In Memory of Amalija Knavs: A Ray of Light Remembered
On a somber Thursday, former First Lady Melania Trump stood before a gathering of loved ones and mourners at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida, to bid farewell to her beloved mother, Amalija Knavs. The church, where Melania and former President Donald Trump exchanged vows in 2005, served as a solemn backdrop for a day marked by both grief and fond remembrance.
With her husband, the former president, seated nearby, Melania delivered a eulogy that painted a vivid portrait of her mother as a beacon of light and an unwavering source of love and support. She spoke of the profound bond they shared, a bond that transcended time and circumstance.
“In her presence, the world seemed to shimmer with radiance and joy,” Melania said, her voice filled with emotion. “Our bond was unbreakable.”
A Life Celebrated: Amalija Knavs, 1943-2023
Amalija Knavs, born on February 9, 1943, in Sevnica, Slovenia, was a woman of humble beginnings who raised her family with love, resilience, and unwavering dedication. As a textile worker and homemaker, she instilled in her daughters, Melania and Ines, the values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance.
Together with her husband, Viktor Knavs, who worked as a chauffeur and later became a car dealer, Amalija created a loving home for her family in the rural industrial town of Sevnica, Slovenia, during a time when the country was under Communist rule as part of Yugoslavia.
Despite the challenges of their circumstances, Amalija and Viktor provided their daughters with a strong foundation, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and aspirations. Melania, born Melanija, attended high school in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, and later changed her name to Melania Knauss when she embarked on a successful modeling career.
A Legacy of Love and Support
Throughout her life, Amalija remained a steadfast pillar of support for her family. She celebrated their triumphs and stood by them during difficult times, always offering a listening ear, a warm embrace, and unwavering encouragement.
Melania touchingly recalled the laughter and joy that accompanied their travels together, the effortless flow of conversations graced with charm and wisdom. She spoke of her mother’s unwavering presence, a constant source of peace and solace.
A Farewell Filled with Dignity and Grace
As the funeral service drew to a close, Melania, overcome with emotion, approached her mother’s casket, gently touching her fingers to her lips before placing them on the casket, a final gesture of love and farewell.
The coffin was then carried out of the church, followed by a procession of mourners, including Melania, her father, Viktor Knavs, former President Donald Trump, and their son, Barron. The solemn procession made its way to the hearse, where the former president and first lady exchanged pleasantries with the officiating priest.
A Family United in Grief and Remembrance
Among the guests who arrived to pay their respects were two of Donald Trump’s children from previous marriages, Tiffany Trump and Ivanka Trump, along with Ivanka’s husband, Jared Kushner. Republican U.S. Senators Rick Scott of Florida and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina were also present, demonstrating the breadth of relationships and connections that Amalija and her family had cultivated over the years.
A Life Well-Lived: Amalija’s Enduring Impact
Amalija Knavs’s life was marked by resilience, love, and unwavering dedication to her family. She raised her daughters to be strong, independent women, instilling in them the values that would shape their lives and careers.
Melania’s decision to sponsor her parents’ immigration to the United States, culminating in their citizenship in 2018, stands as a testament to her deep love and commitment to her family. Their lawyer’s assertion that they applied for citizenship on their own, without special treatment, underscores their unwavering determination and self-reliance.
A Time of Reflection and Gratitude
As the Trumps and their family members bid farewell to Amalija Knavs, they carried with them the memories of a life well-lived, a life that touched countless hearts and left an enduring legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering support.
Despite the challenges and trials they faced, Amalija and her family emerged stronger, their bond unbreakable. And as they gathered to honor her memory, they found solace in the knowledge that her spirit would forever live on in their hearts and minds.