Eulogy

As Lauren and I sit down to write this, we find ourselves unsure of where to begin. We’ve known for some time now that this day was fast approaching, but somehow we still don’t seem to be prepared to deal with this devastating loss.

Aunt Ella was an integral part of our lives, from the time we were babies until now, when we are both in our twenties. She never missed a birthday, a graduation, a holiday, or special occasion. Often, she would come to stay with us for a weekend “just because”. We are so very thankful to have these memories – memories that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.

Aunt Ella was a true lady in every sense of the word. She was softspoken, generous, kindhearted and genuine. She was independent and hardworking. She loved often and she loved well. She truly enjoyed life and was always optimistic, even during the most difficult of times. She was warm, loving and gentle. Simply put, to know Ella Miller was to love her. 

One thing that Lauren and I have often talked about is that Aunt Ella taught us the importance of family. She always urged us to spend time with those we loved. She helped us to see just how lucky we were to have a loving and supportive family. This is a gift for which we could never repay her. This is a gift for which we will always be thankful.

We think everyone will agree with us when we say that Aunt Ella was one of the central figures in this family. She brought us all together on many different occasions and always spoke fondly of all her nieces and nephews. She loved to be able to spend time with each and every one of us. Family was her number one priority. She loved us all unconditionally and without hesitation.

Words can not express how much we miss our Aunt. We hope that she is proud of the young women we’ve become and we hope that we continue to make her proud for the rest of our lives. We hope she knows how much we love her and how blessed we are to have been a part of her life.

So, Aunt Ella, here’s to you: Thank you for always being here to play with us, to laugh with us, to cry with us, and to rejoice with us. Thank you for watching Mary Poppins with us over and over…and over again. Thank you for nurturing our “sweet tooth” by taking us to the Chocolate Shoppe and buying us candy buttons and licorice pipes. Thank you for playing board games with us at ten o’clock at night, when all you really wanted to do was go to bed. Thank you for always telling us how proud you were of our accomplishments. Thank you for loving us so well and for allowing us to love you. Thank you for being the best person we’ve ever known.

We promise to always “be careful”, but we know that you will be watching over us, keeping us out of harm’s way. You are our “angel” now. We love you…we miss you….and we will never forget you.