Saturday, May 10, 2025
My sister in law, Mouse, was an enduring presence in my family’s life. We spent many summers, and Holidays, graduations, etc. either at her house in Tivoli or our house in Santa Barbara.
My children’s educational needs were a priority to me & to her. Thanks to her generosity they all went to schools we weren’t capable of providing for them.
My eldest daughter got into RISD which launched her into an artistic profession that was a dream for her.
Mouse was present at the birth of my 2nd daughter, born not far from Tivoli. In fact she & Kadi drove me to my midwife’s house in a snow storm while Montino & Giuliano were speeding back from NYC.
She held Alex at delivery while my midwife took care of me. I looked at her face worrying that she must have been horrified with this screaming baby but instead she was smiling. She really took everything as it came & had that unceasing ability to handle things & move through them.
Teaching Canasta to all of my children will always be a wonderful memory that we still carry on every Christmas.
Kadi, who followed the rules would lose patience but Mouse would just suggest rules & laugh at our youngest, Isa, as she cheated or made up her own rules.
She was an amazing Aunt to Giuliano, Camilla, Alexandra & Isabella.
Her generosity & love for all 4 children & for me & her brother & of course her husband & mother & all family members was always something we could all count on, no matter what.
She was blessed with many family members that supported her as she aged. Anita & Johanne’s Schoenborn, or as Giuliano use to call him “Your Highness”, were a huge presence helping her & picking her up & just making life easier in every way. I love them for that.
Theresa & family & her adopted daughter, Lizi were very important to her & all were there for her at the end.
As you can tell, I could write a book, there’s so many lovely memories I will always cherish.
She is missed & always loved.
She is now with the loved ones who proceeded her.
One thing I am sure of is that Kadi & Mouse are hosting a big feast at a very long table in celebration of reuniting. Cheers & love to them all.
Rita Bourbon
