In memory of Liz Tremonti

To my mum. Spoken at the funeral.

mum

Written by jessica Tremonti with the support of Jason Pyle.

To our beautiful mum who did not let fear of her illness get in the way of living a beautiful and remarkable life. Our mum was strong and fearless and fought to stay on this earth until it was her time. 

Our mum faced many challenges in her life, but she approached them with strength and dignity, never once complaining about the difficulties she encountered. She never took her life for granted or wasted time focusing on the negative aspects. Through it all, she showed us just how much she loved us.

Although her last years were spent fighting against all odds, battling daily pain and exhaustion, I want to emphasise that my mum was more than just her illness. She had hopes, dreams, fears, love, friendships, and a profound appreciation for life itself.

My mum's smile brightened every corner of the room. Her playfulness, cheekiness, and clever wit brought joy to everyone she met and loved. Her kindness and selfless acts surrounded everyone she cared about.

When I talk to my brother Jason, he recalls fond memories of our precious childhood that our mum created for us. Jason remembers that our mum would take him everywhere all the time, spending time playing indoor cricket together, kicking the football together, and filling every day with laughter and playfulness. 

Jason loves to recount the practical jokes he played on our mum. One time, he hid dead brown snakes under towels on the clothesline; apparently, Mum's squeal could have shattered glass! He also shared a story about many times Mum would be defrosting a family roast. When she wasn’t watching, he and the boys would sneak pieces of meat out of it for yabbying. This happened quite often despite the fact they were told to stop using the family meat. Mum's quick wit and playful nature were highlights of his memories.

I remember my mum tapping into her inner prankster when she bought this hilarious measuring tape that shocked you when you tried to use it. Since my dad is a builder, we thought this would be the perfect way to give him a “shocking” surprise! We tucked ourselves away, ready for the show, as he pulled it out for the first time. The moment he pressed the button, he jumped like he was stepping on a nail! I mean, here was my dad, the king of tools, suddenly measuring the air with a new level of precision.

Jason and I remember the home our mum created, filled with warmth and kindness, beautiful home-cooked meals every night, and homemade desserts. Our mum took great pride in the home she built for her family. She wrapped her arms around us whenever we needed her unconditional love and support.

Mum's love and kindness extended to all the animals she had throughout her life, treating them as if they were her own children. One of her beloved pets, named Muffy, would share bacon sandwiches and cups of tea with her, while Jed spent countless hours by her side.

Our home was like Nashville, with loud music playing for hours. Mum was a country music fanatic—so much so that we were practically raised on a diet of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, John Denver, Charlie Pride, and Patsy Cline. If a song didn’t have a twang or a heartbreaking story about lost love, small towns, or horses, it was considered "rubbish." 

Every now and then, Mum would throw a curveball and play a Beatles album, claiming it was “something different.” Really, she just wanted to relive her fantasy of marrying Paul McCartney. We didn’t argue with Mum; we just “let it be”. 

The role of a mother was the most important thing to our mum, bringing her unparalleled joy. Being surrounded by her family and friends filled her life with warmth and happiness. Our mum was a true friend, always making time to create countless memories with those she loved. One cherished friendship that will be deeply missed is with her best friend, Sonia. They shared over 40 years of laughter, support, and love. Our mum adored Sonia, and she will always hold a special place in our hearts as part of our family. 

Her perseverance through challenging times and illness is a powerful lesson for us all, and I believe it is a significant part of her legacy. What a wonderful lesson she shared with everyone who knew her. Many of us easily lose sight of what truly matters; we often get distracted by insignificant things, grudges, small problems, and materialistic lifestyles, forgetting the most important aspects of life. Mum’s legacy reminds us that love, health, family, friendship, and the small moments are what truly matter the most. 

Mum, you will be forever missed. As a mother, sister, aunt, cousin, grandmother and friend, your absence leaves a profound emptiness in our lives. During this heart-wrenching time, I want to thank my dad for standing by Mum's side, loving her, and caring for her through every challenge of her illness. He prioritised her above everything, showing a devotion that will never be forgotten.

I will always be grateful and proud to have had such strong, kind parents who were truly selfless and devoted to what mattered most—each other. It breaks my heart to think of the moments we will now miss together.

I also want to express my deep appreciation to my brother Jason, his wife Sally, their children and my partner Michael for their unwavering love and support for Mum until her very last moments. Their kindness has been a small comfort in this sea of sadness. 

There is a profound emptiness in our hearts that will never be filled. We wish that much of her life had not been taken by illness, as she had so much love and goodness to still offer the world. We love you, Mum. Your spirit will always dance on in our hearts.

In memory of someone special

Please share a special memory, photo or donation in commemoration of my mums  life.

Although her last years were spent fighting against all odds, battling daily pain and exhaustion, I want to emphasise that my mum was more than just her illness. She had hopes, dreams, fears, love, friendships, and a profound appreciation for life itself.

There is a profound emptiness in our hearts that will never be filled. We wish that much of her life had not been taken by illness, as she had so much love and goodness to still offer the world. We love you, Mum. Your spirit will always dance on in our hearts. ♥️ 

Contributions made will go directly to ACRF, giving scientists access to the cutting-edge technology and equipment they need to find new and improved ways to prevent, detect and treat ALL types of cancer.

Click 'donate' to make a secure online contribution in memory of Liz tremonti. All donations over $2 are tax deductible and will help us achieve a world without cancer.

Thank you so much for your love and support. Love you mum. 🌹🌷💐