Merlinda was an amazing woman who lived an extraordinary life. A dedicated wife and mother of 3 boys, her many talents and passsion for music will be missed by all who know and love her. We welcome any stories, pictures, even any audio or video that you could share with those who miss her, because those gentle memories become the warmth in our hearts that help us take comfort in remembering the way she lived and reminds us the people we've lost are never truely that far away.
The tide recedes but leaves behind
Bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle
warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, and yet it echoes
on in sweet refrains.....
For every joy that passes,
something beautiful remains..
Merlinda went home on April 27th and we celebrated her life on My 27th, 2012 and was broadcast live on Ustream. A DVD has also been made available by request.
In the Summer of 2012, we went on a European trip with the PUCA class of 1972. Merlinda had been really excited about going with her beloved class and played a keyrole in planning an preparing this trip over year in advance. They prepared a special service in her honor on the ship.
When we were arranging mom's life celebration, we came across a difficult time trying to find a lasting momento that was both representing of her and appropriate to end her program. While scanning through her laptop to find pictures and such, I accidently stumbled upon this slideshow that she had been secretly working on. Needless to say, it brought tears to our eyes, but warmth in our hearts. As created by Merlinda herself, here's a little video she titled, "A Lifetime of Love."
My Tribute is a piano rendition originally arranged by Dino and modified by mom to her liking... making it pretty much her own. Wine gets better with age, and likewise, every time she performed this, it gained a sense of majestic overtones, elegant power, yet sensitive to the soul. No one can ever play this like you do mom.
