Eulogy for Barbara Alice Wright.

Mom's journey of caring for others started the very day she was born, right here in Los Angeles on December 4th, 1943, to Alice and Jack Zenger. She was the second of five girls. In a house full of sisters, she quickly became a pillar of support. From a young age, she was helping to raise her younger sisters and taking care of the housework. She didn't just stumble into being a caretaker; it was woven into the very fabric of who she was. Her entire life, she was a fiercely loving person who naturally put the needs of others before her own.

That deep, self-sacrificing love only grew when she met my father, Douglas Wright. Together, they built a life, a home, and a beautiful marriage that lasted for an incredible 64 years. To share over six decades of life with your partner is a rare and magnificent thing, and the foundation they built together is what holds our family up today.

Through that lifelong union, she became a mother to four children: Marie, Beverly, Paul, and Jack. As a mom, she gave us the same selflessness she had practiced since childhood. But her legacy didn't stop there. Over the years, our family tree grew and blossomed into 13 grandchildren. To think that one beautiful soul could be the foundation for so much life, so much laughter, and so much love is truly inspiring.

Our mother also knew how to enjoy the simple, beautiful moments in life. She loved the freedom of the outdoors, going camping, and traveling to see new things. And, of course, she loved the simple joy of going out for ice cream-a reminder to all of us that the sweetest things in life are often the simplest, shared with the people we love.

She always cared for others before herself. Even though she is no longer with us in person, the lessons she taught us about generosity, family, and unconditional love will live on. We see her spirit in my father Douglas, in Marie, Beverly, Paul, Jack, and in every single one of her 13 grandchildren.

Mom, thank you for a lifetime of putting love first. You have earned your rest. We love you, and we will miss you always.

Heavenly Father, we come to You today with heavy hearts, but also with deep gratitude for the gift of my mother's life. We ask for Your peace to surround our father Douglas, Barbara children, and all of her grandchildren, family, and friends.

We hold fast to the comforting words written by the Apostle Paul, who reminded those who grieve:

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)

Lord, thank You for the absolute hope that mother is safe in Your eternal presence, free from the burdens of this world, and at perfect rest. Help us to carry forward her legacy of selflessness, generosity, and unconditional love. Hold us close in the days ahead, and let Your grace be our strength.

In Your holy and comforting name, we pray.

Amen.