A memorial service for Jacier was held Friday, January 25, 2008 at her place of employment, Harris County Hospital District. Among those from her family were her parents Jose and Luisa, her Aunt Selma, brother Leo, Jaci's beloved fiancee' Edgar (Ale') Cruz, his cousins Luis and Luz and their children and grandchildren, Jaci's cousin Ligh. There were over 60 colleagues from the Hospital district to pay their respects to Jacier and her family.
For those unable to attend, I have been asked to share the the eulogies and comments during the service.
The opening/welcome by Sally Harris: "I would like to welcome all to this gathering. Jacier Prospert, whom we honor today, spent her days transforming lives. She gave hope to the desperate, healing to the sick, friendship to the lonely, understanding to the distracted, and she brought laughter to the overly serious. We are grateful that we can meet this morning so that we can support one another as we remember and pay our tribute to Jacier: daughter...sister...niece...loved one...colleague...and teacher."
There were several eulogies from her friends and coworkers in Houston:
From Paul Guerrero:
"My name is Paul Guerrero, and I am an employee at Ben Taub Mental Health Services.
At this time, all the psych techs would like to pay our respects to the most gracious family of Jacier. We understand they have traveled many miles to be with us today.
The unexpected event of Jacier has affected us all, we feel we were part of her extended family.
Each of us have asked ourselves, “Why? Why did this happen? Why did this beautiful stream of water stop flowing….”
We search for answers. We search for peace.
We turn to our faith and we find comfort, we embrace the serenity of love for Jacier, like an angel embracing his wings over our pain…and we find peace.
Peace over sorrow…
Peace over loss…
And it is through our faith that we find the answers…it is through our faith that we are baptized in water, and to follow the footsteps of the Son of Man. For the path to the Son of Man leads to the Kingdom…And in the Kingdom, the beautiful, wonderful stream of Jacier is flowing again freely.
Flowing in….love.
Flowing in ….peace."
From Sally Harris
"I remember when I heard the news of Jacier’s passing, I simply could not believe it; Jaci was too young and her death was so sudden. It has slowly occurred to me through my own grieving that she indeed lived her life wonderfully and most recently so happily. This brings me comfort. Jacier was well-loved; she was respected professionally by her peers and by her patients. She had done so many things on earth; I’m sure she’ll do much more in Heaven. I will forever be grateful to have known Jaci and be thankful that she was a part of my life.
Those of you who have looked at her memorial on the Internet have seen the pictures of the Christmas tree we put up the weekend after Thanksgiving. Being newly single, I was not at all in the spirit or motivated to trim a tree for Christmas. Jaci knew this but was determined that she was going to spend that Sunday decorating my house. At the time, I agreed, but only because she insisted by saying that I was providing her the opportunity for a holiday ritual she wanted and was missing being away from family. What I realize now is that she was adamant that we do this together not for herself at all. My dear sweet friend was aware that this was beneficial and healing for me. This is but one example of the depth of her kindness, sensitivity, and love.
On that day, we had the front door open to decorate the outside of the house and both our dogs darted out and started running down the street. Jaci marched out to the street, pointed and said, “Mida!” meaning “Look!” Both Eschner and Dizzy froze in their tracks and turned around to race back to Jaci’s feet, sitting obediently. We laughed that my dog would never obey any command I gave him in English, but would readily obey Jaci’s stern command in Spanish.
Jaci had the ability to brighten any room she entered. Every day she came to work, her greeting wasn’t just the ordinary, “Hey” or “Good morning”. She’d greet each of us by name in that beautiful singsong voice, “Sally, Janet, Ricky…” and always accompanied by a warm hug. It set a positive tone for our day.
Jacier is in Heaven now and we are here to remember her. This is the time for us to grieve her death but more importantly it’s our time to celebrate her life. She never wanted to see people cry. She wanted to make everyone happy. Let’s all think back and remember how Jacier touched our lives. Please let’s honor her life by sharing the happy memories with her loved ones who are here, comforted by knowing that each of us carries her in our hearts. And as we give of ourselves to others from our hearts, we are honoring her memory and assuring her presence is forever within us. This is eternal life.
Jacier will be missed, but I believe in the right time, we will all meet her again and she will make us smile and laugh with her radiant light and joy."
Ricardo Leal gave a warm, spontaneous, touching, heartfelt, and often humorous eulogy that opened with, "I know Jacier is with us and laughing right now, because this flower arrangement is taller than I am". Rick's sincerity and emotion could never be captured by me. He has promised to write it down so that I can post and share on this blog.
Tiffani and Jacier, Top Models
Savoring a dessert
