Many of you that read this blog already know this, but for those of you that don't, my dear friend Margaret Klein died on Feb. 13th after a long battle with cancer. Margaret is the mother of my best friend Sarah Klein Kaiser. We grew up together and are still best of friends. I spent last week in St. Louis at Sarah's house helping her out and remembering all of the good times. This past Saturday was Margaret's funeral. Her son, Chris, gave the eulogy. It was beautiful and I feel it best sums up the life of Margaret Klein. So here it is, for any of you that care to read it. Margaret was a wonderful person and we will miss her.
(The picture above is of Margaret and her grandson Joe, Sarah's son)
We are all gathered here today to celebrate the life of Margaret Klein
My mother was one of the most amazing people I have ever met and will probably ever meet. She spent her entire life caring for others. From helping raise her brothers and sister, to being a Den Mother in Boy Scouts to a Troop Leader in Brownies & Girls Scouts. I remember the day seeing a semi truck fill our garage from top to bottom with Girl Scout cookies to help the girls raise their money. My mom was always there to take charge and help anyone who needed help and support. She never put herself before others and she would go out of her way to reach those who were in need no matter the person nor the situation. All of us have our fond memories of Margaret from all the different adventures each of your paths met at some point in time. And I guarantee everyone here, and those who have passed, never forgot the day they first met Margaret Klein. She was one of a kind and God only puts a limited number of people like her on this earth, so they can help all of us that need support from time to time and to illustrate to us how we should live our lives.
From the early days of her and my dad meeting at the original Ma Bell (AT&T) they both knew they were meant to be together. The early years of their marriage with the trips to the Lake of the Ozarks, to the years of St. Mary Magdalen, with all the school picnics, bazaars, sporting events, and plays. I believe the curtains that still hang at there at the parish center were happily made by Margaret especially with that tender loving care she always gave us. She was always willing to help out and pitch in more than her fair share. My parents and their group of friends of the old Magdalen neighborhood are summed up in two words…”Village Family”. My mom was one of the Village Moms to the Magdalen Family. We are all one big Village Family. Margret has passed and moved on into heaven in and is preparing the Village for the rest of us and we know it will be nothing but the best when each of us arrive to join her and those who have already entered the village and are graciously welcoming her.
Then you have the classic ”Where is Margaret” stories. My mother was always the first one sought out the day of a wedding or special occasion for any last minute clothing issues and alterations. She always was prepared with a needle and thread to fix any last minute problems that came up. Some of you sitting here probably have even had her make you clothes or alter clothes…… no matter the time or occasion, she would get it done for you and with a big smile and loved every minute of being able to help you.
My mom was as tough as they come, both physically and emotionally. She faced cancer head on and was determined to make the best of her situation and stay positive and fight and KEEP FIGHTING. I think as we all sit here today and celebrate my mothers life we can learn a valuable lesson…….No matter what obstacles we face in our daily lives….You stay upbeat and positive and everyday you wake up is another opportunity to do good for others. Even in her last few weeks in St. John’s, she never wanted to call the nurses or to her “bother them” because she thought other people there needed the nurses more than she did.
I had to laugh when she told me to wait a minute so she could give me money to go get a sandwich at their cafeteria….Then was made aware her purse with her money was not there. She was always wanting to give to others…… Or wanting to clean her room because guests were coming to see her. Typical Margaret. Always thinking of everyone else. Wanting to make sure her room looked great for her guests. At even one point I had to ask her to take her hand out of the sink because she was trying to fix the garbage disposal. She was one of a kind and could just about fix anything she wanted to…
When she was unable to make it out of bed my dad would say “lets go dancing”, she would then give him that BIG Margaret smile, put her hands on his shoulders and they would dance to her destination. She then did this with all of us towards the end.
I loved her with all my heart and will truly miss her but I know she is looking down on all of us every day and would want us to learn from the way she lived her life and try to incorporate her compassion and whole hearted kindness into each of our own lives.
Mom, I know you are with God and you feel much better looking down on all of us here today. You lived a wonderful life that touched everyone you ever met. You always looked at the best in any person you ever met no matter what. You raised two of the best kids, and we will always continue to live life like you taught us. I love you and miss you but I know you feel much better now and we will be together in heaven again. And I know you have that BIG SMILE looking down on us as we are here today.
I love you and will miss you like everyone here but we will all see you in heaven at the “Village”.
