Novelist Mona Simpson's Eulogy for Her Brother, Steve Jobs

Posted on October 30, 2011

Novelist Mona Simpson gave the eulogy for her brother, Steve Jobs, which The New York Times has printed here. Mona delivered the eulogy at the October 16th memorial service at the Memorial Church of Stanford University. It's a very revealing, moving eulogy that reveals quote a bit of personal information. Mona and Steve did not meet until she was out of college -- he hired attorneys to track her down. They were a full brother and sister who never knew each other because Steve's parents had put him up for adoption.

Mona tells the story of meeting Steve, and how they got to know each other over 27 years. She talks quite a bit about his romantic side and how he loved his family. She also reveals what Steve's last moments on Earth were like and what his last words were, as he saw a glimpse of what lay beyond:

But with that will, that work ethic, that strength, there was also sweet Steve's capacity for wonderment, the artist's belief in the ideal, the still more beautiful later.
Steve's final words, hours earlier, were monosyllables, repeated three times.
Before embarking, he'd looked at his sister Patty, then for a long time at his children, then at his life's partner, Laurene, and then over their shoulders past them.
Steve's final words were:
OH WOW. OH WOW. OH WOW.

It's a powerful and moving piece.