Tribute to Mamyte
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It's been five years since the world lost beloved Alexandra Kazickas on her 91st birthday, June 17th, 2011. Many people remember her as the most spirited, joyful and dedicated friend, while family members kindly share some of the most treasured memories of Mamyte.
Jurate Kazickas, daughter:
It is hard to believe five years have gone by since our dear mother, Alexandra, died. I miss her so much. Being the oldest and only girl in the family, I of course had a special relationship with her. Not only was she beautiful, charming, warm and loving, she was also so much fun.
Let me tell just one story about our happy times together.
One night when we were visiting Paris, we went for dinner to Maxim’s, a famous tourist restaurant. We decided just for the heck of it to pretend we did not speak or understand English, even though most people looking at us would assume we were Americans. So to each other, Mamyte and I spoke Lithuanian and answered the waiters in French. Being typical Frenchmen, they insisted on talking to us in English. But we held our ground. “Mes ne suprantam…Nous ne comprenons pas…” we replied that we did not understand. “Elles sont les Americaines,” we could hear the waiters grumble. But they finally gave up and let us order our meal in my high-school French. We laughed so much the entire meal as the waiters hovered around us, eavesdropping. On our way out, I could not resist the final coup de grace. “Thanks so much for a very nice dinner,“ I said in my most American accent. “Bye bye and au revoir." Even the waiters could not help laughing.
I cherish so many joyful memories of my life with mamyte. If only I could see her again and tell her one more time how much I love her, miss her and need her still.
Augie Kazickas, grandson:
I remember the way she talked with so much enthusiasm when excited. I remember her always reading a novel outside on a lawn chair. And one time she scolded me for wearing my favorite t-shirt too many days in a row.
Alex Kazickas, grandson:
When I was younger, my family spent our summers living with my grandparents in their home out east on Long Island. This was a very special time for me because I have so many fond memories of being with both of them.
I really enjoyed our meals together. Mamyte would tell us stories from her life growing up with Lithuania. She was a great athlete and swimmer, and she really enjoyed seeing all of her grandchildren racing in their swimming pool or playing golf together. I look back and really cherish this time we could spend together.
Michael Kazickas, son:
As the 5 year anniversary of her death approaches (and what would also have been her 96th birthday) on June 17 mostly happy memories of my mother remain clear in my mind. She suffered mightily in the last 2 years of her life, but I will always remember her honesty, her directness, and the passion she showed for everyday living. She loved to swim, golf, bike ride, take long after dinner walks, most especially in Cat Cay, a place where she found the most peace in her life.
God Bless. Rest in Peace.
John Kazickas, son:
As my mom got older, I remember how important her faith in Jesus was. I remember the small church in Vilnius, near their home in Old Town, where she would go to Mass everyday. I remember how she would pray for all of us, asking the Lord to protect and watch over us. She was deeply spiritual, but kep it to herself. It is from these memories that I know that she is watching over us now. That she hears my prayers as I ask the Lord to help me be a better husband, a better father and brother. I’m thankful that she has instilled in me my own faith in Jesus as I need His help everyday.
I am blessed and thankful for everything I have. Her love is still everlasting. For that I am forever grateful.
Lucy Kazickas, daughter-in-law:
Mamyte, we miss you! Playing rummy 500, telling us Lithuanian sayings for any occasion, teaching the children table manners, singing the Lithuanian National Anthem…..showing your strength when your beloved son Alex died, showing your deep faith in God…..we wish you were with us to celebrate another birthday. We love you!
Lucy, Joe, Annalina, Sophie, Peter and Augie
Marcie Kazickas, daughter-in-law:
I had the privilege of calling Alexandra Kazickas - Mamyte - for over 25 years. She was the Mother of the extended Kazikas family and I will always treasure the memories of our times gathering as a family in East Hampton and taking wonderful trips on special occasions. She was especially happy to get us on a cruise to Alaska one year. There were those of us who were LESS than thrilled to be on a boat for an entire week. But she enthusiastically led us in all of our many adventures. For me the most unsettling part of the trip were the off shore excursions, in particular - the helicopter glacier hike. I was not feeling brave that day but when Mamyte showed up wearing her beautiful wool suit and heeled boots, I had to marvel. I so admired her gusto and impeccable sense of style. There was no fear for her, just excitement and joy to see what was at the top of that very high glacier.
Alexandra had already been confronted with some of life’s most difficult tests.
Facing our fears and pushing through life’s challenges is what her legacy means to me.
Roger Altman, son-in-law:
I have many wonderful memories of Mamyte. Here is one of my favorites.
The very first time I ever met her was during the summer of 1979 when I visited East Hampton for the first time. I stayed in one of the bedrooms in the pool house. And, then, as sometimes still happens, I liked to sleep in on weekend mornings. So, it was ten oc'clock and I hadn't yet appeared in the main house. Mamyte was sitting with Jurate in the kitchen, and she couldn't understand how anyone could sleep late like that. Finally, she turned to Jurate (as I understand the story), shrugged and, in her inimitable accent, said: "maybe he's dead", and walked off.
Victoria Kazickas, granddaugter:
One of my favorite memories of Mamyte was during the summer of East Hampton as a young child. She had a cocktail party which she had been getting ready for upstairs. When she came down the stairs, she was wearing a sparking black dress and stunning pearls. I remember thinking to myself how absolutely beautiful she looked. She was classic, elegant and timeless.
Kiki Kazickas, granddaughter:
Once when Jack and I were still living in the East Hampton house, so we were probably 10 years old or so, Mamyte was "babysitting" us while Mom and Dad went out to a summer party. Naturally, around 6:30 pm Mamyte and Tevelis were having cocktails in the pool house, as Jack and I ran around. Dressed in all my clothes I decided to jump up and down on the springy diving board. And then...I fell in. Thankfully the Kazickas Family is full of strong swimmers because Mamyte did not bat an eye or even notice. I slinked out of the pool, looking like a soaked rat, while Mamyte spread more brie on her crackers and watched Fox News on high volume. I quickly changed in to clean clothes, ready for 7 pm dinner with Mamyte none the wiser.
That memory always makes me laugh. It's a testament to how even though we were all raised in such a loving, fortunate, and giving family, we have also been taught to be independent, to first tackle challenges on our own, and to not let anything hold us back from foraging on.