Some Armenian words, which I cannot repeat

Yvette, our neighbor throughout our childhood, surprised us at Alice's funeral with this memorial, which she read out loud, and which I paste here, unedited:

"A TRIBUTE TO ALICE

Lord our God, the death of Alice recalls our human condition and the brevity of our lives on earth. But for those who believe in Your love, death is not the end, nor does it destroy the bonds that You forge in our lives. Today as we mourn the sudden death of Alice, show us the immense power of Your goodness and strengthen our belief that she has entered into Your Presence.

Alice, is a French name that comes from the word Adelaide derivate of the German name Adalheids, which means noble and kind. That is the best way to describe Alice, noble and kind.

True to her zodiac Aries, Alice was a young ram full of adventure, ambition, enthusiasm and energy for life. She was a pioneer both in thought and action, very open to new ideas and a lover of freedom. She welcomed new challenges and would not be diverted from their purpose except by an occasional impatience. She was unwilling to obey or submit to directions for which she could see no reason, or with which she disagreed. She was concerned about good health, plenty of exercise and eating healthy. She was a courageous leader, with a genuine concern for those she commanded. She was proud of her heritage, so much so that she told every class she taught on the first day about the Armenian genocide. Alice was very creative. She loved to paint. She once showed me her painting space in the garage. The colorful stool she had finished. And the beautiful lamps she made to shed her light!

I remember that Alice loved animals, loved people and loved life.

I remember playing as kids. The days the Chahinians put up a basketball court, was the happiest day of my life! I probably used it more than they did. But, I got to see Alice follow her sister and throw the basketball underhanded lifting from between her knees.

I remember watching her grow up. I often remember sitting next to her on the porch. I remember her long hair when she was little. I remember her mom trying to comb out the knots. Alice hated it. Sometimes she would slip onto the front porch before Mary could catch her. I remember how she would get upset and pet the cat in silence and we’d feel the cold shoulder for a while. I remember Alice taught me some Armenian words, which I cannot repeat! I remember when we went to the movies and her mom packed apples. And she passed one to me but I couldn’t bite it because it was so hard to eat with my braces. So I smacked it against the edge of the armrest and broke off a piece and ate it. Alice and I were laughing hysterically, but Sophie and Haig weren’t too amused since they were concentrating on the movie. Eventually Haig joined in the laughter.

As an adult, I remember when I used to watch her jog and prepare for her soccer games. I remember how many times she’d open the front door and welcome me in to listen to my crazy life stories, whenever I was in Cerritos. And just a few weeks ago, I remember waving and smiling at Alice as she pulled up in her jeep – but I never imagined that was the final goodbye!

It is said when a child is buried that the parents feel their hopes and dreams will also be buried. Mary & Leon, do not let this sentiment take over. Remember Alice’s achievements and how she reached them with your love and support.

Sophie & Haig: your best friend, your sister is only missing from the physical world. There is no possible way to drive down Hart Street and not remember the laughter, the noise, the games and the boys! We laughed, we cried, we fought and we died. Alice when you left us you took a part of us with you. You will be eternally missed but never forgotten. REST IN PEACE, GOD BLESS YOU!"