Eulogy of Linda Verburg Deceased October 27, 2013; Funeral Service October 31, 2013
Introduction: Good Morning. My name is Kristina Wieghmink, niece of Rich and Linda, the oldest daughter of her sister Jane. It is with great sadness the reason for our gathering here today among family and friends. However, today is not a day of sorrow, but a day of celebration. Celebrating the life of one woman, Linda Verburg; wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Linda has an eternal place in all of our hearts and we are all honored to have shared life with her. Our memories are filled with the sound of her laughter and the beauty of her smile. Personality: When confronted with adversity, Linda showed us what it means to stand strong. When amid many battles, she gave us lessons in persistence. Linda’s strength, courage, and determination told us there is always a reason to embrace life to the fullest and do it smiling and laughing with the ones you love. She cherished each moment of every day as a gift. Let us honor Linda by doing the same. Memory: Growing up, Linda was a big sister to me. I looked up to her, even to this day. I remember sunny days at Grandpa Harry’s house, playing in the backyard, while Linda and Annie blasted the radio with the oldies and grandpa tended to his gardens. As all little sisters do, I observed all that I could and tried to emulate her; from playing in her make-up, trying on her clothes and jewelry, to going through her 8 track collection. Sitting on the green shag carpet around the heavily decorated and overly tinseled Christmas tree, illuminated with extra-large vintage colored bulbs and ready to topple over at any moment, I remember when Rich had the pleasure of experiencing his first holiday with the Krasinski’s – our Polish family – on Crescent Street. There was always an abundance of kielbasa and sauerkraut and lively conversations, each escalating more and more in volume and with laughter.
Needless to say, we didn’t scare Rich off. We had the pleasure of officially welcoming him into our family at their wedding – Polish style, with the Blues Brothers and the chicken dance. Rich and Linda started their family with a scruffy little black and white puppy, named Ashley. Shortly thereafter, their family expanded and they ventured into the joys of parenthood. Over the years Linda and I shared many conversations about pregnancy, relationships, and the challenges of children since our kids are all close in age. No matter the situation or the offense, Linda would always come back to one common thread – always forgive, always respect those you love and always love unconditionally. Character: Linda leaves a legacy of generosity. She always gave, without hesitation, to family, friends, and many others. Linda’s own words were, “Remember, at my funeral no flowers or cards. Instead five dollars or more in gift cards from Meijer or Family Fair, so Uncle Rich can give them to Gilda’s Club. So they can restock their pantry. They have fed me so many times for free I want to give back. Also, I am an organ donor. So, anything cancer did not touch will be given to someone else to use.” Linda’s Plea: My aunt’s giving nature also extended out to giving wisdom and sharing her experiences. Shortly after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Linda diligently researched our family medical history, genetic testing, and the diseases that invaded our lives. She created awareness on making healthy choices and urged family members to get genetic testing done, so others did not have to face what she and her family have gone through. During one of our conversations, Linda cried out that one of her biggest regrets in life was that she wished she would have known about genetic testing, so she could have been empowered to make the right informed decisions and possibly avoid her battles with cancer. Breast and ovarian cancer have taken our great grandmothers, grandmothers, mothers, and aunts from our husbands and children. I did not have the pleasure of meeting their mother Josey before cancer took her. My mom would often tell me how much I look like her. Ever since I was very young, I knew the reality that I may not live much beyond forty. Aunt Linda changed that. I thank you Aunt Linda for your diligence and urgent call to take action. Because of you, I got the genetic testing. Because of you, I was given the opportunity to have control of
stopping an untimely death. Because of you, I proceeded with the proper screenings and chose prophylactic surgeries to remove parts inside of me that other women in our family had been afflicted with cancer. Linda had a passion to change lives. Linda saved mine. Every adversity and challenge in life is an opportunity to reflect, learn, grow, strengthen, rise, shout out and move others to action. Linda has empowered every one of us through her passion to touch lives and make a difference by sharing her story. I know her plea to us is to seize the day and cherish every moment with those we love. Closing: We are here today to give our love and support to Rich, Nick, Andrew, Carissa and everyone who has had the privilege to know and share life with Linda. Each one of us is met with a range of emotions during this time; anger, sadness, guilt, frustration, but not despair. We can be confident in knowing that Linda passed from this life a happy woman, loved by so many. I will always remember one of our last conversations. Seeing her eyes light up and hearing the excitement in her voice, as she and Rich talked about their trip to Hawaii. Rich pulled out his camera phone and showed off pictures of their adventures. Each photo brought them both joy and laughter from their cherished memories. It’s these memories that keep Linda alive. Her presence will always remain with us.