“Part of living is learning how to lose everything”– a powerful and real lesson from our mom, Ruth (Schaefer) Smogor, who died Sunday, September 11, 2016. Mom’s many such lessons showed us (her children and grandchildren) how to enjoy life’s moments while going with the flow and how to let go when life calls for it. Mom’s faith in God gave her graceful strength; we believe that she touched many others in equally beautiful and wonderful ways.
Through persistent interest and a caring spirit, Mom had a way of making friends with everyone she met. She lived young throughout her 88 years, rarely at a loss for words when interacting with anyone, young or old. Even in her last few days of life, she asked us to keep blessing each other and those around us.
Mom lived in Chicago her whole life, enjoying her time with many friends, and readily shared her love of the city with others. She had eight children and five grandchildren. She dedicated most of her time caring for us, loving us, and teaching us to do the same for others. She enjoyed the close company of her sisters, brothers, and extended family. We camped, sledded at the park, and picnicked at the forest preserves. Mom showed us how to have fun, use our brains, and treat others respectfully.
Practical, compassionate, and brutally honest at times, Mom did not shy from sharing her advice–and occasionally a stiff Manhattan–with others.
Mom made each of us feel special and loved. We will always remember and appreciate how she personalized our Christmas stockings, took time to ask us about school each day, and encouraged each of us to pitch in.
These loving lessons make us who we are today and, hopefully, who we will be for the rest of our lives.
Mom continues to brighten and inspire our lives. We know she will find new ways to touch us.
A memorial mass will be held in her honor on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 3:00 pm at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church at 8200 S. Kostner Avenue in Chicago.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. Bede School; Mom still teaches us in many ways.A Memorial Mass will be held 3pm on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 8200 S. Kostner, Chicago.
