Oma's Eulogy
Hello, everyone, my name is William, and I'm Nadine's eldest grandchild. I will be delivering one of two eulogies today in loving memory of Oma.
As I look around the room and see all of Oma's biggest fans gathered in one place, I'm reminded of her profound impact on us. It would have meant a lot to her to see everyone here today. I sincerely thank you all for coming.
This might be one of the hardest things I have ever written. It is overwhelming to sum up the life and the impact of someone as amazing as Oma, but I'll try.
Oma was born on January 15, 1939, in (zupa-ro-scha) Saporoshje, Ukraine, during a time of war. As a young teenager, she immigrated to Canada with her family, settling in Camrose, AB. Here, she met her to-be husband, Ernst Krueger - affectionately known as Opa or Ernie. They married in 1956 and moved to Edmonton, where they had four wonderful children: Linda, Monica, Erich and Willy – who sit here today as a powerful reminder of their life and love.
As people, we all have characteristics that define us, whether they are big or small, like the way we laugh or the way we love. I think Oma had three characteristics that really defined who she was: her strength, her love, and her endearing quirks. I’m going to share a bit on each of those.
Strength
Our Nadine, in every sense, was hard as nails. Oma wouldn't allow any man to open a jar or handle tasks she could conquer. She walked kilometres to work, flipped pancakes with her bare hands, and sewed until her fingers were raw. Pain was irrelevant, and she often shared the loving sentiment, “awe don’t be a wimp!” If the job needed doing - or even if it didn't really need doing - Oma would do it.
Her strength wasn't solely physical, though. It was also emotional. As an immigrant, Oma's early life was difficult. She spoke of being placed in school with younger kids due to her lack of English, navigating a new culture, working hard in the home, and the sad experience of losing communication with her dad during the war. I never knew Oma during these times, but I have lots of sympathy for her. For me, she reflected the latin phrase: “ad astra per aspera” Through hardship to the stars! As Oma had experienced a lot, but you would never know. She always seemed to be of happy, sound mind. Her preference was to keep going. I’m sure we all have memories of Oma steadily working and singing to herself while moving from task to task around the house. She was the little engine that could and I think she took pride in her strength.
On one of her last days, during a late night hospital visit, she shared with me her contentment with life. “I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished,” she said. “I’ve done a lot.” A truly heartwarming and wonderful sentiment for anyone to say at the end of life. However, Oma’s life was not just marked by accomplishments and overcoming, it was also beautifully measured by the love she gave.
Loving
“Heile heile Kratz und dreck, bis Morgen früh ist alles weg" was a cherished saying amongst the children and grandchildren, a loving incantation from Oma. Paired with a gentle, or sometimes firm rub and a warm hug, it brought healing. Oma's unwavering love extended beyond the family, though, reaching people at church, her beloved flower garden with her green thumb, and the numerous children who called Nadine Oma.
Oma touched many lives and undeniably had a special way with people. When I was a young boy, Oma was the neighborhood babysitter. I remember kids would cry at the end of the day, not wanting to leave her side - "My Oma, my Oma," they would exclaim, arms outstretched towards her. She was someone who you could depend on, through thick and thin. She was a rock for so many.
For many of us here, losing Nadine will be immensely challenging. There will be a hole in our hearts. But perhaps we can carry her love forward, becoming the light in the world that she was. During Oma’s final days she never cried. Instead she sang along to her favourite songs and enjoyed the company of everyone who visited. She faced procedures with love, hope, and humour. When the nurse would arrive around 10 am each day, she'd humorously say, "Oh, here comes the bloodsucker," bringing a chuckle amidst the sadness and fear. This brings me to Oma’s quirkiness.
Quirky
Nadine could talk endlessly. If she called, she would talk for hours. You didn't even need to respond; you could just put the phone on speaker and let her go: cooking, gardening, church, Opa, or anything that had happened to her during the day. Oma might have made an excellent radio host. Her frugality was also legendary. She would save things endlessly, repairing every sock and removing every stain in sight. If you needed a twist tie or a rubber band, Oma had lots to share. Open her fridge, and you'd find three margarine containers, though none held margarine. Once, I reached into the fridge for butter and came out with cabbage rolls. Why buy containers when something else could do? Her quirks were not only funny but endearing and at times beautiful. Take Oma’s singing voice. She would sing endlessly, and although she was never discovered for her amazing "soprano" voice, she would bless, and sometimes annoy, everyone around as she worked away cooking a meal or re-organizing your tupperware cabinet…
In a world that can wear us down, Oma remained steadfast. I struggle to comprehend how a person with her background was able to radiate such light throughout her life. She was an incredibly rare person who found immense joy in the company of family and loved ones. Even in her final days, Oma fought for life because I genuinely believe she loved it. She cherished people, family, and simple conversation.
As we gather to celebrate her today, let's remember the joy, the helping hand, and the love she so generously shared with all of us. Oma's presence will forever be in our lives – in a garden, a margarine container in the fridge, a distant caroler, someone else who can't stop talking, or a big warm hug.
May Nadine, Oma, Mom find eternal peace, and may her memory inspire us to embrace life with the same Strength, love, and quirkiness that defined her existence.