Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Dear Jeff and Keith:
I think that you did a beautiful job in respecting your mom's wishes. She was devoted to you and you were devoted to her. The graveside service was as simple as she desired, but beautiful and touching.
Jeff, it took tremendous courage to stand and say a public goodbye, and maintain your composure as you did. Keith, as always, your humor brought a moment of delightful levity. I remember that newspaper article my sister described, and always after that I thought of her as "pretty Patty". She certainly was a beautiful person in every possible way. There surely seems to be no fairness in this world; to see such a wonderful person as your mom suffer so much, and in my mind there is no really good explanation as to why bad things happen to good people.
She was devoted to your grandmother and was so attentive to my mom as well. I'm thankful that Lorraine didn't live to see Patty's suffering and demise. Almost every time we took her to the Orchard Hill home, she suffered the loss of her sister as a fresh wound, and her heart would have been devastated to know you lost your mother.
Please feel free to call (or email) for anything. I am working on transferring my phone number to Cheshire (132 Southwick 203.288.8189), but I am still in Mom and Maureen's house for now. I don't really know what to offer, other than words of sympathy, but please let me know how I could assist with anything.
With love, and sorrow, your cousin Frances
