Tribute to Mom Clary

Dateline: North Miami Beach, Florida. November 26, 2006 Delivered by her son, Wayne at the occasion of her internment at Southern Memorial Park Cemetary.

Tribute to Mom

 

Carmen Louisa Clary was born in Northern Spain (in the town of El Castillo). Her mother, Pilar Echeverria de Bastan, was a strong willed and elegant Basque.

 

Her father was Fernando Lipkau, a handsome and fearless entrepreneur and business man.

 

Her husband, Fynis Clary, was a Marine Corporal with 6 battle stars from the Pacific Theater and a Pearl Harbor bombing survivor.

 

Mom, her parents and my father give Carmen and I inspiration and guidance every day.

 

Mom joins her parents and husband today. Each one rests across the street. So, today is a special homecoming of sorts…it reunites mom with her parents and her husband of 43 years.

 

It’s also a day that reunites us with her, with each of them, and with all of us, together, in this room. So, while today is sad, it’s also happy as it links the past with the present and with the future.

 

My mother was a saint. She was my friend. We had great times together. She celebrated our successes and forgave us for the disappointments that we brought her way.

 

Mom was always right. We will remember the lessons and unqualified love she taught us forever. She ALWAYS put the needs of others ahead of her needs.

 

She had wisdom and intelligence that escapes those that are either too young, or selfish or self-absorbed.

 

I know Mom is in good hands now. She is in peace and I am convinced she will continue to be an angel among us.

 

I find it impossible to say goodbye to mom, so, let me just say, we love you so much, we wish you peace and we will do our very best to live to your example. Thank you, Mom and God Bless you.