There
are women who aspire to being a lady and those are just born to be so. My
mother, Frances Peters was both a lady and a devout catholic. She put her trust
and faith in our Lord Jesus. She practiced what Jesus preached. Her golden rule
was to treat others as she would want to be treated, and her life exemplified
it.  She had truly unique blend of elegance
and grace that was all her own.

Her
grace came to her through her faith, which was a river that ran strong and
deep. She was the epitome of a good Christian, and modeled the lifestyle for us
all to follow--but she never preached it, or demanded that any of us follow in
her footsteps. Hers was a very private faith, and one that she simply
manifested through the way that she lived. She radiated goodness, generosity,
caring and warmth, and made a difference in the lives of so many.

Back
in 1956, when Dad asked Mom if they could spend the rest of their lives
together, she answered “That sounds like a good idea,“ and the rest
is history. Mom was an only child, but she comfortably joined and was taken in
by Dad’s family of 9, and they went on to have four children and 10
grandchildren of their own. They spent nearly 52 years together, mutually
loving and respecting each other. The were peas in a pod--sharing hobbies like
collecting antique American glass--and set their sites on a common goal of how
they wanted to live their life, and then worked together to attain it.

Mom
was always Dad’s pillar of support. There were so many times Dad wanted
to quit medical school, and Mom just wouldn’t let him do it. She was his
backbone throughout his medical career. Aside from raising us 4 wonderful kids,
their life together revolved around caring for and improving the quality of
life of other people. Mom worked for Dad as his office manager, and as a team,
they extended their warmth and care to Dad’s patients in a very personal
way. My sisters and I remember sitting for what seemed like eons on Christmas
mornings, watching Mom and Dad go through piles of gifts from patients,
everyone of them accompanied by thank you notes not written out of obligation
but with sincerity thanks and appreciation that came from the heart. I remember
sitting at the dinner table with Mom and Dad as they would often discuss the
medical or family problems that came through the office that day, forever
worrying for the patients and seeking each other’s advice for the best
way to help. This lesson of caring was one we’ve all carried forward, as
was Mom and Dad’s devotion to and unyielding support for each other.

Mom
was the 2nd Eucharistic Minister ever appointed by St. Agnes
Cathedral. She was appointed back in the early 70s, and cherished her ministry.
For 35 years she brought Holy Communion to the invalid and sick, visiting with
them weekly, talking with them, and listening to their stories, and just being
with them. When her children went with her on these visits, she, by example,
taught all of us the value of every person’s life, and especially, of the
elderly.

Mom’s
zest for life and drive toward perfection was a standard bearer and an
inspiration.  Whether it was waxing
and varnishing the boat, throwing a dinner party, or turning our home into a
truly magical place around the holidays, Mom was driven to perfection and took
pride and joy in everything she did….

Mom
was refined, and a classic, and she never relaxed her standards. She knew how
to wear clothes and always looked her best. She would never step outside her
house unless she was impeccably dressed. And yet she was versatile, and knew
how to have fun. She could sleep on a cot in a canvas tent and still look
beautiful, or swelter in a boatyard on a hot, humid New York summer weekend,
then go home and dress to the nines for a night out. She taught Dad how to play
tennis, he taught her how to sail, and with her daughters, she became an
equestrian enthusiast. [Her most adventurous sport, though, was shopping. If
the economist say we are headed for a recession, wait till we tell them Frances
will no longer supporting the outlets.]

Through
her illness, Mom was an example of determination and courage. We’ve never
seen anyone work as hard as she did to recover from that stroke. She refused to
be beaten,  and never, ever
complained. She was determined to get back out on the tennis court, and we were
all rooting for her. But God had other plans, and Mom, more than anyone I know,
respected that, made her peace, and accepted him.

Mom
I know you are proud of your children and grandchildren. We are honored to have
the best parents God could give his children.

As
Dad says, when angels are created in heaven, some are sent to Earth. My mom was
an angel in training. She now wears the wings she earned and they are
magnificent and golden.

Dad,
mom can still be your pillar of support, as you have said, she is still with
us. Call upon her in your prayers and she will answer you. Her physical presence
may no longer walk with us, but her spirit does. Your wings are polished and
await you to join her at her seat next to God our Father.