A Tribute To My Mom :: Marie L'Amoreaux

Marie L'Amoreaux
May 26, 1923 - August 31, 2011

I gave this Eulogy for my mom. I am grateful for everything she did for me.

Most of the time we don’t understand what it would’ve been like to walk in our parents shoes and live through the experiences and times that affected their lives. My Mom lived a long life, she was 88 years old. She was of “The Greatest Generation.”

She was born on May 26, 1923; only 3 years after women were allowed to vote. My mom took this right very seriously, educated herself on politics, studied up on the candidates and issues on the ballot and always voted. She was thrilled to see a woman run for president and had hoped to see a woman president in her lifetime.

My mom was only 7 years old when the Great Depression hit, yet she never complained of lack and we never felt lacking. She used creative ways to save money, like packing a thermos of milk when we went out to eat at McDonalds. She always made holidays special, getting everyone something fun for Halloween, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and Christmas. There was a time when we only had one car. It was a thrill when she rode bikes with us to the local pool and gave us money to buy a bag of chips. We also went to museums, concerts, picnics and on vacation. Our government should have had my mom do the budget.

My mom was a talented tennis player in high school. She came to my high school tennis games. I didn’t appreciate it then, but now it touches my heart. She also attended her grandchildren's sport games, concerts and school activities.

My mom’s dad died suddenly and unexpectedly when she was only 15 years old. She was very close with her dad. This was a defining moment in her life. At this early age, she realized how fragile life is and not to take anyone for granted. Family was everything to my mom. She loved her family. She leaves behind 5 daughters, 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and son-in-laws she adored, and dear friends.

My mom was 16 when World War II began.

At 20, she attended Mills College for women. She met my dad when she was 21, dated him for only a few months. She married him on December 23, 1944 and discontinued going to college. It was war time and these times were uncertain, so they didn’t wait. They married on the Air Force Base. She wore a simple dress and did not know her maid of honor, the wife of my dad’s friend, his best man. My mom planned 5 formal weddings for her daughters never complaining that she had not had a formal wedding dress and wedding. My mom and dad loved each other dearly, until the end. They were married 66 ½ years until he passed away a few months ago.

Shortly after 9-11, my parents took a trip to Utah. I took them to the airport and security was very strict. I got their bags out of the car, gave them a quick hug and saw the security guard coming over to me. I quickly went to get in the car. The security guard yelled, STOP. He asked if those were my parents. I said yes. He said, “turn around and look at them. Take a picture with your mind of them walking and holding hands. You will treasure this moment one day, as they won’t be here forever.” I often thought of that security guard, and would Stop, and appreciate the love my parents had for each other. I still have that picture in my mind.

After World War II, my mom worked to put my dad through college. She valued education and put 5 daughters through Catholic School and college. She never complained she did not finish college. When my mom was in her late 50’s, she took classes at Solano Community College. My mom was intelligent. She loved to read, engage in deep conversations, watch Jeopardy and play bridge.

Another war came, my mom cared for the home and the children while my dad served in the Korean War.

My mom was in her 30’s during the civil rights movement. She had friends of all skin colors.

My mom was a California native, born in Tulare. In 1958, my parents lived in Antioch, with their 3 daughters, in a new custom home and next to their best friends, who also had children. My dad was offered a job in Kauai, Hawaii and wanted to pursue this opportunity. They moved away from the home my mom loved. The island was rural then with lots of red dirt where they lived. The red dirt would stain everything. I think now, how did my mom do it? This is where I was born and my younger sister.

Now, my mom has 5 daughters. Can you imagine fixing hair and dressing 5 girls in their Sunday best for Church? My mom was a devout Catholic. St. Dominic’s was the last church she attended. She volunteered at the church, schools, and for a literacy program. She was a supporter of the Hanna Boys Center.

My mom was a visual person. She always dressed herself and her children nicely. Her home was decorated beautifully and she kept the house clean. She loved to garden and had flowers everywhere. She decorated the table with beautiful china and goblets. A few years ago, there was a heat wave in Vallejo, with temperatures of 110 degrees. My husband and I were concerned about my parents, they did not have air conditioning. We stopped by to check on them. Their house was a heat box! My parents were lethargic. We told them to get in the car, we were taking them somewhere to cool off. My mom had her gardening slippers and clothes on. She said to us that she should fix her hair and change her clothes. I told her not to worry, no one will see you. As we were leaving the restaurant after dinner, a woman dressed in a beautiful purple dress with matching jewelry and a fashionable hat, said, “Marie, is that you? I haven’t seen you for years!” I thought my mom is going to say, I shouldn’t have listened to you. Instead she said, “I appreciate you picking us up today and getting us out of the heat.”

In the last few years, my mom had the disease of dementia. I was able to see my mom’s core personality. She was still kind, had manners, dignity, and respect for others. She was sweet and loving. She would light up when she saw family and her husband. She always told us she loved us. A few months ago, I was having lunch with her and three other women at the table. I introduced myself and one of the women kept asking me to repeat my name. Finally my mom said Joan, and spelled, J-O-A-N. My mom couldn’t remember if she had lunch 5 minutes ago, but, she remembered my name.

My mom passed away peacefully and surrounded by love and family. She is deeply loved by her family and her legacy lives on in us.

I am grateful to my mom each day for the sacrifices she made for me; to carry me for 9 months, give birth to me, feed me, clothe me, nurture me and love me. And the path she paved for me for a better life.

I Love You Mom.