Dear Ollen, Karol, Lonnie, Bonnie, and Ronald:
I was deeply saddened to hear of Aunt Fernβs passing. I remember her as such a very nice lady. I managed to visit her four times over the years since I happened to find that she was in West Wood while I was visiting another of our relatives, Beverly (Weaver) Rogers.
The first couple times I visited her she talked on and on about what a wonderful husband Uncle Clair had been, and I certainly agreed whole-heartedly with her. The third time I visited, she told me about several happy memories about you, her children. I have no doubt that most of the time, Aunt Fern thought she was talking to my Dad.
The fourth time I visited, she was awake but did not speak, so I took the opportunity to tell her about a favorite memory of mine that included your folks.
My Mom and Dad, Uncle Clair and Aunt Fern, Uncle Edgar and Aunt Gertrude, and a fourth couple, whom I can not remember, had gathered at your house one warm summer evening to play cards, Canasta, I believe. A number of us kids were playing around the house, in the yard, and in the basement.
At some point while passing by where the adults were playing cards, I got caught up listening to the stories they were telling. Although I cannot remember even a snippet of their stories, I can still the hear the laughter of the ladies and the men and I can see the huge smiles all around the table. That memory has always been my ideal for good times with family.
When I told her the story, story she did not speak, but I am almost certain that at my mention of smiles and laughter, she smiled for just a moment.
Heaven will now get the added benefit of Aunt Fernβs great smile and a wonderful laugh.
George Burgoyne
Niles, Michigan
