Memorial Letter

Our Memorial Letter for Mom

Tenacious to the core, she made her opinions known, a straightforward, and direct woman who knew what she wanted, how she wanted it, and when she wanted it. The blood of the marines ran through her veins as the words Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) were her back bone. With much pride, she marched her life to the beat of Marine Hymn, which rang out each time a visitor rang the door bell. If she could have been a U.S. Marine drill sergeant, she would have been. For many she was the guiding DI that they needed, as every mother should be.

Always faithful she was in providing, guiding, and being 'to the point' truthful. If one screwed up, she would be the one to tell ya, never without a laugh, and never without tellin' ya just what you needed to do. Whether you listened, or not, it was on you. She was a character, and she was a nurturer, as she cared in her own way showing it through raw sarcasm, and quick-witted humor, she brightened people’s life when they were feeling down. She loved to care for others even when she was the one needing to be cared for, and she would always find the means to do it regardless of the cost.

Underneath the toughness of many, we recognize that there is a softened inner core. But with Mom, it was a REAL, and TRUE toughness. That is hard to find anymore. It was a trait that made her unique. A fighter to the end who held it together, and tried her best to build up others in the same way. This is a hard life to live, and being sappy won’t cut it! As is with many fighters, there is little sympathy, but much passion. A type of passion that encourages a "suck it up" attitude knowing that through life's troubles even more will come, so get through them now as best as possible, and make better decisions! She had a passion that exuded courage, and gave her the ability to go against the grain. When others said “No”, she said "Why the hell not?" She was always there to offer her support if you were ever attacked. It didn’t matter what you had said, or done. If you were her friend, or family, an attack on you was a personal attack on her. We admired her for knowing who she was, and fighting battles that many others were too afraid to fight. She rooted for the underdog, and fought proudly for her own!

She was special, and every moment we spent with her gave us a wealth of great memories. We share today in this letter some of those memories. The memories which will live on within us, drive us, and which have given us relief during our time of loss. We hope that you enjoy "Our Memorial Letter for Mom".

~Dan~

A funny memory:

When she made a hamburger for dinner and ate it before realizing she forgot the meat!

Something taught:

When inviting someone to go somewhere with you, (movies, bowling, sporting event, dinner, etc.) the polite thing is paying their way.

Favorite food: Garbage Casserole

~Tom~

Your favorite memory of Mom- My favorite memory of mom was when she and dad came to our house for Christmas in

Prescott for Christmas. I have a lot of memories and even the bad ones are good memories now.

Your favorite dish she made- I love Macaroni soup!

Your favorite picture of her- My favorite picture of her is the picture of her and Andrew at there pool in Wildomar CA.

Your favorite memory of mom with her grand kids - Any time she got to be with them. She loved all of them and she spoiled them every chance she got.

What did she teach you- The taught me that Marine boot camp and drill instructors where a breeze.

What did you learn from her- I learned you should never talk back to her, and if you did make sure you were out of throwing range.

Your favorite holiday with Mom-I loved Christmas. She always made it good for us even when money was tight.

Watching you go wasn't easy and letting you go is even harder. I regret not calling you more or seeing you more. I had the means and I didn't. I'm sorry I caused you so much heartache while I was growing up. I should have done better. I did grow up and have straightened up some and I dont think I would be where I am at today if it wasnt for you. You where always there for me even when I didnt deserve it. I love you mom I'll see you when I see you.


~Jasmin~

A funny memory: Mom playing with Andrew and Thalia, making them laugh when they were babies.


Something taught: Expensive material possessions aren't everything!

Favorite memory: Mom taking Andrew swimming and spoiling her grand children with gifts even when we were against it.

Favorite Food: Your favorite food that she made you- Her garbage casserole, and turkey stuffing

~Sarah~

Something she taught me: To smile through the pain. Laugh through life’s struggles.

A favorite Memory: When she would show off her brag book of pictures of the porcelain dolls I had made…she was proud of the dolls I made.

Favorite Food: Strawberry Angel Food Cake, Pumpkin Pie, Macaroni Soup.

When I was looking through Mom and Dad’s pictures I realized how well chronicled our life was in them. All the vacations we took, milestones, and just because. Sadly, in many of the pictures she is the one behind the camera.
I will remember the unwavering devotion, and love my Mom and Dad had for each other.

I will miss Mom for the rest of my life, but she’s left me with a beautiful gift: her positive attitude, her passion for life, and her unconditional love.

I wish I could say that she did not suffer long, but for Mom, suffering through each day seemed to be her lot in this life, but she lived it well. As her time grew short we witnessed how her health had deteriorated, but her zest for life was always there. She was determined to return home in order to be at peace, and have the comfort of family.

She spent her remaining days on Earth surrounded by family, some close friends, listening to her favorite music, and enjoying some nostalgic candy.