12/15/1932–4/23/2015
I so, so much wanted my Mom to have more time to enjoy life, after my Dad’s death and her tirelessly caring for him for many years.
Her very peaceful passing in my and her grandson’s arms, listening to her favorite music, does give tremendous comfort to me and Riina. Mom was an amazing and inspiring person. I will think of her and Dad everyday.
Mom would think the fuss to place a memorial was unnecessary, since her focus was always on others and not herself. But, I think if her friends so strongly want to place a memorial, then they should.
Mom was born on December 15, 1932 in Elva. She attended fancy all-girl Hunters College in Manhattan and graduated in 1960 with a degree in bookkeeping. She worked a few years in accounting.
She married my Dad in 1957. Before having children, they were very significantly involved in the New York Estonian community. She enjoyed the dances and parties, and accompanied my Dad to his many Estonian male choir concerts, including the choir’s tour of Europe.
They moved to Texas in 1970 and lived in the same home in Houston since. Mom was not employed outside the home in Houston, until both my sister and I went to college. Family was the most important thing in her life. My childhood was filled with regular trips to the beach, fun outings, and several family road trips – to Washington, DC for the ’76 Bicentennial, Montreal Olympics, Florida, Grand Canyon, California. These trips would be coordinated with Estonian West Coast and East Coast festivals, and Estonian summer camp for me and Riina. Mom attended all of our school events, and was supportive of all of our endeavors; her kids were everything and always came first. Our home was always filled with laughter.
After Riina and I were in college, Mom worked as the Stationary Manager for a very high end stationary/gift boutique shop called Events in Houston. Mom was responsible for wedding invitations, announcements, major charity events. She truly LOVED this experience, and worked there 15 years. Our family could not think of a more perfect career for my Mom based on her interests and personality. Her clients included former Sec. State Jim Baker’s wife, the wives of Houston mayors and politicians, the wives of leading figures in business and society, and major players from the arts, especially opera. The clients and owners and managers of the shop LOVED Mom.
Mom was athletic, and during her youth in DP camp in Germany, she threw discus (yup, ha) and enjoyed volleyball. Her and my Dad’s favorite pastime was playing tennis. She loved swimming, and spending hours sunbathing at the ocean. Her and my Dad’s other passion was travel. Through Dad’s engineering assignments, she met my Dad in China, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Rome (where they fortuitously saw the Pope), Venice, Paris. My Mom particularly loved a trip to Acapulco. In 1989, Mom, Dad and I traveled to Eesti; the first time back to Eesti. It was an amazing experience for them. Mom and Dad returned years later for the Song Festival, which was the highlight of their travels.
My Mom also loved the arts and she and my Dad regularly attended the Houston symphony, ballet, plays, and her most loved – the opera. Mom was also involved with Dad as the informal Estonian counsel in Houston, and welcomed dozens of visiting Estonians over the years – with home-cooked meals, fun outings, and warmth. Most were in Houston for various lengths of time to study/research/teach at Houston’s esteemed medical centers. During most of our family holidays, our home included visitors from Eesti.
Her devotion and care of my Dad during his many years with Parkinson’s disease was truly amazing and an inspiration to many. Mom and Dad were married 56 years. For their 50th wedding anniversary, we arranged their first ever ride in a limousine.
Mom was extremely proud to be a 40+ year breast cancer survivor. She confronted cancer with incredible courage and resolve. She participated in many 5K walks for breast cancer charities. Mom, however, did not let cancer define her, and she provided encouragement to countless numbers of women with cancer – with whom she shared her story and her refusal to ever give up hope. There are dozens of young women – and men – who I am very happy and proud to say call her “Mom.” Mom would place high on her list of life’s “accomplishments” the comfort, compassion and hope she provided to so many others with cancer.
Mom’s mantra in life was: “life is what happens when you make other plans.” She handled each life hurdle with strength and determination, and without complaint. Always maintaining her witty, terrific sense of humor. Riina and I were blessed to have Helgi as our mother.
Raimo
