Eulogy for Madeleine Payette Ferrara,
at St. Mary’s church,
by her son-in-law,
OH HAPPY
DAY! That’s the way mom always greeted
us. And today is a celebration of a very
special life. What a special person. And
now mom is with
her Lord Jesus. When you saw mom, she opened her arms and made you always feel
like the most important and special person there was.
And her
family was the most important thing to her.
Mom’s special letters, notes and drawings she sent on birthdays,
anniversaries and special events were always treasured. Mom was a great artist
and also one of the most energetic persons I know who was a career woman and
managed to raised five children – but at the end of the day, her legacy, which
is the most important thing in life, will be mom’s love for her family and
Jesus – what a beautiful heart and soul.
I know that mom’s Lord Jesus has greeted her with “Well done good and faithful
servant”. What a legacy.
When Nicole
and I wanted to marry in 1966, after only knowing each other for four months,
mom jumped in and put on the most beautiful wedding in just three weeks. I was completely welcomed into the family. Marie,
Nicole, Gen, Bob, Ray, mom’s daughters-in-law and sons-in-law, grandchildren,
and great grandchildren – she always made us special with her unselfish love.
And was it not wonderful that mom’s children could be with her at the end –
what comfort that gave her and the family.
Today is
mom’s 92 birthday. Isn’t it special that we can
celebrate a great life and an example for all of us? May we all live that kind of life – unselfish
love for
our family and others.
Mom, thank
you again for being our mom – and you are now with our Lord Jesus celebrating
in Heaven. OH What A Happy Day!!