Eulogy of Catherine Muia

We want to thank everyone who has come today to honor the memory of our mother Catherine.  As we thought about how we go about honoring her memory in the simple way that was her request, and would represent the way she lived her life, we thought about what she strived to do as our mother.

 We hear very often how women in all types of occupations strive to break the glass ceiling. We can say that our mother shattered that glass ceiling each and every day of her life. Our mother was a woman of action, and held every office in our family organization. She was the CEO, the leader, the inspiration of our family unit; and as such set the values and carefully crafted the moral fabric by which she, her children and grandchildren would conduct their lives. They were simple yet powerful- Faith, Family and Friends.

She was insistent that we follow these values and motivated us towards that end. We both can tell you as the old saying goes  ”she inspected what she expected”- We can certainly attest to that.

CEO’s have strong beliefs, and when you reach that level in an organization you can only do so maintaining these beliefs with conviction. Mom was steadfast in her beliefs.

 She quietly lived her faith, and trusted in God with a conviction that could never be shaken. One of our close friends who knew Mom said” after being with her you went away saying “I want to live my life like her.”

 It was by her example, and strong trust in God that led others to want to search for the spiritual part of their life. CEO’s have little fears when their convictions are strong, and we both can say her conviction of God’s promise enabled Mom to not fear death. There is a saying that goes like this ”man plans- God laughs” Mom never doubted that her life was in God’s hands.

As a good CEO, Mom was a role model, motivator and a solid rock for both of us as well as others in our family. She inspired us to move forward with our lives to attain the goals we set for ourselves. Always concerned, sometimes critical, as parents often are but as a good CEO she always supported any decision we made. Likewise she was understanding if things didn’t quite turn out the way we expected. Although she never hid her opinion and we can tell you she was very insistent that we hear it.

So you might ask ,” was this a democracy”? ..The answer would be” well it was.. kind of” but under” Queen” Catherine’s Laws.

Mom loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was very proud being a grandmother. As a good CEO, she wanted to keep up with everything happening in their lives. She was the happiest when her company of family was running smoothly. Even when she was feeling the worst, she never let that keep her from knowing all the details of those entrusted under her supervision. What her grandchildren and great grandchildren will remember the most is the joy and happiness they brought to her, and the jubilant and radiant smile on her face when they were around her. She had one un- wavering principle when it came to family-we are family-We love and stand by each other no matter what the circumstance.

When it came to her surroundings, as a top CEO she was curious about how things worked. Mom  was amazed at the new “gadgets” and technology that had come so far since she was a child, and at the age of 93 would always shock us when she would say “did you get a text from so and so”. As far as politics she would never impose her views-that is until you asked, then Nelly bar the doors- you really got an ear full.

Mom was warm and friendly to those who got to know her. She was always welcoming to all of our friends, and always made them feel special-there were no strangers, and if you didn’t at least eat something while you were visiting, you would never hear the end of it. She was a good listener, empathetic and compassionate to others especially in their time of need. We can honestly say that she believed and trusted in others, and did treat others exactly how she wanted to be treated. What she hoped from others was that they see her as a good friend who liked to live a simple life around her family.

We will truly miss our CEO , our fearless leader, our guiding light, the designer of the moral compass which leads us today- our wonderful Mother. But while we gather here  to mourn  her, it is the very soul, and spirit of her life that we celebrate, and which will remain with us for the rest of ours.