Friday, February 1, 2019
Dear family: I wish to convey my condolences for the loss of your mother, Fran. I remember her well; she was a strong and most beloved matriarch of the family. She was such a pleasure to see. Linda-Lu used to bring me home with her on a weekend off from nursing school, and her kitchen was always warm, welcoming and filled with the wonderful smell of whatever she was cooking that day. Her kitchen was the “hub” of family affairs—to catch up with their lives, listening with interest, and offering bits of wisdom. I remember coming in with Linda, happy and “boisterous” and often making her mom laugh, or sometimes frown about particular boys and she’d give Linda “a piece of her mind.” Linda would respond “Oh ma!” and laugh and tell her not to worry! Those little bits and pieces of Linda sharing her life with her mom are so special to me; moments like cooking with her family, making homemade pasta noodles, special sauce—Fran enjoyed teaching and showing her way of preparing her favorite, special and always delicious meals. The love was abundant in her cooking, and filled those sitting at her table with a cozy warmth and closeness. What a wonderful gift she gave to her family and I’m sure those memories made around the kitchen table are a tribute to her kindness and love. She was a true lady in every sense of the word, pretty and dressed nicely, I remember her wearing a sweater, sitting at her table, ready to listen and interested in whoever came through the door. I know Linda loved her mom with all her heart, as did all the special family members, friends, and the nuns who helped look after her, and all the members at St. Pious parish.
Love with fond memories,
Karen
