Eulogy at Funeral Mass of Angela Maria "May" Leeber Caruso

Good Morning,

John's Gospel tells us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only
begotten son, so that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life." We hold this assurance given to us by Saint John as a
foundation of our faith, and so perhaps you will forgive me if I don't speak
of my Grandmother in the past tense. For as sure as I am that I visited her in
person just last Sunday, I know that I am accompanied by her in spirit today.
Although I have cried over the certainty that we will not walk together in
this world, I am taking comfort in the fact that we will meet again.

All of us have our own special memories of Mary Caruso, and this would be a
long service if we were all to stand up and tell of them. But beyond the
special times, there are some aspects of her life with us that bear calling to
mind today.

For instance, it is worth mentioning that Mary is most certainly a loving
sister and aunt. Brothers and Sisters, nieces and nephews have been long term
benficiaries of her kindness and devotion to family. Over the years, her
consistent efforts to maintain ties have helped to preserve a cohesive family,
where a collection of unfamiliar names and faces might otherwise exist.

Sixty one years ago, she had the good sense to marry my Grandfather. It was
the ideal march, for as much as she is every bit a lady, Pasquale Caruso is
equally a gentleman. For most of the 20th century they stood together as man
and wife in a loving partnership which conquered all of the challenges that
life set before them.

Ever the caring and responsible mother, she gave birth to and raised two of
the people I love most in the world. To know Ann & Paul, my Aunt and my
Father, is to know that they embody many of the qualities that made Mary such
a wonderful and well loved person. Any of us who go looking for her today will
find her alive and well in her two children.

Quite clear to me si the fact that she found great delight in her
grandchildren. I know this to be true as she spoiled us shamelessly. But
beyond all the presents and treats, and so much more dear to us, is the
selfless love that each of us has always received. It always felt good to be
with her, and because of this we are most fortunate folk, indeed.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, she is a woman of great faith. She has
faced life steadfast in the knowledge that Jesus is with her, and has
sustained her through all of her trials and tribulations. She believes in him,
she follows him, and in him will most assuredly find eternal salvation.

When times become a little tough, and I think you will grant that these times
qualify, I pause to look at the world around me for evidence of God. It's the
"doubting Thomas" in me, I can't help it. In looking over the countless acts
of love, which have made up Mary's time with us, I find that evidence -- I see
the hand of God.

Thank you, and God bless you all.

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