Posted on 01/18/2024 11:18:57 AM PST by jacknhoo
Former First Lady Melania Trump gave a moving eulogy full of emotion at the funeral of her mother Amalija Knavs Thursday morning with her husband and family gathered around to say a final goodbye.
“Her nurturing spirit had no limits, creating a legacy that will last for generations,” Melania Trump said of her mother, voice cracking with grief. “With her beauty and impeccable sense of style, she turned heads. But it was her unwavering dedication and hard work that made her exceptional.”
She passed away on January 9, at the age of 78. The former first lady spoke of her mother’s love for her grandson Barron, who she “showered with affection, illuminating his world with love, tender care and unwavering devotion,” the Daily Mail reported.
She sadly said farewell at Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, “Rest in peace, my beloved mother.”
Former President Trump flew home to Florida from his defamation trial in New York in the early hours of Thursday in time to stand with his wife while she mourned the loss of her mother.
Approximately a dozen black SUVs arrived at the church carrying the Trump family to the solemn event. Melania Trump watched as her mother’s coffin was carried outside after the service by pallbearers while flanked by clergy.
“As the procession reached the road and she watched her mom being loaded back into the hearse, Trump reached out and tenderly squeezed his wife’s hand,” the Daily Mail wrote.
“It was lovely. She spoke artfully and straight from the heart about the elegance of her mother and the extraordinary stewardship she had for the family,” Melania’s attorney Michael Wildes told the Daily Mail following the service.
(Video Credit: Daily Mail)
Showing incredible strength, Melania Trump managed to get through the service without breaking down according to her lawyer.
“Melania was composed and elegant as always but this was undoubtedly an impactful moment for her,” he commented. “The loss of her mother has really shocked her to the core. She relied heavily on her for support and counsel. She was the epitome of a doting grandmother.”
Melania Trump and her father Viktor Knavs were surrounded by mourners at the church for the final goodbye. Her father was visibly stricken over his loss but managed to make it through the ordeal.
A massive Secret Service motorcade escorted the hearse bearing Knavs’ casket, decorated with white roses, orchids, and Lillies, which arrived just after 10 a.m.
Barron Trump and his siblings with their spouses and partners all attended the service. There were roughly 100 mourners there according to the Daily Mail.
The Rev. Tim Schenck greeted the family with words of comfort.
Also in attendance were Senators Rick Scott and Lindsay Graham. Trump’s sister Elizabeth Trump Grau, 82, also attended the service.
During a victory speech following a landslide victory at the Iowa caucus Tuesday, Trump delivered a tribute to his mother-in-law, calling her an “incredible, beautiful mother.”
“She’s up there, way up there. She’s looking down and she’s so proud of us. And I just want to say to Amalija, you are special, one of the most special people I’ve ever known,” he said.
The former first lady missed most of the Christmas and New Year celebrations at Mar-a-Lago to stay by her mother’s side as she prepared to pass on.
“Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity. She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honor and love her legacy,” Melania Trump said in a statement after her mother’s passing.
Users on X conveyed their condolences to the Trump family:
Prayers for she and her family, for comfort during this most difficult time. 🙏
Her mom is watching over them from Heaven now.
Melania is beautiful but also tough. I had a very hard time doing the same thing at my mothers funeral.
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