Monday, October 22, 2012
Dearest Lovey,
You will be missed--not only by me and my family but by the whole neighborhood. You always had a smile and a kind word for everyone at our block parties, soup nights and any gathering the neighbors put on. I will never forget your endless kindness to my two boys, Aaron and Peter. When you would call them to shovel snow or mow your lawn I would always dispatch them with the directive, "Don't you take any money from her." They would try very hard not to take your offering but you would always insist. Even if they refused still, you would deliver a money offering to our house. You were always so kind and generous to them. They will never forget you.
I will never forget you as well, as you joined the group of neighbor women 22 years ago at my house after my husband became a paraplegic in an accident. The neighbor women, with you and Mrs. Catlin leading the get-together, offered your generous help in supporting me by doing household chores, bringing meals and doing my laundry for many weeks. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
Your kindness and belief in the goodness of people was evident again when our son found himself in some trouble and you spoke up for him, writing a letter of support on his behalf and reassuring us that he would get beyond this. He has, as you know. And it is surely in large measure due to yours and other's unwavering support of him as a youth making a mistake.
These are the kindnesses that defined you and made you one of the best neighbors a Forest Street resident could ever have. Thank you, Lovey. I will miss you always.
Marianne Hebenstreit
