And now, just like that... she is gone as well...

[FrankieRider2]

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Meant to post this earlier, but just haven't been able to. My mother Patricia Rider passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025... and I don't mind telling you: I am wandering aimlessly, beyond devastated and heartbroken. I sat with her from her hospitalization on February 5 through her passing. Right now, the world is completely askew, and I don't see it righting itself anytime soon.

I post this only to let you all here know how much she enjoyed our interactions on this forum; she was so proud to be able to tell our family's Elvis stories and have them accepted, exalted, and enjoyed. Over the years she met with jealousy and disbelief from most people, but not from members here. I can never express my appreciation to each of you for the way you embraced her and myself when we started sharing our stories circa 2006. Mom always wanted to know the pulse of the Elvis world, and she replied on regular exposure here to try and keep a feel for what was going on, Elvis-wise.

As for me, well... I won't get to make those upcoming Elvis trips we had planned... she had a wild hair to AirBNB the George Nichopoulos home for one night, despite its $1000/night price tag, and she was so looking forward to seeing the updated Dressed To Rock jumpsuit exhibit at Graceland... and she was already planning for Elvis Week this year... but all that will come to nothing now I suppose. What I do know is that I was so very proud to be her son; she always had my back, even when it wasn't the most popular position to take in our family. I always tried to do right by her, especially in her later years, and am proud I can hold my head high and say that I did exactly that and that her last few years were very happy ones.

But still... no more new-to-me Elvis stories are coming and I hate that so badly because I know they were many yet to surface. She always knew I was chomping at the bit to learn anything new, and yet after 86 years... she was exactly the same exact way. My wife Jami, being the angel she is told me just yesterday "Frankie, she won't miss a thing with you... anything you go and do Elvis-related or anything else, she'll be right there over your shoulder. You'll feel her there, but you just won't be able to see her. For a little while longer..." These nights are going to be oh so long...

Thank you all again for your kindness and acceptance over the years... that meant so much to her. And to me.


https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/memorialpage.asp?id=71702&locid=7

1:27 into the video is definitely pertinent to our discussion here.

[Stevenson]

So sorry to read this!
My deepest and most sincere condolences!
May She rest in peace!

[JosephC]

Frankie,

I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Reading your words, I can feel how much she meant to you—her love for Elvis, her spirit. I know that aimless feeling from when my own mom passed. It’s like a piece of you goes with them. My mother was 59 when she died on January the 8th, 2001. Ironic date, isn't it? My mom wanted to live long enough to see the new version of "Elvis-That's The Way It Is" that was to be broadcast on Turner Classic Movies. She missed it by about a week. Hard for me to think of this even today, some 24 years later. My mother would have been 83 now...look how much extra time you had with your mom! What an absolute blessing.

But your wife is right—your mom is still there at every Elvis memory you revisit and every new Elvis adventure you experience . You gave her such happiness, and that shines through in your tribute. Sending you strength for these long nights. May perpetual light shine upon her.

Sincere condolences,

JosephC

[Greystoke]

I'm sorry to read this, Frankie. You have my condolences.

[jurasic1968]

Sincere condolences. May she rest in peace.

[Sarita]

Sincere condolences

[drjohncarpenter]

Meant to post this earlier, but just haven't been able to. My mother Patricia Rider passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025... and I don't mind telling you: I am wandering aimlessly, beyond devastated and heartbroken. I sat with her from her hospitalization on February 5 through her passing. Right now, the world is completely askew, and I don't see it righting itself anytime soon.

I post this only to let you all here know how much she enjoyed our interactions on this forum; she was so proud to be able to tell our family's Elvis stories and have them accepted, exalted, and enjoyed. Over the years she met with jealousy and disbelief from most people, but not from members here. I can never express my appreciation to each of you for the way you embraced her and myself when we started sharing our stories circa 2006. Mom always wanted to know the pulse of the Elvis world, and she replied on regular exposure here to try and keep a feel for what was going on, Elvis-wise.

As for me, well... I won't get to make those upcoming Elvis trips we had planned... she had a wild hair to AirBNB the George Nichopoulos home for one night, despite its $1000/night price tag, and she was so looking forward to seeing the updated Dressed To Rock jumpsuit exhibit at Graceland... and she was already planning for Elvis Week this year... but all that will come to nothing now I suppose. What I do know is that I was so very proud to be her son; she always had my back, even when it wasn't the most popular position to take in our family. I always tried to do right by her, especially in her later years, and am proud I can hold my head high and say that I did exactly that and that her last few years were very happy ones.

But still... no more new-to-me Elvis stories are coming and I hate that so badly because I know they were many yet to surface. She always knew I was chomping at the bit to learn anything new, and yet after 86 years... she was exactly the same exact way. My wife Jami, being the angel she is told me just yesterday "Frankie, she won't miss a thing with you... anything you go and do Elvis-related or anything else, she'll be right there over your shoulder. You'll feel her there, but you just won't be able to see her. For a little while longer..." These nights are going to be oh so long...

Thank you all again for your kindness and acceptance over the years... that meant so much to her. And to me.


https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/memorialpage.asp?id=71702&locid=7

1:27 into the video is definitely pertinent to our discussion here.

Oh man, this is such sad news. Your Elvis stories -- vintage and recent alike -- always involved family. It's tough to take such a big part of your life and have to put it into another place. But that place now is your heart. And you wife Jami is spot-on. Some part of your mom will always be there.

When I lost mine, and I did not have her as long, I could sometimes hear her voice commenting on something -- usually a nice comment. It still happens every now and then.

Grieving is healthy. Feel all the feelings, it's good. When you lose someone close, it's a gradual process. Like me, one day you'll just wake up, and go through your day, and everything will seem kind of normal again. You will know you're carrying every wonderful moment with you, forever.

The video shows a lot of very happy people, a lot of love. Thanks for allowing us to watch it. And that main color portrait -- when was maybe twenty -- is so beautiful, like a movie star!

Anyway, none of us knew Patricia -- thrilled to learn she loved the Golden State Warriors! -- but we all know you. And you have proven yourself just a great guy, inside and out. And that's a tribute to your mom, and everything she did to raise you up. Never forget that.

My heart is with you, Jami, Sonja and Roger today.

John

[paulsweeney]

My deepest condolences to you and the rest of your family Frankie and thank you for sharing the video with us.

[DearGeorgie]

Losing your Mother is one of the worst feelings ever. I know from experience, Elvis certainly knew, and I'm sure many of us do. It's going to take some time, but you have SO MANY happy memories that will forever connect you with her spirit. Being a huge Presley fan is definitely one of them.

[gilles-tcb]

All my condolences to you and your family.
One sentence that I like and often read when I go to the cemetery where my dad, grandmothers, grandfathers or my godfather and godmother are resting is in french "le temps passe, le souvenir reste" (time passes, the memory remains). Now it's time for the pain and I know that these few words can't do much.

[Mister Mike]

Sincere condolences. She had a full, happy life surrounded with lots of love (and lots of Elvis). She's up there, making new Elvis memories now.

[MartyMcFly]

My sincerest condolences to you and your family, Frankie. May your mum rest in peace. Thank you to her and yourself for your many stories about your life with our hero in the seventies.

[DarrylMac]

Ah, I'm so very sorry for your loss, Frankie. May she rest in peace, but you're left with so many amazing memories that you'll cherish forever.

[Igotstung]

Very very sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace.

[elvisjock]

May her memory be a blessing.

[Cryogenic]

Devastating to read your news, Frankie.

But it sounds like you have a gem of a wife. Listen to her. Let her be your guide, your pillar, your support.

I was glad I got to see Priscilla almost two years ago to the day, to mark my 40th birthday, with my mother, back in my home city. A very precious set of memories were built that night.

I still have both my parents, luckily, but they're gradually inching their way to 70 (and my dad still drinks and smokes). There is only so much time any of us is granted on Earth. It really does go fast. Take care and remember to live the most beautiful life you can.

[Rob]

Heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Thinking of you today, sir.

[londonflash]

I'm so sorry to read this, Frankie. My condolences.

Your mum will always be with you and she was blessed to have such a wonderful son.

[Markus K.]

My sincere condolences to you and your family and thank you so much for sharing your feelings with us.
I understand full well what losing a mom means and I am glad that you have a wonderful wife and family to support you through these troubled times.

[rjm]

Meant to post this earlier, but just haven't been able to. My mother Patricia Rider passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025... and I don't mind telling you: I am wandering aimlessly, beyond devastated and heartbroken. I sat with her from her hospitalization on February 5 through her passing. Right now, the world is completely askew, and I don't see it righting itself anytime soon.

I post this only to let you all here know how much she enjoyed our interactions on this forum; she was so proud to be able to tell our family's Elvis stories and have them accepted, exalted, and enjoyed. Over the years she met with jealousy and disbelief from most people, but not from members here. I can never express my appreciation to each of you for the way you embraced her and myself when we started sharing our stories circa 2006. Mom always wanted to know the pulse of the Elvis world, and she replied on regular exposure here to try and keep a feel for what was going on, Elvis-wise.

As for me, well... I won't get to make those upcoming Elvis trips we had planned... she had a wild hair to AirBNB the George Nichopoulos home for one night, despite its $1000/night price tag, and she was so looking forward to seeing the updated Dressed To Rock jumpsuit exhibit at Graceland... and she was already planning for Elvis Week this year... but all that will come to nothing now I suppose. What I do know is that I was so very proud to be her son; she always had my back, even when it wasn't the most popular position to take in our family. I always tried to do right by her, especially in her later years, and am proud I can hold my head high and say that I did exactly that and that her last few years were very happy ones.

But still... no more new-to-me Elvis stories are coming and I hate that so badly because I know they were many yet to surface. She always knew I was chomping at the bit to learn anything new, and yet after 86 years... she was exactly the same exact way. My wife Jami, being the angel she is told me just yesterday "Frankie, she won't miss a thing with you... anything you go and do Elvis-related or anything else, she'll be right there over your shoulder. You'll feel her there, but you just won't be able to see her. For a little while longer..." These nights are going to be oh so long...

Thank you all again for your kindness and acceptance over the years... that meant so much to her. And to me.


https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/memorialpage.asp?id=71702&locid=7

1:27 into the video is definitely pertinent to our discussion here.

I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my sincerest condolences. It seems like you were very close.

Please be gentle with yourself during this very painful time.

rjm

[arnaudbxl]

Sincere condolences, give yourself the time to process.

And I would go to Elvis week just as planned. It'll probably be quite emotional sometimes, but as your wife said, she'll be with you.

Take care and receive my sincere friendship from overseas.

[ed40]

So sorry for your loss, my sincere condolences FrankieRider, may your mom rest in peace

[Bilbo Baggins]

Sincere condolences, Frankie, to you and your family.

[rickeap]

Sorry for your loss Frankie. Best wishes to you and your family.

[Alexander]

That's very sad news Frankie, very sad indeed. My condolances and best wishes for you and your family in these sad times.