Sing Out Louise

Today marks the one year anniversary of the passing of most amazing woman we've ever known, our mother, Louise Messina. A year ago we shared some of our favorite photos of her with you, and had an unexpected outpouring of support and kind words in return. We would like to send our sincerest thanks to all of you who sent us very personal, heartfelt, and comforting words to help us through.We can't begin to express how touched we were, and the amount of love we felt while reading these messages from you, our customers, most of whom have never even met us (in person). You are truly amazing.

So if we can ask one more thing of you, please hug your loved ones today, sing songs together, laugh at old times, and make a huge Italian meal big enough to invite over all of your neighbors like our Mom would have done! We present to you the original email we sent you one year ago with the photos you all seemed to love so much, and below that we threw in a few extras accompanied by just some of your wonderful comments...

It is with very heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of our amazing Mom, Louise Messina. October 1st, 1945 - July 31st, 2008.


She will be sorely missed by many. As you know, All-Mighty is a family operation run by just the two of us sisters. This is why you haven't heard much from us recently. We flew to New York for two weeks where we sadly said goodbye with several perfect and heartfelt ceremonies and celebrations of her life. She touched many people and so many came to pay their respects it was amazing. Our mother was a passionate music producer/writer/singer for Television so there was no shortage of musicians mourning among our huge family and her many friends. We cried, we laughed, and we sang her favorite songs. Unfortunately, we also had to clean out her beautiful apartment overlooking Manhattan where we shared so many happy memories. Among many other things such as being an amazing baker and incredible cook, she was also an avid collector and we couldn't bear to part with her many belongings. They're soon to be on a truck and heading our way. We have found the perfect dwelling for her collections, the two of us, our significant others, AND All-Mighty. It's perfect, beautiful, and our Mom would have loved it. You would have loved our Mom.

Much Love,
Erica & Jennifer Daking

P.S. Our Mom had incredible energy and so many ambitions. She thought her whole life was ahead of her, even at 62. We threw these photos in so you could take a peek into her very accomplished life. Here are some of our favorite photos...

The 60s, 8x10 glossy from her singing days...


The 70s...

In one of her recording studios...


The 80s, Cooking one of her countless meals...


Her Cookie Factory in Tuckahoe, NY

The 90s, One of her features in Good Housekeeping (She had 4,000 cookie jars!)...


2008, One of her many color themed Sunday dinners at her apartment...


She used to take so many pics of her view. I had to throw one in.
The city she so dearly loved...

Thanks for looking!

Here are a few of the many, many sweet responses we received...

"So sorry for your loss. Your Mom sounds like an amazing woman."

"My sympathies for the loss of your mom. I can't imagine how difficult this time is for you both. Hold those Bostons tightly and hang in there."

One of her many famous Sunday Dinners

"I am so sorry to hear about your Mom! She was so glamorous, and she obviously did a great job raising her talented kids. Many condolences, and Boston kisses from Mr. Henry."

With our older sister, Louise

"even though i already knew this it still brought tears to my eyes. i love you girls and wish i had gotten to meet your mom. she seemed like such an amazing lady - and i know that because of her is the reason you 2 are so special!

"I am so sorry for you loss of your dear mother. I can see her memory lives on and shines brightly. Thank you for sharing her with us."

"I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She sounded like such a vibrant and creative soul. She will live on in her two girls who have brought joy to many with their creations! My thoughts & prayers will be with you!"

"I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. From the photos she looks like a beautiful woman who had a wonderful life. She had to have been pretty amazing to produce such talented daughters! You girls will be in my thoughts!"

"I'm so sorry for your loss, she sounds like a rad lady! I think you need to remake that cute apron she has on, it totally make me giggle."

"Thank you for showing all of the fabulous pictures of your mom! What a fun and stylish lady she was! We enjoyed sharing a little clue into this marvelous woman's life."

"Your mom was a beautiful lady. I'm so sorry for your loss. It's wonderful that you hold such sweet memories of her...I hope those memories somehow ease the pain
you feel at her loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones at this sad time."

"i am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. your mother sounds like she was beautiful inside and out (boy is she a knockout in the publicity pic!), as well as creative, fun, and successful. thanks for sharing your mom's story with us all."

"So sorry to hear your sad news. Sending hugs and puppy love from myself and the fur kids. I wish you all the best!"

"My heart goes out to you both. What a beautiful and talented lady - you must have been so proud of her, and I'm sure she was of you two too. I am glad you have such a bond as sisters and something to focus on with your business. Treasure your Mom's possessions, smell her perfume and know she is watching over you somewhere. xxx"

"I just wanted to say how sorry i am to hear about your mum! That was such a lovely email to have sent, it was really touching! i hope you are both ok and wish you all the best for the future!"

"My heart goes out to you both! What an amazing woman, what a lucky family you are!
xoxo"

"I'm sorry to hear the sad news. Your Mom was beautiful! And I'm sure she would have loved this little tribute."

The two of us, Erica & Jen, with our Mom in the height of 80's fashion

"Dear All Mighty Sisters,
I'm very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I just looked through these photos and she looked like a really amazing woman. Very beautiful inside and out, I can just tell from the photos. I think Boston Terrier people are a special breed of our own, and just wanted to say that I'm sending good wishes your way. xo"

"So sorry for your loss. She looks like she was an extraordinary person! She had to be to have 2 awesome and talented daughters like you all! Take Care."

With her Grandkids, Madison & David

"I'm so sorry to hear of your sad news. Your mum looks like she was a very cool and lovely lady :o) Big Hugs!"

Lastly, I would like to add that our Mother's passing from a Pulmonary Embolism was completely preventable, and make you aware of the seriousness of blood clots, and more specifically DVT. Deep-Vein Thrombosis is the cause of 300,000 deaths a year, and people need to be more aware of it. Please take a minute to browse the Coalition to Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis web site to learn more about DVT, including the signs and symptoms of DVT and reducing the risks of developing a DVT.

Thank you very much.
Love, Jen & Erica Daking