Sample Eulogy for a Mother

For those who may not know me, I am the youngest daughter of [NAME]. While it may be a bit difficult to get through this, it was important to me to honor my mother with a eulogy.

My mother was the type of person that always put others needs ahead of her own. It was of the utmost importance to her that those around her be happy and comfortable before she gave her own comfort any thought.

Any who had the pleasure of visiting her home can testify to the fact that you would be offered a veritable buffet of food choices. You can also likely testify that you weren’t going to get out there without eating something. My mom loved to see people enjoying her wonderful cooking, and often had enough leftovers to drop off a pan or two at the local homeless shelter.

She always seemed to find time to lend a hand and to reach out to someone who really needed it. She raised four children, and was an amazing mother. We never felt like we were a bother. Instead, we knew we were her priority, and she always managed to make us feel like the most important people in her world.

I remember when her mother died. She was crying and I put my hand on her shoulder and said, “Don’t be sad, Mommy.” She pulled me onto her lap and spoke words that I’ll never forget and that bring me great comfort on this day. She said, “I’m not sad for Grandma. I’m sad for me. Grandma is in a better place, but I will miss her. Still, I know that one day we’ll all be together again.”

The same faith that my grandmother instilled in my mom was instilled in me. I am sad today, but I am not sad for my mom. I am sad for each of us who grew so accustomed to her big smile, kind words and good cooking.

I am sad for all of the tomorrows in which she will not be an active participant, but that sadness is tempered with the belief that we will all be together again. That she is right now with her own mother, making plans for the day that they will greet each of us with a smile, a hug and the offer to sit around their banquet table for a bite to eat.

I look forward to that day, but for now will be satisfied with the many wonderful memories that I have of the most loving, caring woman that I have ever known.  I know the loss will be difficult to bear some days, so I want to close with a promise found in the scriptures.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. . . . For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. –Isaiah 41:10, 13
photo credit: dorothy.voorhees