Dear Family of Amelia,

I wanted to share how deeply Amelia influenced my life and how grateful I am to have known her. I worked with Amelia at the furniture store in Coralville, and what a blessing it was that she came into my life. I was just beginning my career, and I truly could not have asked for a better mentor, role model, or friend.

Amelia was as pure and loving as they come. When I think of her, I immediately start laughing. She had the most wonderful sense of humor, and we shared so many unforgettable moments together. She taught me yoga right on the sales floor of the furniture store. We had endless conversations about her fixing her hair with an eggbeater. During the holidays, we would sing Christmas carols for employees, using home accessories as our “instruments.” Those moments still bring a smile to my face.

Beyond teaching me design, Amelia opened my eyes to the world. We took trips to Chicago to visit the Merchandise Mart, shop, and enjoy incredible food—she always knew the very best spots. On one memorable trip, we planned to have dinner at Maggiano’s and decided that, as out-of-towners, we needed to make an entrance. We went to MAC to get our makeup done, bought new outfits (spending far more than we should have), and reapplied our bright pink lipstick before walking in. When we entered, we blended right into the crowd—no second looks, no grand entrance. Mission failed. But the food was incredible, the wine flowed freely, and the laughter never stopped. We ended the night trudging back to our hotel in what turned out to be the worst snowstorm Chicago had that year. That was about seventeen years ago, and I remember it as vividly as if it were yesterday.

Amelia spoke of her family with such pride and joy. She absolutely adored her children and grandchildren, and she cherished the love of her life, Gene. She also cared deeply for her friends, her customers, and everyone around her.

I will always carry some regret that I didn’t visit Amelia this past year, even though she was often in my thoughts. Please know that she was never far from my heart and that her impact on my life remained as strong as ever.

I’ll always remember her love of pepper and fresh blueberries, listening to Norah Jones on repeat as we planned trips at her beautiful home, and our best (and worst) Cher impressions during long road trips.

When I think of the women who have shaped my life, Amelia is at the very top of that list. She taught me the importance of finding beauty in everything—people, places, and things. She was, and always will be, one of the most stunning women I have ever known.

With so much love, gratitude, and sympathy.