Good morning.  We’re Loretta and Paul’s three children, Karen, Julie and Paul.  We would like to thank you all for being here with us.

Mom exercised quick wit and strength of will. She always spoke her mind and would offer sound advice I could rely on. With a vigorous passion for life she loved to cook, eat and be by the ocean soaking up the sun.  She enjoyed her trips with dad in the motorhome stopping by to see use all.

Mom was friendly, out going and loved to make those around her laugh, which made her the perfect Mom for me, as I can be quite the opposite. She taught me that I don't have to prove to anyone else who I am and to just be confident in myself. 

I felt that mom knew me better then I knew myself.  She knew exactly what I would do under most circumstances.   We wouldn’t really discuss options, she would just give me this look and say don’t.  She was usually right.

With my father's help, my mother raised three strong, independent adults.

I have always known I could come home at any time to wide open arms and a loving heart.  I hope my children feel that same kind of love and support from me.

The other day we were watching movies of our parents’ trip to Alaska.  I saw my mom walking in the great outdoors exploring Alaska with an excited smile.  I never thought I would see this Brooklyn girl enjoying the outdoors that much.  I was in total wonder.  She was showing me a side of her I never knew. 

I do remember her playful impatience side.   One time on Waikiki she escaped from dad and I.  We were planning on going to Red Lobster from the Hale Coa, when we turned around mom was gone.  We started looking around for her but she was no were to be found.  I called the restaurant and asked them if a little old lady on a scooter had showed up.  Yes, there she was, sitting at a table waiting for us to catch up.

Mom enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren; she watched all the latest movies with them.  My daughter Devyn loved imitating mom’s Brooklyn accent.  No one laugh harder then mom at her attempts.   She loved and accepted all of us, as is.  We were family that’s all that mattered.

My mother was a very special person.  She was always there for me.  If I was laughing she laughed with me.  If I cried she would help me see the light.  If I was down she would pick me up.  If I was too full of myself she would bring me down to earth.  I will always hear her words and feel her love.

Mom you will surely be missed.