In Memoriam: Melania Trump Remembers Mother, Amalija Knavs, at Solemn Funeral Service
With a heart burdened by sorrow, former First Lady Melania Trump bid farewell to her beloved mother, Amalija Knavs, during a poignant funeral service held at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, a place etched in history as the venue of her own marriage to former President Donald Trump in 2005. The church, adorned with an air of solemn elegance, welcomed mourners who gathered to pay their respects to Amalija, a woman remembered for her unwavering love, unwavering support, and unwavering spirit.
Among those in attendance were family members, close friends, and notable figures from the political arena, including Tiffany Trump and Ivanka Trump, accompanied by their spouses, Jared Kushner and Donald Trump Jr., as well as Republican U.S. Senators Rick Scott of Florida and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. With grace and composure, Melania Trump took to the pulpit to deliver a eulogy that captured the essence of her mother’s life, a life marked by resilience, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family. She spoke of Amalija’s ability to illuminate even the darkest of days with her radiant presence, creating a world shimmering with joy and radiance. Their bond, she said, was unbreakable, an enduring testament to the profound love between mother and daughter.
Melania fondly recalled the laughter-filled travels, the effortless conversations imbued with grace and charm, and her mother’s unwavering support during both triumphs and trials. Her words painted a vivid portrait of a woman who celebrated her family’s achievements and stood steadfast by their side through challenging times, a pillar of strength and unwavering love. As she concluded her eulogy, Melania’s voice quivered with emotion as she bid her mother a final farewell, her words echoing through the hushed sanctuary: “Rest in peace, my beloved mother.” With a heavy heart, she stepped down from the pulpit, her eyes brimming with tears.
In a tender and poignant gesture, Melania approached her mother’s casket, her fingers grazing her lips before gently placing them upon the polished wood, a final touch imbued with love and longing. The solemn procession of mourners filed out of the church, their footsteps muted against the marble floor, their hearts heavy with grief yet warmed by the memory of Amalija’s indomitable spirit. As the coffin was carried out, a priest waved an urn of incense, filling the air with a heady fragrance, while a man held aloft a cross, a symbol of faith and eternal hope.
Melania, her father, Viktor Knavs, and her son, Barron, followed behind, their faces etched with sorrow. Former President Donald Trump, his countenance somber, walked alongside them, sharing in their grief and offering silent support. After the coffin was reverently placed in the hearse, Melania and her father exchanged a few words with the priest, their voices barely audible above the hushed whispers of the surrounding crowd. Donald Trump then escorted his wife to an SUV, where she was joined by her father, before he boarded a separate vehicle, each of them seeking solace in their private thoughts.
Amalija Knavs: A Life of Love, Resilience, and Family
Born in Sevnica, Slovenia, then part of Communist Yugoslavia, Amalija Knavs, a textile worker and homemaker, raised Melania and her older sister, Ines, in a rural industrial town. Her husband, Viktor Knavs, worked as a chauffeur before becoming a successful car dealer. Despite the challenges of living under Communist rule, Amalija instilled in her daughters a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family and tradition.
Melania, born Melanija, attended high school in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, and embarked on a modeling career after changing her name to Melania Knauss. In 1996, she moved to New York City, where she met Donald Trump in 1998. Their marriage in 2005 at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea marked a new chapter in her life, propelling her into the public eye as the First Lady of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
Throughout her tenure as First Lady, Melania maintained a close relationship with her parents, sponsoring their immigration to the United States and witnessing their naturalization as citizens in 2018. Amalija Knavs made occasional appearances at the White House, gracing events with her presence and offering unwavering support to her daughter.
A Mother’s Legacy: Enduring Love, Unwavering Support
Amalija Knavs’s passing leaves a void in the lives of her family and friends, a void that will be filled with cherished memories of her love, her wisdom, and her unwavering support. Her legacy lives on in her daughters, Melania and Ines, who carry her spirit with them wherever they go.
As the funeral cortege departed from The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, the sun cast long shadows across the grounds, a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of love. In the hearts of those who knew and loved her, Amalija Knavs’s memory will forever shine brightly, a beacon of light guiding them through the darkest of days.
May Amalija Knavs’s soul find eternal peace and solace in the realm beyond.