Voice Messages from Family and Friends

Aunt Sylvia was definitely a believer in and supporter of life long learning and exemplified this through her actions—not just in words: This was plainly observable through her teaching career and in her initiation of and participation in continuing education programs for older adults.

She was a lover of art and beauty. She always supported the arts and artists—be it her very talented family or friends. Her home and her life were surrounded by art and music.

Her love of family was especially dear. She actively strove to love them, to support them, to celebrate them and to help them to be all they could be.

On a more personal level, the loss of those we love and cherish is difficult at any time, be it when they are young or when they are 100. It is always too soon. There is never enough time to be with them and to love them. The loss of a parent is especially difficult. I send my love and hope that the many many memories of your time together, the love and the laughter help to ease this pain.

I have so many fond memories of your Mom. Here are a few snapshots:

I remember the time she drove to see us with Camryn and Lisa in your older car holding on to the roof of the car and avoiding the hole in the floor of the car. She did this despite any potential dangers, because it was so important to her to be with family.

I remember visiting your family and staying at your houses and learning all about the new places where you now resided—be it West Caldwell, New Jersey, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Marquette, Michigan, Peoria, Illinois, Long Beach California, or Skamania, Washington. Part of those visits always involved long talks and discussions about life and issues. The visits always included time with your family’s new friends. Her friends were often from around the world, and the visits were punctuated with interesting and extraordinary life stories. It often felt a bit like a college colloquiem. Your Mom enjoyed people so much, she even said she would someday like to open a bed and breakfast.

Life issues and politics were so important to her. I recall being in high school and returning late from baby sitting. Your Mom was in the living room talking to Bruce. My parents had gone to bed. Early conversation centered around the questions: What were our politics? and What were we doing to protest the current state of affairs?

We were so touched when Grandpa went to live with you following Rose’s death. Your Mom’s love and care for him were incredible. She opened up a new world to him with new activites and interesting friends.

I was touched with how she actively connected with my parents in their later years, often conversing by phone, visiting, and inquiring about their health.

When I retired, she was concerned that I follow my passion, that I engage in worthwhile endeavors, that I have fun, and that I be politically active. We often talked on the phone.

This was, indeed, an incredible loss of an incredible woman…

I know that your Mom loved that she was surrounded by her most precious gift, her family and friends, and that she was surrounded by the beauty of Skamania in her last days. She would also have been so pleased with the gathering and celebration that she helped to create.

In closing, I am so glad that I was able to be with her at the end and to be with you and the family at this most difficult time….. May my love and hugs help you at this difficult time of loss and sorrow.

Love,
Janet Elenbogen