Mae’s Eulogy at Church

My name is Norene and Aunt Mae is my godmother. Her family asked me to read this to you: It’s their “Special Memories of Mom”

As a young woman, Mom became an extremely strong Rybicki Warrior. She had to learn to navigate her world as a single mother of 3 children, years before we ever heard the term “Single mom.” We believe Mom and her 6 sisters (Eleanor, Dorothy, Louise, Lorraine, Virginia and Delores) learned to be strong loving women as a result of being raised by THEIR mother, who was a single mom of 8. Mom’s brother Raymond certainly had his hands full, trying to wrangle up 7 sisters in an effort to keep them all safe. But, that’s what brothers are for, right?!!? Mom always had a special place in her heart for each one of her siblings.

If you knew Mom or knew of her, then you also knew how much she loved her family … and sewing.

Mom’s romance with fashion and design started at an early age. She would tell us about the time when she was sick and didn’t go to church with her siblings and grandma. While they were gone, she found some scissors and then eyed the living room drapery. Mom got busy cutting a piece of material from the bottom portion of a curtain that was hidden behind the big chair. Before everyone got back home, her doll, Barbara, had her first dress. This is how Mom’s fashion sewing career began, and as they say, the rest is history. She had a lifetime career of designing and sewing her own creations for anyone who asked.

As young kids, Mom was always sewing things for us to wear. We definitely looked pretty snazzy, especially in the costumes that she sewed for our tap or ballet recitals.

When we grew older, Mom made sure Connie was the belle of the high school ball in her stunning green floral dress. Son-in-law, Archie, also became subject to Mom’s sewing. He looked very debonair while escorting Connie to the Faygo Christmas party in their matching holiday attire.

As a testament to her great taste in clothing, Terry loved sneaking into Mom’s closet to choose what cool clothes and shoes she could borrow and wear to school that day. She was the best dressed kid in high school. Our Mom was such a fashionista, before it was even a word.

She didn’t just stick to sewing clothes. Her versatility was evident as she collaborated with Craig, designing the perfect duffle bag to house his remote control helicopters. And, she was so proud to sew shower curtains and matching window curtains for her son.

Mom became well known in the local figure skating world, as a result of enrolling Suzanne in lessons. She created costumes for anyone who asked. I think Fraser Hockeyland had her phone number on speed-dial!

Stepping back in time, it’s hard to recall how many communion dresses and baptismal gowns she made for her nieces along with those made for Connie, Terry, Craig, Suzanne and Izabella. When Bella was baptized, Father blessed her with Holy Water, then said: “I have been baptizing babies for over 30 years and have never seen a gown so beautiful”. Suzanne turned and pointed to my Mom saying: “My grandma made this for her first great granddaughter.”

When Suzanne, and then later Bella, had competed in the Miss Teen USA Pageant’s, they also wore custom fitted gowns designed and sewn by Mom.

Creating wedding dresses was probably Mom’s greatest love. I believe she was in her mid-70’s when she worked at an upscale Bridal Salon in Scottsdale, AZ. During appointments with her clients, she would pin and adjust gowns, then at the end of the day, she would haul them home and work on creating the perfect fit.

In addition to designing and sewing, Mom was adept at alterations ~ in particular, she always made time to adjust slacks to fit her gentleman client who was wheelchair bound.

Possibly Mom’s most gratifying accomplishment was when she saw one of her clients on TV at the Grammy’s, wearing a gown she had created especially for this event. She was so proud of herself, as were all of us.

As you look at the Infant of Prague next to Mom, we want you to see how important her faith was and her love of God. It was an honor when the nuns asked her to sew gowns for the statues in St Leonards Catholic Church, back when we were growing up.

In spite of her busy working and sewing schedule, Mom always had ( or made) time for activities with her kids. During her time as a realtor, she enjoyed bowling together with Connie on the Century 21 league. Mom spent many days cheering Craig on when he skated at Fraser Hockeyland. She was especially proud of him when he attended Gordy Howe Hockey School. Later on, Mom delighted in many hours of boating with Terry under AZ ’s blue skies and sunshine.

Mom loved going up north to play cards with her sisters ~ “Thursday Church” as they called it. So much love, laughter and chatter all under one roof. Mom and Virge were partners in crime (almost literally) when it came to playing bingo. They would drive to Ohio or a special place in Canada. On one occasion, driving home from an evening in Canada, they were chit-chatting away and laughing so much that Aunt Virge just drove right the customs port of entry without stopping. Mom started yelling: “VIRGE, STOP THE CAR! The guards have their rifles drawn and they’re running after us!!!” Those two giggled their way through so many shenanigans.

Mom and her sister, Delores, were the two Prayer Warriors of the family. So many of us called upon them to pray with us over the phone. When Mom and Delores prayed together, they would storm the heavens!

A few years ago, Mom resided at the Arbor Inn which is directly across the street from this church. She could not wait for Father Joe to arrive and hold mass every Tuesday. Many times, if on the phone with one of us, she would say: “I must hang up. Fr Joe will be here soon and I can’t be late!”

Father Joe ~ our family would like to take this time to personally thank you for bringing love, faith, light and kindness to our Mom, especially when she needed it the most.

As her time was nearing, I told Mom to “look for your brother Raymond ~ he has his hand out, waiting to take your hand. He will help you Mom, as he always did in life.” Later, I told my story to his daughter (my cousin) Josie. Her reply was: “I told my Dad that his sister, Mae needs his help. Please take her hand and help her as you always did.” Pretty amazing!

In closing, it is clear that Mom touched many lives during her time here on earth.

Dear family and friends, thank you for joining us today. We ask you to please keep Mom in your hearts and prayers, as she loved each and every one of you.