In Memory of Amalija Knavs: Melania Trump’s Poignant Eulogy and a Farewell to a Beloved Mother
A Somber Farewell in Palm Beach
On a somber Thursday in 2024, the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida, bore witness to a poignant gathering of family, friends, and dignitaries paying their final respects to Amalija Knavs, the mother of former First Lady Melania Trump. The church, where Melania and former President Donald Trump exchanged their wedding vows in 2005, served as a solemn backdrop for a farewell marked by both sorrow and cherished memories.
A Solemn Procession
As mourners arrived for the private service, a sense of reverence filled the air. Among the guests were Tiffany Trump and Ivanka Trump, the former president’s children from previous marriages, accompanied by Ivanka’s husband, Jared Kushner. Republican U.S. Senators Rick Scott of Florida and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina also joined the solemn procession.
Melania Trump’s Poignant Eulogy
With her husband, the former president, seated nearby, Melania Trump stepped up to the pulpit, her voice tinged with both grief and gratitude. She painted a vivid portrait of her mother, Amalija, as a beacon of light, a source of unwavering support, and a constant presence in her life.
“My mother was a ray of light in the darkest of days,” Melania began, her words echoing through the hushed church. “In her presence, the world seemed to shimmer with radiance and joy. Our bond was unbreakable.”
She recalled the laughter and joy that accompanied their family travels, the effortless conversations that flowed with grace and charm. Amalija, she said, celebrated their triumphs and stood by them during difficult times, her unwavering love a constant source of strength.
A Life Dedicated to Family and Resilience
Melania’s eulogy delved into the life of her mother, Amalija Knavs, a textile worker and homemaker who raised Melania and her sister, Ines, in the rural industrial town of Sevnica, Slovenia, during the Communist era. Despite the challenges of living under a repressive regime, Amalija instilled in her daughters a sense of resilience and determination.
She spoke of Amalija’s unwavering support for her family, her sacrifices, and her unwavering belief in their potential. Amalija’s love, Melania said, was a guiding force that shaped their lives, propelling them towards success and fulfillment.
A Touching Farewell and Eternal Rest
As Melania concluded her eulogy, her voice filled with emotion, she stepped down from the pulpit and approached her mother’s casket. With a gentle touch, she placed her fingers to her lips, then pressed them against the casket, a final gesture of love and farewell.
The coffin was then carried out of the church, followed by Melania and her father, Viktor Knavs, and then Donald Trump and their son, Barron. The somber procession moved slowly, each step a testament to the profound loss they felt.
After the coffin was placed in the hearse, the former president and first lady exchanged brief pleasantries with the priest before departing from the church. The day’s events concluded with the former president leading his wife to an SUV with her father, while he boarded a separate vehicle, each of them carrying the weight of their grief and the cherished memories of Amalija Knavs.
A Life Well-Lived and a Legacy of Love
Amalija Knavs’ life was a testament to the enduring power of family, resilience, and unwavering love. As the mourners departed from the church, they carried with them not only a sense of loss but also a profound appreciation for a life well-lived and a legacy of love that would continue to inspire generations to come.