A slight modification of a birthday toast (with thanks to Melinda)

 

A cook with great skill, and a love for food,

Her knowledge of Trader Joe’s was simply shrewd.

From carrot cake to peppermint bark,

She knew where to find the best.

She was a shark.

 

Naomi traveled the world from Patagonia to France,

But Sicily was number one, it put her in a trance.

A collector of fine art and décor as well,

Her apartment at the Dresden – a story to tell.

 

Attitude and perseverance were her magical traits,

Her struggles with health she always dominated.

Through challenges she showed resilience,

A strong endurance that inspired brilliance.

 

Opinionated? Direct? Unfiltered too?

But that was just Naomi, her friends all knew.

Loved for that, it was part of her soul,

You just had to sit back and let it roll.

 

Fun-loving with a passion for learning,

Italian and books, her knowledge forever burning.

Kind and generous to those in need,

Her support for causes, a noble deed.

 

Her daughter, BQ, a joy to behold,

Smart, talented and insightful with a heart of gold.

She’s Naomi’s one and true shining light,

With pride she boasted her successes so bright.

 

Book clubs and dog parties,

Museum group, happy hours by design:

A gifted hostess turns schedules into kin.

She made a community where none had been.

 

Naomi is survived by her mother Miriam, brother Abe and daughter Alexandra. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Mitchell Park, 2401 Tracy Place, NW,Washington, DC 20008. mitchellparkdc.org.