38 Comments

Thanks SO much to everyone who took the time to appreciate Gabriella, and especially to leave a comment here. I've re-read them many times, and it's a particularly effective grief therapy to do so.

I'm feeling overwhelmingly positive about the mark she made on everyone, including me, and even her way of exiting this reality at the end of almost a century. May we all have the privilege of mourning the loss of people who help make us our best selves.

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Andrew,

Sending you our sympathies as you celebrate your mother’s life. Thank you for sharing what she taught you. Thus, she has taught us as well.

Phil

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Hi Andrew, I am so saddened to hear about Gabriella’s passing. I remember her fondly, her quick wit, kindness, cheeky sense of humor, her amazing cooking (that incredible Chicken Paprika) and her love for her family. A beautiful lady always. Thinking of you and Matthew and your families. Hope you’re coping as best you can. Sending hugs. Simon C.

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Sorry to hear of your Mum's passing, sad when great people go.

My wife is a physician and loves patients that are over 90 they seem to get a better perspective on life and impart great wisdom. Your Mum sounds like one of them

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Gabriella looked like a beautiful soul, Andrew, who really helped shape the person you have become. Thanks for sharing her wise words for us all: "are you enjoying what you are doing? Does it make you happy?" Carry on her legacy of curiosity and zest for life, as well as making that bean soup, pancakes and schnitzels. They will return you each time to the comfort of your mother's love.

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Thanks for sharing about your mum's life, Andrew. She sounded and looks amazing in that photo. And it is clear she was a hugely positive influence in your life. Intensely curious, regardless of her career and station in life. A life fully lived and to be celebrated. You will miss her for sure, but you also carry on her learning and wisdom, passing on the baton to others. Keep making that bean soup, schnitzel and pancakes. These things return us to memories of comfort and love.

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Nice insightful reflections on your mum Andrew - she sounded like an outstanding human. Curiosity drives interest and then connection - no wonder she was outstanding. Thinking of you - and your mum. Best, Andrew.

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Hi Andrew,

You have my sympathies for the loss of your mother- I hope you have lots of love & support around you through this journey of grief & redefining yourself. Your mother definitely made good use of the time and energy available to her - you continue her legacy. Ros

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Omg Andrew, I’m so sorry to hear. Your mum had a big impact on me as a kid when I used to stay over… I came from a migrant family where kids knew their place, and were measured by how quiet and polite they were at the dinner table, yet Gabriella would talk to me, and ask me questions as if not only did age not matter, but a child actually had something to say and had view of the world not only worth sharing, but that an adult would actually be interested in. Andrew, I’ve always looked up to you as a remarkably thoughtful, and profound influence on my life, but I suspect to no small degree I know you ‘got it from your mum’. For that alone I thank your mum immeasurably. I’m really saddened… Dennis

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Dear Andrew, what a beautiful and fitting tribute to an amazing woman. Thankyou for sharing these stories about Gabriella. I hope these memories of her and no doubt many many others sustain you and your family through this sad time.

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Andrew, I am so sorry for your loss. What an inspiration. I love these two questions, and living a life with this as a beacon, is a great life to be lived:

“Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Are you happy?”

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My condolences Andrew, your mother sounds like a wonderful, insightful and interesting woman. We share patents who escaped the Hungarian revolution and I think it certainly shaped some of their approach to life. Whilst my dad didn't cook, we certainly enjoyed some wonderful Hungarian meals at Transylvania and Blue Danube in Melbourne!

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I am sorry for your loss. And I loved how you have shared her with us. Thank you for the questions

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Condolences on the death of your mother. Wonderful anecdotes about her life and influence.

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Condolences on the death of your mother. Wonderful anecdotes about her life and influence.

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That's a beautiful tribute to your mother written in your inspiring style. Thank you. Condolences to you and your family at this very sad time.

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