Lolita Walker Fisher
March 5, 1927 – May 20, 2020
Her Youngest Daughter Carol Walker,
“How do you say goodbye?”
To an amazing mother, best friend, mentor, fierce defender and amazing role model. Someone who was always there with unconditional Love. You've been the best mom a daughter could ask for, teaching me what was important in life like family and love and respect for others. As you've always said to me,” It's never goodbye I’ll just be going ahead to prepare a home for you,” which makes this a little easier. Your send-off is with the fork and spoon you requested so you can eat all the cake and ice cream your heart desires in Heaven and the love and respect of many. It's with a heavy heart I can accept you will be out of our physical life, but knowing you're with us always and looking down from above. You're out of pain, at peace and back with your family. Safe journey my dear, sweet mother. We love you!!”
Her Middle Daughter Anne Walker,
“My favorite memories of mom are some of the things that as a kid, I didn’t always dig so much!”
But now, wow, as I’m reminiscing and missing her, they all seem to be pretty darn miraculous attributes! I see that I was truly blessed with my very own “Dolly Pardon like, almost famous,” Momma! She loved to sing, perform, dress up, with makeup, perfume, (and some special enhanced lifts/nips & tucks,) and lots of big gorgeous hairdos! Boy! She was really something when she hit the room! Made an entrance, and dazzled everyone with her bold personality, giving love, open hugs, carefree songs and sparkling smiles! Wherever we went, her smile and friendliness were so contagious! She’d say hello to everyone she’d meet! Always asking the men if they were married! First thing! Right off the bat! Are you married? I have daughters; she’d say! Then she’d tell them that her name is Lolita; “little flower in Spanish.” And she’d sing her Lolita Song! And if your name reminded her of a song; she would sing to you too! Especially a treat and so enjoyable for me to see these last few years in the Nursing Home, she would really spread the joy around in everyone’s day there! She and I enjoyed attending church together and going out to eat afterwards. Forget about the meal, she was there for the desserts! Bring it on! Milkshakes, cakes, pies, and ice cream and cookies! Boy if I came over with a birthday cake I better not have forgotten the ice cream! One day not too long ago, I called to see how she was doing, and she said she wasn’t feeling well. Then when I stopped by to visit she was in the kitchen eating ice cream! I said hey I thought you were sick! Yes, but ice cream always makes me feel better! Of course! Her favorite saying was; “Life is short, eat dessert first!” And I’m pretty sure she lived by that! Makes sense she asked to be buried with a fork for cake! I could go on and on! Mom was a real spark-plug and a real go-getter! I know she grabbed the microphone and a slice of cake as soon as she hit the Pearly Gates! That is after asking St. Peter if he was married or not
Her Oldest Daughter, Debbie Watson,
“Debbie you can do anything!”
How often did I her that from mom? I called her my cheerleader because she was always there to lovingly encourage me to pursue my dreams. She was the epitome of kindness, goodness, love for family and complete faith in god. That love and faith never waivered, and I believe grew even stronger with age. Mom’s faith that others were decent and kind, just like her, guided her actions and helped her see the good in everyone. Her accepting smile, quick laughter, and sweet singing brought out the best in everyone she touched. I will miss the bright light surrounding mom, and the warmth she surrounded me with. Mom was the perfect example of a life well lived! I’m confident, though, she’s singing all her favorite Gospel, Elvis, Dolly and Johnny Cash songs for all to hear and eating lots of desserts! That makes me smile. I will love you forever, mom!
Her Son-In-Law/Son, David Watson,
“The Most Loving, Caring, Kindest and Sincere Person”
While many make jokes about their mother-in-law, I always found it much easier and gratifying to share my true feelings about Lolita. I often described Lolita as the most loving, caring, kindest and sincere person I have ever met. She found joy in making others joyful. She found happiness in making others happy. Her efforts were most evident with her family, but an absolute stranger was treated in much the same way. Lolita’s enthusiastic love of life and energy in which she pursued it prompted me to call her “Sparky” because I felt it described her well. Later on, it seemed like she was at such peace and comfort that she radiated a real sense of loveliness. It just seemed so natural to me that I would forever call her “Lovely Lita”. I remembered that both Bob and Nollie would call her “Lita” on occasion, so it seemed fitting to call her that. Like all others, Lolita had a profound effect on my life, and I will miss her and love her forever.
Her Grandson Ben,
“I have no words that will shine like MeMe did”.
She made me believe I would succeed in everything I tried and there wasn't anything I couldn't learn. She made everything fun and exciting. On rainy days, she would lay newspaper over her blue carpet throughout the house and give me an extension cord to fish with. Newspaper was the dock and her blue carpet was the water of course. Every holiday was celebrated with a card full of loving words and heart stickers all over. She took pride in spoiling us. When mom and I lived in Virginia, our conversation always ended by teaching me to say goodbye in different languages. She carried herself with pride and instilled pride and confidence in us. It was always so exciting to see the big blue water tower that was right by her house. We were almost there. When we left, she would run down the sidewalk waving goodbye. Her 93 years were good to her but not as good as she was to us. The following poem embodies MeMe. She would not want anyone sad. She accomplished her goal. She has moved on to her next adventure happily, content with the life she led and the family she raised and loved.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave bereft
I am not there. I have not left.
Mary Elizabeth Frye
Her Step-Son David Fisher,
“When I think about mom, the word that comes to mind is love”.
The first thing I noticed was her love for my father. She made my father so happy and I know that they were destined to be together. They made such a loving and supportive couple who shared their love of teaching and family. I have never met a person more loving and devoted to family than mom. This is something I felt and appreciated throughout my life. Mom loved teaching and children. I remember meeting students in my junior high school who had her as an elementary school teacher. They all told me that she was their favorite teacher who inspired them with her passion, kindness and use of music in the classroom. Mom also had a great love of music and singing. She had such a beautiful voice and I loved to listen to her sing hymns and songs. There is not a phrase or conversation you could have with her that would not inspire her memory of a song that she would immediately start singing. Finally, mom had a great love for God. Her faith was one of the things I first noticed about her. I saw that her love of God gave her such joy and peace, and this was one of the things that inspired me to make my own faith journey. I will be forever grateful for her gift of love and the gift of such a beautiful extended family.
Her Step-Daughter Chana LeBowitz,
“Dearest Lolita, I learned from you so many things of eternal value”
From you I learned that giving to others brings one the greatest happiness.
From you I learned that the ability to give is a gift in itself.
I learned from you that to keep ones heart open to others, you must see the good in them always, even when it’s hard to do.
I learned, by watching you, the art of giving honor to one’s husband, by complimenting him, taking pleasure in tending to his needs, building him up and looking your best for him.
I learned from you to make each child feel special, seen and celebrated. You taught me forgiveness and patience through your own example as I struggled in my teenage years.
It was you, dearest Lolita, who first encouraged me to light the Sabbath candle which kindled within me a yearning for a deeper connection to G-d within my own religion’s path, bringing me to a fully religious life as a Jew.
From you I learned loyalty to family and how to create belonging by gathering everyone together as often as possible to celebrate milestones.
Thank you for being steadfast in your love and your eternal hope for the goodness and well-being of all mankind. I am grateful for these precious lessons.
With eternal gratitude and much love,
Chana (Robin) LeBowitz (nee Fisher)”
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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