Hello,  here is the poem I wrote and read during Rita's memorial:

Being a mother is never easy although she made it look that way

With grace and love and challenges galore, she faced them all each day

She gave it her all, fighting for you with each and every breath

Her strength, patience and resolve to see it through, never ever left.

Through sleepless nights and endless chores she held her children close

One might say that they are all of you,  unfolding like a rose.

With gentle touch and loving gaze she watched as her babes grew older

They in turn did the same, now the angels have come to hold her.

Her sacrifice, her endless love has touched us all profound.

A gift so pure that she did give - is with us and does resound.

Being a mother is never easy and she lived her life out loud,

For what she had accomplished in life, for that we can be proud.

The legacy she leaves behind, is one about selfless giving.

Everyone she touched along the way were left with hearts a-singing.

For all she did for each of us, we can't ever repay.

But in our hearts, she will forever remain - her love will always stay.