Joe Gorleski Jr.'s Eulogy

I might have written a eulogy nearly two decades ago when it seemed that mom's book of life was about to close. As you know, she was quite sick. But by His grace, mom's story didn't end there. She was given the chance to write new chapters. Her book expanded because a caring stranger donated a liver and gave mom the gift of time. That's something to think about this Christmas season isn't it? The gift of time... Now that is a gift!  And with it, this seemingly random person extended mom's life by an amazing 19 years.

Imagine a gift that would allow a very sick person to become healthy again so she could see her daughter graduate from college and be present as her son married his grade-school sweetheart. This gift would allow mom take a dream vacation. And this same gift would allow her to experience the absolutely splendid love of Austin and Paige.

But this gift stretched beyond just making my mom's life better. It inspired and brought light to the lives of many others. It gave her the time to preside over the Women's Auxiliary at the local American Legion, to learn-and-apply the skills of phlebotomy, and to spend countless hours helping her uncle and her mom in their final years. She was an unstoppable source of support for them and many others. 

With all of mom's health troubles within the last few years, I sometimes forget the chapter when she stood strong by my father during his own problems. I'm so thankful that she took such great care of dad during and after the knee surgeries. If you know my father, you can only imagine what she went through. Oh, the questions he had! No man has ever been so inquisitive. You've just got to love him.

In her book of life, mom would thank the generous liver donor for the opportunity to watch Kristen step up to the plate and a take swing at weight loss. That swing would turn into a home run worth writing about. She stood by Kristen during every phase of that game and she didn't hold back telling everyone how proud she is of her daughter for this and her many other triumphs.

And I can't forget the chapters about mom's secret love affair. Yes, it's true. Dad knew about it and he even supported it. Mom had a love affair with shopping. If it was on sale, then it was going in the shopping cart. When that happened, dad always turned his eyes the other way and for that, mom must have loved him more than words can express.

I think she also wrote a couple of chapters called "How to Pay Attention" and "Are You Listening to Me?". But she never was able to get my father to read those.

I know well the chapters that mom wrote about her love for me, my wife, my sister, and my father. But there was illness in mom's life which led to some unfinished chapters. I don't know exactly how she would have written them but I think I know the titles. 

One of those would have been called "What Would I Do Without Dr. Sirinivas?" 

Another chapter would have been called "Thank You for the Gift of Time".

And the very last chapter would have been "My Husband is a Saint."

Here is a little prayer written by Joe Sr. and Joe Jr.

Father in heaven, how great is your love, that you gave me Linda to share my life with. During our 45 years of marriage, she gave me some of the happiest days that any man could ask for. With her by my side, we raised Joey and Kristen; two great kids who grew into caring and responsible adults. I love them dearly.

I thank you God, for this loving, thoughtful, and caring woman who was raised by her grandmother from childhood and as a young adult, stopped attending hair dressing school so that she could care for both her grandmother and her mom during their times of illness. She was a hard working woman who refused to give in when life was not so good.

Linda, I feel sorry for those moments when you were hurting inside or out. And I want you to know that when you endured pain, I endured it too. You never suffered alone. 

I pray there will come a day when once again, I can bring you daisies. I miss you and I will never forget the time we spent together. I'm grateful for our trips to Ocean City and the Amish markets in Pennsylvania. And I feel especially blessed that you were healthy enough to enjoy our trip to Hawaii. It was just wonderful to see you so happy. God, help me keep the memories of those smiles in my heart forever. I will miss all the moments we shared and I will always love this very special woman that you gave to me.

Lord I pray that your angels have guided her back to the love of her family in heaven and to the light of your son Jesus.

Amen.

It's difficult to find the right words to describe my mom because there are so many.  She was an amazing woman, who surpassed all expectations in everything and anything.  She played numerous roles in so many lives.  She was not only the CEO of our household, but played important and impactful roles as a friend, daughter, wife, and mother.  And she will now take on the role as our Guardian Angel.   
She possessed many qualities that made so many people love her.  She was a fighter and stronger than she probably ever gave herself credit for.  She was fearless and never gave up.  Except for when it came time to teach me to drive.  That first night behind the wheel, she let me drive just the short distance from the school parking lot to home.  Pulling into the neighborhood, I took the turn a BIT wide, nearly hitting another car.  After that experience she quickly turned that lesson over to my brother.
Throughout everything my mom endured, she still managed to do so much for everyone else.  She touched so many lives.  I think each person in this room can think of something special my mom has done for them.  No matter how bad she felt or what it cost my mom was always willing to lend a hand.  She would make sacrifices to make me happy and allow me to never have to pass up an opportunity.  As a child, one year, the only thing I wanted for Christmas was a Cabbage Patch Kid.  On Black Friday, mom stood in line for hours, IN THE SNOW, to grant my Christmas wish.  One summer, she lent me her car for the week to go to Ocean City with my friends.  When Brendan graduated Marine Corps boot camp, she drove me to South Carolina because it was where I wanted to be.  Once, while my mom was in the emergency room waiting for a test to be run, I told her Jess was planning a vacation to Hawaii, and how I had the opportunity to go with her.  Of all the things my mom should have been concerned with at the time, her only priority was making sure that I was going to Hawaii.  These are just a few small examples of the kinds of things my mom would do for me.
My mom suffered with her health for almost as long as I can remember.  It's actually hard for me to remember her being healthy.  What I can remember is hearing her sing along to the radio and thinking she was the best singer in the world.  I will always remember that she loved my blonde hair when I curled it and wore it down.  Her opinion was always the first one I wanted and the one I valued most.  She cared more about my appearance than I did, from my tongue ring as a teenager, to my wrinkled pants as a career woman; even in those last few days when I joked about the way my hair was tied up in a knot on top my head she was still squeezing my hand to let remind me she hated it when I wore it like that.
My mom has directly influenced my awesomeness.  She pushed me harder, and to be more than I thought I was capable of.  She encouraged me to achieve dreams I didn't even know I had yet.  She taught me manners and good morals.  The quality of her love and wisdom helped shape the person I am today.  My mom always told me that I did too much for other people.  I would always reply that I got that from her.  I find peace in knowing that I am a direct reflection of the person she was.  She will always be with me and shine through me.  All that I am I owe to her and I thank her and love her for that.

Mr Joe and family, I am so sorry to hear about Miss Linda's passing. My mom, Carole Perkins, loved Miss Linda since they were kids, and she always thought of her like a younger sister. I feel so blessed to have been able to spend time with Miss Linda when I was a child, and she was always so much fun to be around! I know that my mom would have wanted to be with your family today, but she lives in a nursing home with my Dad, Ron. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, now and in the days ahead.

27 years ago when we moved into the neighborhood Linda was one of the first people we met. Through those 27 years we watched our kids grow up together, Joey gave Michael one of his first jobs. Kristen babysat Andrew. We celebrated the joys, Joey and Christine's wedding and Linda's determination to be there no matter what. I asked her how long they were going to keep her after the transplant, she said, "I don't know, but I'm going to be at that wedding." And she was. She fought hard and long. She will be greatly missed.

Joey and Christine - I have only great memories of your mom and growing up in the old neighborhood . She was such a nice woman , just wanted to send prayers your way and let you know we are thinking of you guys in this hard time .

My Dearest Friend,
You came into my life on Joey's and Dawn's first day of kindergarten, when you said, Hi, I'm Linda. Our hello grew into a friendship that no one can imagine.
The time we almost got kicked out of kindergarten class, because we could not stop laughing over the way the children were answering the questions.  Our trips to the outlet, perms, hair dying, candy making and of course our sugar cookies and many more.  But most of all the times we shared together.  You will always be missed, but not forgotten.  There will always be a place in my heart.  Love you,  Geri

So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I grew up with Joey and spent Many years with this wonderful family. My first time fishing was with all of you and I will never forget how proud she was when I caught a fish before Joey did. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Our condolences and prayers at the loss of one of the most wonderful and loved women I have ever know.  I am so grateful that she was part of our lives.

Love to you all.  Susan and Rick

We extend our deepest sympathy and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Our prayers go out for you and your family for your loss.  Duane will greet your Mom in Heaven and I know his spirit is with you Kristen.

My deepest sympathies for the loss of your mother. My heart aches with sadness, I'm so sorry. Sending love and thoughts to you and yours!

We light this candle in memory of a beautiful woman inside and out!

My condolences to the family in your loss.  May God (Psalm83:18) strengthen you to cope with this difficult time.

My prayers for peace and healing go up for your family. I remember the hospitality and friendship you all showed me, and I am forever grateful.

So sad to see her go. Mrs. Linda was always such a pleasure to be around. She will be missed by many.  My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this much difficult time. Sending big hugs will lots of love to the family.

Mrs. Linda- I honestly do not even know where to start. The years of memories that I will hold dear to my heart, mean more than you could know.  What an incredible, caring person you were. Kristen sure gets it honestly and I am so proud to call her my best friend. I hope you know how much you are loved and what a lasting impression you left on who ever you came in contact with. We love you very much. RIP

OBITUARY

Linda D. Gorleski

26 November, 1946 – 6 December, 2014

Schimunek Funeral Home

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