Dearest Mom: You are on your way, you are with Our Heavenly Father and Dad will be there to meet you with your favorite flowers, yellow roses... you are finally at peace.

We could share your life but it would go on forever, you were an exceptional teacher and your love of educating the young was above and beyond. You learned to speak a second language so you could help those who did not understand ours, you did so much in your oral history with all the years at the Carpinteria Museum. I think of all the many people you met and interviewed... along your path. And you had a sense of humor like no others...

You have left a legacy of recipes from many years ago, from your grandmother who raised you to all the great foods and desserts you made for the club house. We all loved hearing your stories about places you visited and your childhood... We especially loved your stories that got a little more sensational as you grew older...

But of all the happenings in your life, the greatest one was the way you shared your love of God and Church... you were God's angel here on earth... You never let anyone leave your home without praying a simple prayer for them... You made so many friends in your lifetime and the memories you shared with us were just wonderful... Most of them will be there to greet you when you arrive in Heaven...

You had two beloved sons, Rich of Camarillo (Anita), and Robert of Wisconsin (Nancy)... You have three granddaughters, Anna (Aaron), Elsbeth (Dane), and Jenna Rae (Sonny), and one great-granddaughter, Evelyn, who is so precious. Last year Evelyn flew with her parents from New Zealand to meet you... You have two step-grandchildren, Shelley and Tommy (Lisa) of Wisconsin, and their sons (J.T., Seth and Luke)...

We may have been a blended family, but you never, ever considered them anything but your family... We all celebrate your life and your love and your many stories. So now you're finally sliding into home base and you can tell everyone one day, "What A Ride."

Rest in peace Mom, and give Dad a big hug from all of us left behind... As you always told me, "Never say goodbye, but until we meet again..." With much love, Your Family.