Dearest Mom,
This is the time of year we miss you the most, Mom. The holidays which you were such a part of, are not the same. Bev and I reminisced as we prepared Christmas dinner together, remembering how excited you’d get decorating, planning the meal, laying out the china and silver, and how every year you’d say, This year we’ll be more organized! And every year it would be a race to get the meal out and the gravy made, everything hot, and somehow we always managed. After dinner there were home baked Russian Teas, Thumbprint cookies and Magic Cookie Bars, but your beautiful Trifle was the centerpiece of the dessert table, with its red jello and toasted coconut adding a holiday flair. Then after the dishes were done, gifts opened, bags of wadded up gift wrapping collected, jokes cracked, amid the laughter and wine, out came the games— and that’s when your competitive nature put us all on alert. Oh, how you loved to play games! And how you loved to win! You were a serious contender.

Happy birthday, Mom. Wishing you were here to celebrate with us, and to see how well the family is doing. It’s been a tough year with Covid dominating our lives, but thankfully, we are all still here. 

With Love,
Your daughters Pam and Bev

Dearest Mom,
Another year has come and gone. This day marks eight years since you left us on that warm and magnificent October day. The trees were gorgeous that year, so vivid, and the leaves crunched under our feet as we gathered around the birch tree to say goodbye. And though you're always a memory away, nothing can replace sharing your company, hearing your voice, your wonderful Aussie accent, and your laugh. I miss you, mom! Perhaps you were able to meet Hank on his journey into the afterlife. Yes, dear Hank left us this past year, leaving a void, especially for Bev and Josh. We have a new baby in the family, a sweet little boy named Phoenix, growing up in Germany with his dad Dallas and his mom, Carina. Unfortunately, we could not go to Germany upon his birth due to the pandemic, but we got to meet him this summer! Michelle and Ed's boys are doing well. Cody and Liam love living in Florida, and Aidan is about to join them as he embarks on a career in golf. Yes, you heard me right-- at last, one of your progeny is entering the world of sports. I know you are smiling at this news! Steve has retired and loves having free time to pursue his passions of music and travel. Gary is still nurturing his rainforest property, and Toni just published her first romance novel. We are thrilled for her! As for me, I'm enjoying my new life as a documentary filmmaker, feeling great to be living my dream finally. That's all the news, for now, Mom. We miss you and love you; you are forever in our hearts. 

With love,
Your eldest daughter Pamela Joy

Happy birthday, dear mom! We think of you often and especially today on your birthday, remembering all the good times we had together. Thank you for showing us the meaning of family, and for always being there for us. It meant so much then and still does now.

Love Always,
Your eldest child
Pamela Joy

Bev and I were remembering how Mom used to tell it like it is, and how sometimes it was downright shocking. Was it something the Aussies did, or was it generational? It seems like our parents had character. Were we daughters brought up to be too "nice"? It has literally taken me a lifetime to get the courage to say things straight out like Mom did. But it sure feels good. Why did it take so long? Why didn't I follow Mom's example? All I know is, the older I get the more I feel the need to have honest relationships. And the more I appreciate my dear mom.

As the Holidays pass we all remember our youthful, carefree days when our Parents and beloved relatives and friends gathered to share joyous times as well as sorrowful times. It is so very lovely to read all your fond memories of such a wonderful lady. Blessings to each one of you for sharing your tender and loving thoughts of such a wonderful woman.

It's your birthday, Mom and you are in our thoughts today. Little things trigger your memory....like your Christmas Trifle that everybody went crazy over, everybody except me. In spite of my sweet tooth, I was never a big fan of trifle. Gary was just talking about it, and how it was the best he'd every had. In summer I think of your delicious potato salad, how you'd always bring it to the neighborhood picnics, and to our outings at Bangs Lake. The thing I will never forget is how you would wrap little gifts for us kids to keep us from getting bored on the long car ride to Devil's Lake for our annual family vacation. You'd say, the first one to see a black and white cow can open a present. Or a house with a blue door, and so on. Our searching would keep us preoccupied and it was something we looked forward to each year. Knowing how busy you were working nights at the hospital, cooking meals, and tending to 4 kids, in retrospect I realize you took the time to make our lives the best you could. Thanks for being the kind of mom who showed love in so many little ways. Happy birthday, Mom.

Dear Mom,
Today is your birthday. You would be 96 today but you left us in your 92nd year. A good long life you lived, a life that took you from a small suburb of Melbourne, Australia halfway across the world to a new life, a family, and work you enjoyed in America. I've often thought it was brave of you to leave everything behind--you were an adventure-ess! Brave enough and curious enough to stow aboard one of Captain Cook's voyages had you the opportunity. How you loved to travel! Travel and writing, and above all your family is what mattered most to you. Thanks for getting me started on my own travel adventures. I can still hear you saying, "Pam, there's a big beautiful world out there waiting for you." How right you were Mom. Thanks for being my mom. How I miss hearing your Aussie accent and your wonderful stories!
With love and gratitude,
Your eldest daughter Pam

Dear mom,

Thinking of you today fills my heart with wonderful memories of you and gratitude for your many sacrifices for our family. It was not an easy life leaving your homeland coming to America knowing not one soul except your husband. How brave you were! It wasn't easy but you managed to keep things together. Even when things were tough and money was scarce, you turned up the radio to sing and dance around the kitchen to your favorite songs. It puts a smile on my face even now to think of it. Thanks Mom.

Your loving daughter,

Pam

Steve arrived for the holidays, Michelle, Ed and the boys are spending Christmas and New Years in Florida, we had a wonderful FaceTime chat with Gary and Toni in Australia, and we had a delightful day at Jen and Toby's with all the family, including a holiday piano recital by the children. Another year has gone by, Mom, and we are still coming to terms with your loss. Playing CatchPhrase last night would have been so much more fun if you were here. How we miss your laughter, your wonderful stories, and your straight talking advice. You left us on that October day, but you will live forever in our hearts. Thanks for being so special and so dear to us.

Another year and it is your birthday, Mom. You are, and always will be, in our thoughts and prayers. Much love from your faithfully willful daughter, Pam

Dear Mom,

As I sit in the garden on this beautiful October day, so much like that day two years ago when you left us, I think of you and all the things I miss most. Your beautiful Aussie accent, your love of family, games, and sport, and your feisty attitude. I wish I could still hear your wonderful Aussie sayings, and hear about our family history through your amazing recall of names, dates and events. It's not the same without you, mom, but time marches on and we march with it. Thanks for the happy memories and for being the mother I will always be grateful for.

With love,
your eldest "willful" daughter
Pamela Joy

Dear Mom,

It's been a year since you left us on a warm October day. We miss you tremendously, but you'll be glad to know we continue to carry on as a family, loving each other and staying in touch as often as we can. You were the kind of mom who was never afraid to speak the truth, and while it wasn't always easy to take, I'm grateful for it. In fact, I'm trying to be more like you in that regard. Thanks for all the fantastic adventures, for opening up my world, and for all the wonderful memories, Mom!

Your loving daughter,
Pam

Dear Mom,

It's summer and the garden is in full bloom. I think you'd be happy seeing it so lush and green, thanks to the rainy weather we've been having this year. In spite of my past threats to only plant perennials, I couldn't help myself and planted moss roses in the bed beside the front walk. And remember how I used to complain about planting petunias because they require constant dead-heading, well guess what? All the pots are filled with yep, you guessed it—petunias. Purple petunias, your favorite. What can I say? When we moved here in 2009 there was no garden. Now in 2014 it is the kind of garden you always wanted, packed full of plantings. It requires little of my time now, and that's good because working in the garden is just not the same without you. You were my inspiration and my driving force, at least in the garden.

Remember the lovely view from inside the sun room where you'd sit in your white wicker chair watching the tiny wrens build their nest? The chairs are empty now. 

The variegated birch tree we planted in your honor stands looking over the golf course where golf carts scuttle by at all hours of the day. Just think you can people watch from this spot! I know how much you enjoy people watching. The birch will live as long as you did, Mom, maybe even to a hundred. The ornaments placed lovingly by your grandchildren still hang on its branches, though this past winter was especially hard on them. It was hard on us all. 

I miss you Mom. When I see your favorite Japanese Maple, peony bushes, coreopsis, hydrange, variagated dogwoods, and dusty miller. When I see the bird feeders I can still hear you say, "Feed the birds!"

Wimbleton was on tv last week and I remember how excited you were watching your favorite tennis match and hearing stories about all the players. You would have loved watching the Triple Crown with Bev, betting on the underdog, or should I say under horse. 

I miss you Mom. I miss your beautiful Australian accent and your funny expressions. I miss your strong opinions (believe it or not). And I especially miss your good company. You've left so many precious memories behind. Thank you so much for being my mom.

Your loving daughter,
Pam

Losing a parent even when they have lived a full, productive and wonderful life is something we keep in our hearts always. Having lost my Dad at age 99, I know full well how it feels even when we've had the good fortune to have them with us so long a time. I am sure the multitude of photos and memories you have will carry you through all the days that will seem so empty and dark. You will keep in your heart always the many moments that you shared in joy and in sorrow. May your hearts be filled with the good memories. Blessings to you and your entire family.

Pam, Bev, Gary and Steve. I was Sorry to hear that Judy passed. She was quite the great lady and I'm confident she lead a nice life after Villa Park. I hope everyone is doing well. I'm not much of a face book guy but
I am reachable through e-mail. I would love to hear from all. Hope this finds everyone in good health and I will say a prayer for Judy. Sam

What sad news – a special lady has departed!
Thinking back about Aunty Judy, I remember her refined elegance, dignified demeanor, quiet sophistication, easy charm and good natured sense of humour. I particularly cherish memories of when my ‘American’ aunty and cousins visited Melbourne - happy carefree days full of fun and adventure. With love and best wishes Anthony

Dear Steve & family
We are so sorry you lost your dearest Mom, nothing will be the same anymore but you all know she'll live in your heart forever and from where she is now will be watching you with the same love she always had for all of you. God bless you. Sara & Geda

The pictures show so many stories and meaningful moments. It seems like there were more beautiful moments in between the pictures. Steve, your mother was so beautiful and so full of life. I'm so glad you shared stories of her. I am so saddened by the loss of a great woman. I pray that you will find peace knowing who she was. Prayers for you and your family. ~susie

Dear Steve,
Have always loved hearing stories about your Mom and family. So sorry that your Mom has passed. Glad that you and your family are able to be together during this time. Wishing you all the best.

I have always Loved Judy's laugh. She sat in the afternoon sun during a birthday party and told me stories of her childhood in Australia living by the prison. As we watched the kids play she said " If I could, I'd be right out there hitting that ball along with the rest of 'em." It must have been hard not being so mobil. I'll bet now she can't decide what to do first.

Dear Steve,
We were so sorry to hear about your Mom. I have always enjoyed hearing stories about your family, and I know how close you are with them. I am glad you all have each other right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Molly Smythe - Hope U.

Looking at all those wonderful photos of Judy just reminds me of what an adventurous spirit she had and of her dedication to her family. She was so generous and kind to me and adopted me as her "other" daughter without hesitation. I will always remember the wonderful moments we had sharing a cup of tea, playing games and telling stories--she was a great story teller! I'll always love her!

Dear Steve,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please know that we think of you often and miss seeing you. Love, Kelly and Mitch

The song Cheryl Moana Marie is sung by my brother, Gary Enzweiler.  Mom woke me one night asking for the Maori song she loved. All I could do was hum the melody, but the next day Gary recorded it and sent it by email. Mom's eyes lit up when she heard Gary's beautiful voice. It brought her peace in her final days. (To hear the song go to the Audio tab.)

Pam and Bev I love you both as friends who are like sisters -- I feel the loss of your Mom as a friend as well as my own Mom. I will always cherish the fun times I had with you and your Mom over the years and  her laughter echoes in my head. I admired her spirit of adventure and love of travel -- now her spirit is free to embark on a new journey. I wish that spirit total bliss & peace.

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss as I KNOW the emptiness is vast. I can only comfort you with the reality she shall be with you always: she is the whisper in the wind, the crash in the ocean, the rustle in the leaves ... she is still traveling as she will always be in your dreams and by your side when journeying your path. Believe and treasure the love in your heart ... she is there

Steve, Gary, Pam, Bev, and Families, our thoughts are with all of you at this time. Over the years I've enjoyed that your family has been so close, and I've appreciated being able to feel a part of that warmth as we've visited together from time to time. As a tree can only bear fruit of itself, you are all evidence of the rich source from which you spring. I'll miss mom's warmth and humor!

Judy will always be in my heart just like my mom! I could listen to her voice all day & night long!! Me & my late mom both love her accent! She also had all the other good things going on for her but that accent was a big part of her!! What a wonderful women she will be truly missed!

I will always remember how beautiful Judy was, she had an infectious laugh & had that Australian accent. Judy lived behind my grandparents, my mom & Judy were friends. We were always welcome at their home & Judy had such a lighthearted personality. I will forever be grateful for the wonderful childhood memories she helped embed in my mind forever. Janet Tobusch Oliver

Our mom passed away peacefully this week at home, thanks to the loving care of her family and the La Porte, VNA, Hospice. Please click on "stories" to read about our Hospice angels. Rather than sending flowers we are asking for donations to be sent to: VNA, Hospice,
901 South Woodland Ave. Michigan City, IN 46360

We are so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. We know she will be dearly missed by many. It's good that you have her memoirs, photos, and memories of the good times to hold close in your hearts. Pam and Bev - you both did a great job providing a home for Judy. You're great daughters and sisters. You'll be in our prayers for peace during this difficult time.  Love Bob & Lynda

Judy had a way of making me feel so welcome in her home. She was a good listener and always made me feel she was interested in whatever I had to share with her. Her legacy lives on in her wonderful family, who shine in her everlasting light.

Although, I never got to know Judy personally I had a connection to her because one of my dearest friends is her daughter Bev. I am eternally grateful and thankful that I have such a special person in my life. Judy you have touched my life through your daughter and I will always remember you.

Mom was an avid gardener and she passed her passion on to me. I think of her often when I'm in my garden. She is there with me in her favorite flowers. Oh how she loved flowers! She always said, "You need annuals to have color in the garden all summer." When I look at my garden I see mom's love growing there.

We will miss Judy(Grandma) dearly. She lived an incredible life! Judy will live in our hearts forever.
Marie, Scotty and Johan

My mother instilled in me a love of travel. She said, "Pam, there's a great big world out there." She was right of course, and thanks to her I have seen many places that I might never have seen. She was a tireless traveling companion who turned every trip into an adventure!