Mary Dolores Orlick

We are gathered here today, not to mourn my mother's death, but to celebrate her life. She was born into a large family in New Jersey, having many siblings. In her youth, my mom held two jobs. The first was working at Barricini Chocolate during World War II, where she said there was l line out the door and around the corner. The second was with her twin sister Josephine after they went to school at Barbazon where they learned how to model and eventually became size models for a dress manufacturer in New York City. Mom and her twin had adventures together and one of her favorite stories to tell was how she and her twin would sneak out to the big city to meet sailors. My mom said sailors were known to have money, because what were they going to spend it on out at sea? Dancing was one of my mother's passions, and one night at the Roseland Ballroom, she met a special sailor... my dad. She said they has a wonderful courtship. My parents were married in 1953 and for the next 56 years she watched the John Orlick show, and loved it! I truly believe that after my father passed away, her heart broke and let to what ultimately reunited them. My mom lived for her family. I will always remember mom being home and keeping an eye on us. Some of my best memories include my mom getting dressed up to go out with my dad and getting ready to go on the next cruise . One of her favorite stories was telling us she was hanging her gowns out to dry when out dog Jingles became spiteful that they were going away again so he "lifted up his leg and made a wee" on one of her dresses. She would always laugh at the end of that on thinking the dog got the better of her.That dog really did love her. My brother Robert and I, would tease him saying "I'm going to get your mommy" and he would instantly become protective and growl at us. Everyone loved my mother. I will always remember her standing at the kitchen window watching me swim in the pool, the long walks on the beach collecting shells in Sarasota, going upstate to my grandmother's her love of lilacs and roses, and out three schnauzers. I will never forget her kind, sweet, and always happy demeanor. She adored her grandchildren and loved to share stories with them. I know they will always remember nanas chicken cutlets, stuffed cabbage and apple pie. Recently, my mom turned 89 and all she wanted for birthday was a goo veal chop. Not something that could be found in a restaurant, but something homemade. my wife, being a good cook, made her a meal fit for a king, including veal chops she craved. They say a mothers love is eternal and last week I got a lesson on what that really meant. In her days, I would hug her and put my cheek on hers and say "I'll keep you warm" because she was so cold but despite everything, with what little strength she had left, kissed me on the cheek and said "no, I'll keep you warm". Even to the end, my mother put everyone's needs above her own. She was never selfish, always kind and I will carry that with me forever. I would like to commend and thank my brother Robert for the decade plus he sacrificed to take care of our parents in their ailing years. It takes a special kind of person to do something like this and he did such a wonderful job. Rob, this is your tine to live and enjoy what this world had to offer. Mom, your love and support made us all who we are today. Thank you for everything. May you rest in peace.

Mary Dolores Orlick

September 8, 1926 - October 1, 2015