The most special and extraordinary people defy categorization and easy description. And yet, as we learned last night from beautiful testimonials and many kind words, it is possible to commemorate and honor some of the wonderful qualities of my mother, whom I have so loved.
Although a small woman, she lived life large! Ever since I was a child, and throughout her entire life and even in death, I have always felt that my mother emanated an aura of security, confidence, and power. This, I believe, was born of a curious combination of passion and principle. For, as we heard last night, there was much of the bohemian in my mother. But she was also a person of principles that guided her conduct. She had her share of trials and tribulations, but after each one, she was able to exert a powerful will that enabled her to overcome her setbacks.
My mother also had a big sense of style, one that was very much hers, extravagant and exaggerated, note the number of references last night to butterflies, wine, and to ole'sťand whepas . She imposed her style everywhere she went, a unique style that was at times inspirational.
She was also a proud woman. Proud in the healthy sense, as someone who was sure of herself and trusted others. She was proud of being a woman during turbulent times when the notion being a woman was a confused one. My mother had a very good sense of what it meant to be a woman in these times.
She was proud of being Puerto Rican and, at the same time, of being an American citizen. As a boricua, she appreciated and taught us the value of the social aspects of life and of meeting one's obligations to friends and family, and the importance of celebrating, often and in her own way, relationships, family and friends, life, and love. As the daughter of a solitary and disciplinarian father and as an American citizen, she also appreciated the value of solitude, acquired the habit of reflection, and taught us the importance of exercising our rights and defending the rights of others.
She lived life on a grand scale: on three continents, in two languages, and in several countries, in all of which she functioned effectively. This appreciation for diversity was another of her lessons to us.
But perhaps the biggest thing about my mother was her love and generosity. Everyone here has been the recipient of her generosity. In my case, I have been married for 36 years and have a family that I adore. My family simply would not have enjoyed such happiness all these years without the support and generosity of my mother! I thank her on my behalf and yours.
Perhaps it should not surprise us that such an extraordinary woman would have fallen in love with exceptional men. In my mother's case, she had the truly great fortune to hook up with Eliezer over twenty years ago. There are simply no words to express adequately my gratitude and that of my siblings to Eli for having cared for our mother, in every way and at all times, during these last many years, including during her last moments on this earth.
Some of you knew her as Nilda Noya, most as Ana Roque, and still others called her Mima or other names. And last night, we heard many people refer to her as their second mother. To me, she was always simply, Mami,ť my first and only mother, and what a great mother she was!
When my father died, I explained that I did not know where the souls of the dead went. But I do know that my mother remains on earth here [in my mind] and in the memories of all of you. Moreover, I think and believe that my mother has already met up with relatives and friends already gone...and that together they have rented a heavenly room in the middle of which they have placed a throne surrounded by butterflies ¦upon which sits my mother waiting for each of us in the coming years so that we can join her, celebrate with her, and bring her, every one of us, a glass of cold white wine!
Given by her son Roberto F Noya
Lessons my mother taught me that I need to teach my daughters
My mother was a formidable woman, a woman that all who met her knew they had met an extraordinary lady.
As a woman she taught me to love unconditionally all who should be loved.
She taught me a woman should always look her best, stand tall and straight. She learned to cook like a chef, love as she was loved and be known as a lady everywhere else.
As a mother , she taught me to love my children as if they were the rarest of gems, for they will light up my life as my brother, Manuel ,Roberto and I lit up hers, we were her pride and joy as my children are mine
As a wife, she showed me to respect my husband and to put him first but to demand respect back.
That as a wife my children were important but my husband was more.
She had a special lady as a mother in law, my Abue, and taught me no matter what to stay out of a couple's life; it's ok to listen but not to interfere.
My mother per her son and daughter in laws loved my mother because she added them to her list of gems.
Then again my brothers' have gems and my husband is my hope diamond.
As a MIMA, she showed me how the joy of being a grandparent can only be topped by the joy of seeing them happy.
So today my daughter's and dear son I am passing to you the wisdoms of my extraordinary parent.
And telling you that her love will always be there in every butterfly moment of your lives.
My mother at my Mima's passing taught me how to kiss her mother goodbye and go on to make a good life for her family...
My mother taught me faith.
Bendicion Mami
Sonia
