Eulogy
by Diane Paterson

I am what Richard fondly refers to as representing the New York crowd although I first met Juliet through my cousin Aileen in 1997 at a hen night in London (for those of you who don’t know what that is, it’s a bachelorette party). I found out years later that “typical Juliet”, rather than worry anyone – at the end of what was a long evening she went round the corner to catch a taxi but instead took the bus – you see she had to use the cab fare Richard had given her to pay our expensive bar tab at Trader Vic’s.

I realized very quickly this was the beginning of what would be a lasting friendship. Juliet was a special kind of person and one you are lucky to encounter once in a lifetime. She was incredibly easy to love.

Shortly after moving to New York, Juliet, Richard and I went back to Aberdeen to celebrate the millennium sitting up till 6 am to watch the ball drop in Times Square – because they had now become New Yorkers. I did wonder how I lasted until 6am and it was Juliet who finally admitted to me that the substitute for cranberry juice they had given me for my vodka - was in fact, Red Bull.

What comes to mind when we think of Juliet is that ever present smile and infectious laugh. She could see the good in everyone and find the humor in everything. to give you an example, I was fortunate enough to have been able to visit with Juliet for a short time last week and as I leaned in to hear her voice, she said mmmm, you smell nice. I said you can actually smell that, even with an oxygen tube in your nose and she quickly responded, yes, that’s how much you have on and gave me on e of those famous Juliet smiles!

Juliet was sincere, honest, passionate and embraced life to the full. She had an incredible ability not to judge people but to try to understand them.

I have been privileged to be Juliet’s friend, to learn from her, to experience life with her. If we could all take a piece of Juliet with us - her values, her sincerity, her compassion - we would all be better people for it.

I know I speak for many when I say that we will ensure that Katie will always know what a wonderful person her mother was.

I would like to share with you a poem that our friend Steve King, has written which encompasses this and lends itself to how deeply she has affected everyone she has met.

Katie's Looking Glass
By Steve King

I remember it was raining that day
As if the gloom knew the light was growing weaker
The battle was lost by a warrior of such sweet countenance
And like her, we are casualties of fate and the wound is deep
Memory will be our only reparation
What will we say when the day comes?
What will we tell her when she asks?
I offer only this-- Look, little one, in our eyes
Look past the tears of loss
Look past the anguish of family and friends lessened in spirit
Look in our eyes and you will see the past and the future
You will see a smile that lightens the heart
You will see spirit, beauty and love
Look close and you will see her
The reflection you see is her
We will be the mirror

Juliet- My Dearest Friend
by Kristen Idalski

Today is a day, we all gather near,
To share the memories we hold so dear.

A friend, a wife, a sister, a mother,
A person like Juliet, there’s certainly no other.

One day at the park a stranger jules met,
They spoke for hours down by the swing set.

By the end of the day, yes - it was nearly night,
The woman’s life story Jules could recite.

She extended such kindness to all she would meet,
No ill will to others did she ever treat.

Now this explains all the friends that she made,
But I’m still not sure how the phone bill got paid.

Dinner plans would be made - a table for four,
Send out some emails, let’s add some more.

An invitation to all Juliet would send,
Six, then eight, now a table for ten!

On Saturdays at eight, without any doubt,
A phone call from Juliet, I could surely count.

We’d sit on the phone, dreaming up plans for the day,
“I’m up for anything” she’d always say.

A night out with the girls, went down to the city,
Her hair, her lipstick, she always looked pretty.

First dinner for food, then the bar for drinks,
Jules soaks up each moment, she never even blinks.

The train ride home was never a bore,
Juliet shared stories, stories galore.

My favorite by far, it rates higher than a ten,
I never even minded to hear it, time and again.

Some crazy ball is when they did meet,
Yes dressed up as Wonder Woman, Richard swept her off her feet.

Our families went bowling, Richard – so keen to win,
Then Katie hit the button & reset the pins.

The sun, the surf, the warm ocean breeze,
We all went to the shore, a vacation indeed.

Katie chases seagulls, then we swim in the ocean,
Off to build sand castles and don’t forget the lotion.

We head back to the house, get the kids ready for good night,
Walking on the beach; Juliet, Richard & Katie – What an incredible sight.

The kids all in bed; head for the deck, grab the wine,
We sit and hang out, without notice to time.

Twinkle in her eye, sand in her hair,
Laughing at stories, without any care.

Re-telling of Dylan and Katie, what a crash,
Ran around the table, went the wrong way – then SMASH!

These stories and memories from hearts so close,
Certainly a life, to stand up and toast.

You’ve taught me more than you could ever know,
The glow of your spirit will forever show.

Strength of an army, you did surely hold,
Your smiles like sunflowers, so bright & bold.

A vision of you we’ll continue to see,
Your gift in Katie, what a legacy.

The jumper, the painter and the music maker,
In the future my son is surely to date her.

You’ve probably wondered if she’ll ever know,
How much you love your little girl in tow.

We say to you, our promise we keep,
She’ll be surrounded by memories so long and so deep.

This is the Juliet I know and come to Love.
She watches us now, from heaven up above.