Debbie Cooley’s Eulogy
Emily was my sister, and my best friend. We were only 22 months apart, so growing up we were pretty much inseparable. We did everything together - we played, we danced, we sang, we double-dated, we went to the same schools, we had the same summer jobs, and when we were little, we dressed alike. It was a wonderful childhood!
Emily had an adventurous, indomitable spirit. I was the older sister, but she was always the first one off the diving board, the first one to learn to swim, and the first one to figure how to get on, and off, a horse without breaking her neck. She sat in the bow of the sailboat eagerly greeting the waves, while I sat pea green holding on for dear life and hoping my breakfast would stay down!
Of course, her adventurous spirit would get us into trouble sometimes. She cut her finger when we broke into our big glass piggy bank, and there was blood everywhere. Then there was the time she hit a tree when we went sledding, and knocked out her two front teeth. She was always the one that got hurt, which somehow always hurt me more since I was supposed to be the responsible one.
We did have our squabbles. I am 65 years old and can still remember when Emily took my hair curlers the night I was getting ready for that big date. Dad sided with her, since she already had them in her hair. It was so unfair! She already was the sister with the best hair, even before the curlers. I got even. I ate the rest of the chocolate cake and put the tin in her closet. She took the heat for that crime! She never let me forget it!
Emily grew up to be a woman of so many talents. She was a fantastic cook and hostess, and she loved to entertain. She taught me how to cook crepes and puff pastries. She had a great sense of humor, and was able to laugh at my foibles. As my family knows, I am a bit anal. Emily would reach for the spoon to stir the pot, and I had already washed it, and put it away.
Her sewing abilities were unbelievable. My entire guest room closet is filled with Emily Ritzman originals. The red velvet Eaton suit made for Christopher, the matching shirts he and my Dad wore. Gowns, dresses, suits, blouses - You name it, She made it!
I could write a book about Emily - our times together, and her talents, but, in the interest of brevity, I would like to conclude with how thoughtful and giving she was. She was always there for me, even when she moved clear across the country.
When Ron decided to be helpful, and put my wet turtle necks in the dryer, she sent me all new ones that were the right colors and sizes, since mine had all shrunk to Barbie doll size.
The fist time I flew across the country with Jonathan, I was quite concerned about how he would take to flying at 18 months old. I told Emily I was definitely going to need a drink when I got o Spokane. She met me at the airport with a thermos of white wine.
Emily, I hope you know how much I love you and miss you. Till we meet again!