Eulogizing a Best Friend: A Heartfelt Tribute to Susi Riha

Yesterday, I stood before a grief-stricken audience to give a speech in honor of a dear friend who was no longer with us. The act of speaking at a funeral can be a deeply challenging task, especially when the deceased was a close friend. With no script to follow, I often find it best to speak from the heart. This time, my task was to pay tribute to Susi Riha, a woman I hold dear to my heart.

Recalling the Last Eulogy

There's something deeply emotional about standing at a funeral, especially when it's in a military setting where a live bugler plays. It's a powerful moment, one that can be both overwhelming and beautiful. A few years ago, I had to give a eulogy for a friend, but I got so emotional that I couldn't even make it to the stage. This is a feeling one does not forget, and it emphasizes the difficulty and intensity that comes with speaking about a loved one in such a public setting.

Majestic Susi Riha: A Life Full of Love and Dedication

Today, I stood up to honor a woman whose life was full of love, dedication, and compassion. Susi Riha was an extraordinary daughter, an amazing sister to seven siblings, and the loving mother of Matthew Armitt. Her life was deeply intertwined with her son, as he had special needs due to autism and schizophrenia. Every day, Susi ensured that Matthew enjoyed social activities like dances and Special Olympics. She was always by Matthew's side, making his world brighter and his experiences more meaningful.

Susi was also a compassionate and generous person who frequently fed the homeless and cared for her mother during her illness. She put her family first, sending her first child Brandon for adoption but later forming a close bond with him. Susi's generosity extended beyond her immediate family. She would often buy gifts for others at the store just to make their day brighter. Her life was a testament to love, selflessness, and kindness. She made the world a better place through her actions and her heart.

The Essence of Susi

Susi was not just honest and forgiving but also non-judgmental and peaceful. Her sensitivity to the suffering of others was unparalleled, and she always strived to do the right thing. She was the purveyor of joy and happiness in her community. Her dogs, especially her little Mimi, were a source of great joy and comfort. Susi lived a fulfilling life, dedicated to her values and her loved ones. She was, without a doubt, an angel here on Earth.

A Heartfelt Tribute

As we stand here today, reflecting on Susi's life, I want to share our memories and the profound impact she had on our lives. Susi and I were best friends for over 30 years, and during that time, we built a deep bond. We talked every day about our day, our dreams, and the challenges we faced. Susi was my lifeline, someone I could always depend on. When I needed her, she would drop everything to help me. As we grew older, we developed a deeper emotional and spiritual connection. She was not just my best friend but also my sister from another mother. Susi was more than a friend; she was a sister, a confidant, and a guardian.

As we say goodbye to Susi, we carry on her legacy through our actions and our love. We will remember her smile, her generosity, and her unwavering support. Though she is gone, she will live forever in our hearts. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

May the memory of Susi Riha inspire us all to live our lives with love, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose. She will be missed, but never forgotten.