Myriam Kutscher was as strong a woman as you're likely to find. Born in Belgium a little after after world war 2 she emigrated to the US in 1952, aged 5. She had two younger sisters, Chantal, and Christine. She grew up in Pittsburgh, where she developed her easygoing and compassionate Midwest values before going back and forth to attend high school in Europe and college in the US. She was good natured, positive, and took a genuine interest in others, which is why she made and kept friends so easily. Many of those reading this have probably known her for a very long time. It's not easy to keep friends through life, but she made it look that way. She went by Marti because she didn't love the name Myriam. Her two granddaughters whom she absolutely adored called her Mimi. She was creative. For a time she hung wallpaper and had a knack for interior design. She also took up watercolor painting, and always indulged her creative talents, which she passed on to her children. Speaking of her kids, there is no doubt her two boys tested this woman something fierce growing up. Andrew, her oldest, and Ryan inherited many of their best qualities from her, including her tireless work ethic, sense of humor, and fairness. Interestingly, neither picked so much as a smidge of her epic patience. They were not easy boys to raise. Their fire they got from their dad, her husband Bob. She handled it in them with the same grace she handled it in him. She never lost her temper, never lost her cool or optimism, either, even when others did. When a pediatrician suggested they put her youngest on Ritalin as a child, her response was short: "Like hell, you will." So, yes, she had a tough streak. But that was very rarely turned in the direction of others, and rather towards the challenges and sometimes unfair curve balls life throws us all. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in her early 50's. In typical fashion she made the best of things and never let it get her down. Not for long anyway. Stubbornness was another quality she possessed. She endured the disease for over 20 years, and while it took a lot from her it didn't touch her determination to continue her pursuits with her characteristic positivity. Just a few months ago she put on an exhibit of her watercolors, and even got some very generous offers to buy a few, which came as a surprise to her, but not to anyone who has seen her signature abstracts. Her family was the most important thing to her. Above all else, her children and grandchildren were always on her mind. She had pictures of them at every age in every room in her house. Every time she spoke on the phone with her kids she asked for more. She even adored her granddog, Rudder. Like many mothers she relentlessly inquired about engagements, and when she would have more grandkids. The disease put a strain on every facet of her life towards the end, but miraculously, no matter what she endured, she did so with strength, resilence, and an optimistic spirit that simply couldn't be broken. Remember her for that, and may her strength inspire you in your life. She would have liked that.
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