets with ranch were the feast of champions, and where giggles were the currency of their realm.
 
At home, Mila's pets, her dog Ginger and Ellie, and her three cats, were her cherished companions. She had a knack for making everyone she met feel special, including her grandparents, Amy, Richard, Becky, and Rusty (all of whom adored her). Her aunts and uncles, Lavica, Kiel, Amanda, Mike, Daniel, and Rusty, all knew the joy of Mila's exuberant embraces. And her parents, Ashley and Ryan, felt the warmth of her love every single day.
 
Mila's laughter was infectious, her love for scary videos and “Frozen” adventures was unmatched, and her days at preschool with Miss Debbie and her classmates were full of learning and fun. She was a bright spark, her intellect and wit shone through in every goofy joke and silly name she conjured up. One of her great joys was doing spa time. And she loved LOL surprise ball, and mini brands. Mila was a young lady with SO many things that gave her pleasure…
 
 
As we say goodbye to our little MiMi, we hold on to the beauty of her spirit, the strength she exhibited, and the love she spread so generously. Mila was an example of strength and perseverance, a wonderful daughter, big sister, granddaughter, niece, and friend. She will forever be missed, but her legacy of bravery, her laughter, and her capacity to love will continue to inspire us.
 
Mila, you may have been small, but your spirit was colossal. You taught us the true meaning of courage and the depth of pure love. You will forever be our little mermaid, swimming in the vast ocean of our hearts, where you will forever be cherished and remembered. Your melody will continue to play, a sweet symphony of memories that will never fade.
 
Rest peacefully, dear Mila. We love you more than words can express, and we will carry you with us, always and forever.

​Thank You
Thank you all for joining us at St John’s Church, a place my mom cherished. I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of sympathy and support for dad and me during this difficult time. Your presence here today means a great deal to our entire family.
 
Introduction
I want to start off by publicly stating my gratitude to Father Larry and Father Mahoney, who provided guidance and support to my mom, and to the close-knit community of St John’s, where she found comfort and solace. I am also thankful for the love and support shown at the Valentine’s Day and early birthday celebration we had for her, where friends and family came together to create lasting memories despite her being bed-bound…
 
We gather today to honor the life of a remarkable woman. My mom, Julia Tortorella, was a cherished member of this community and a source of unwavering love and strength. She lived a life filled with compassion, resilience, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
 
Personal Relationship
To me, she was more than a mother; she was my “Ma.” Her unwavering love and support shaped me into the person I am today. Her impact on my life is immeasurable, and I will forever be grateful for her presence.
 
Life and Legacy
Ma was 76 – too young to leave us… She shared the past 46 beautiful years married to dad. Their relationship was a testament to mutual support and companionship, exemplifying the true meaning of partnership and love.
 
Illness and Passing
For quite a number of years, ma battled with declining health, enduring two heart valve replacements and congestive heart failure. Despite her physical limitations, her indomitable spirit and sense of humor never faltered. Her passing, while deeply saddening, allowed her to be at peace, surrounded by the love of our family and her beloved cat, Kotek, exactly as she wished.
 
Professional Life
Ma had a wonderful career as a social worker and educator. Over the span of 20 years, she poured her heart and soul into her work at the Revere public schools, leaving an indelible impact on the lives of countless children and families. Her classroom was not just a place of learning but a sanctuary where she seamlessly integrated her passion for music with her teaching. She had a deep passion for music, playing the piano and organ in her youth and singing in the church choir.
 
Ma's innovative approach involved using songs as a tool to inspire and educate her students, creating a nurturing environment where every child felt valued and empowered. Through her boundless creativity and genuine care for her students, she instilled in them not only knowledge but also a love for learning that transcended the confines of the classroom. Ma's legacy as an educator and advocate for children will continue to resonate in the lives she touched, shaping the future of those she so passionately dedicated herself to nurturing.
 
Faith and Community
My mother’s faith was the cornerstone of her life, providing her with immeasurable comfort and boundless joy. As a dedicated member of St. Joseph’s, she found not only a place of worship but a warm and close-knit community that became an integral part of her life. Her unwavering commitment to her faith extended far beyond the walls of the church, permeating every aspect of her being and serving as a guiding light through life's trials and tribulations. In moments of uncertainty and hardship, her faith provided her with unwavering strength and solace, allowing her to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. The values she cultivated through her faith, including compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering love, became the pillars upon which she built her life and touched the lives of those around her. Her legacy of faith will continue to inspire and uplift all those who were fortunate enough to be touched by her.
 
 
Greatest Achievements
Beyond her role as a mother, my mom was an exemplar of academic achievement, a testament to her unyielding determination and intellectual ability. Her pride in her academic accomplishments, which encompassed the attainment of two master's degrees, reflected her thirst for knowledge and her unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.
 
Despite the adversities she encountered, mom epitomized the true essence of perseverance. Her academic achievements stand as a testament to her unrelenting dedication to self-improvement and her fervent belief in the transformative power of education.
 
Final Thoughts
In her passing, my mother leaves behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and unwavering love. She made countless sacrifices for our family, always putting our needs before her own. Her impact as a teacher and a source of strength for many will be remembered for generations to come.
 
Conclusion
My mother was a beacon of hope and love, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched. As we bid her farewell, let us carry forward the values of resilience and compassion that she so deeply embodied.
 
Rest in peace, Ma. Your love and light will continue to guide us through the days ahead.

A Eulogy delivered by Ken Craig

Today, with an aching yet full heart, I stand before you to celebrate and honor an incredible man, my father, Larry Craig. Before I continue, I want to extend my deepest thanks to all of you for being here, for those who have made long journeys and for those joining us through the grace of technology online. Your presence, both near and far, is a comfort to us all as we remember and pay tribute to a life so beautifully lived.

Understanding Honor

What does it truly mean to honor a man like my father? The dictionary might define 'honor' as “to regard with great respect or high esteem,” or as “something regarded as a privilege that brings pride and pleasure.” But for me, and for many of us here, honoring my father is an act of remembering, of sharing, and of continuing his legacy through the lives he touched.

Fathers and Sons: Seeking Approval and Making Proud

From the earliest days of childhood, boys seek their father’s approval. It is an innate need, where we mirror the behaviors of those we admire to learn our place in the world. Though often a subconscious journey, it is a powerful one. In many ways, my life’s path has been shaped by the yearning to earn my father's nod of pride, a testament to the profound influence he had on me.

Early Memories: The Foundation of Love

My earliest memories of dad are tactile and vivid. I remember his beard tickling my cheek as he would say goodnight, a sensation synonymous with safety and love. He was our family's protector, a haven in any storm.

A Lifetime of Joyous Adventures

As I sift through the years captured in photographs, every image sparks a memory of joy. There were the snow trips, the magic of Disneyland, the wonders of Sea World, the charm of Carmel, and the thrills of Great America. Yet, one of my dad's favorite places, a place that became a theme in our lives, was the railroad museum. Now, his model trains are not just artifacts; they are treasures of a shared past that we honor by setting them up around the Christmas tree each holiday season—a tradition that is his lasting imprint on our family.

The Value of Work and Responsibility

As a young boy, dad instilled in me the value of work and the joy of responsibility. He taught me to clean the pool, to gas up the riding mower, and to navigate it through our Orangevale property. Those hot summer Sundays by the pool were more than just lessons in chores; they were lessons in life.

Summers and Winters: A Bond Unbroken by Distance

Our time together wasn’t constant, with miles often lying between us. Yet, each summer and winter break spent in Sacramento with dad, Julie, and Jess was a season of happiness. I remember the thrill of flying alone to see him, the anticipation building until his smiling face greeted me. Dad was a planner, always having something exciting up his sleeve for my visits.

The Power of Rest and Rejuvenation

My father was a man of many talents, including his almost mythical ability to take restorative cat naps. Many times, I’d rush to share something with him, only to find him in peaceful slumber. Yet, within half an hour, he'd be up and ready for the next adventure—as if he never missed a beat.

Evolving Relationship: From Father and Son to Friends

As the chapters of our lives turned, our relationship blossomed. My marriage, his retirement, my journey into fatherhood—these milestones brought us closer, transforming our bond from father and son to that of friends. It's said that "By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong." This profound truth resonates deeply with me as I reflect on our evolving understanding.

Shared Interests and Precious Interactions

With dad and Julie back in Ventura, our moments together became more frequent and more precious. Conversations about surfing, his youth, and his parents were interspersed with shared laughter over who had the best beer. One of my greatest joys was seeing him play with my boys, Royce and Samuel, witnessing the continuation of love and wisdom from one generation to the next.

The Little Things: Green Tea Frappuccino’s and Lunchtime Reminiscences

In the past few years, our weekly get-togethers became a ritual. Dad's taste transitioned from beer to green tea Frappuccino’s, a peculiar but endearing preference. We'd go out to lunch, reminisce, and share our hopes and dreams. These were our moments—precious and irreplaceable.

The Twilight Years: Humor and the Hunt for Treasures

Even as dad became more forgetful, his humor never faded. We spent countless hours scouring thrift stores and the Camarillo Library book store, always on the hunt for the next treasure. His passion for books was unyielding, and his collection, vast as it was, became a symbol of his never-ending quest for knowledge and beauty.

A Song to Remember: "You Are My Sunshine"

As dementia began to challenge his ability to communicate, dad took to speech therapy. One of his exercises was singing "You Are My Sunshine"—a tune that, on one of our last bookstore visits, he sang with such clarity and beauty, it was as though the fog lifted, and there he was—my dad, strong and sure.

Gratitude for a Father's Love

As my father's journey in this world came to an end, I was blessed to be there, just as he was there to welcome me at the start of mine. The circle of life, ever-turning, brought us together in those final moments, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
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In closing, I want to say, Dad, you were my sunshine, my only sunshine. You made us happy when skies were gray. You'll never know, dear, how much we loved you. Please take our love with you as you find your peace.
Thank you, Dad, for every lesson, every laugh, every memory. You live on in us, in the legacy you've left behind, in every life you've touched.
And to all here today, thank you for honoring my father, Larry Craig, a man who was, and always will be, so much more than words can convey.