A celebration of the life of an amazing woman is at hand.  I remember
calling Betty "Aunt Betty" all my life and have told the story of how my
Mother's best friend, who we always called "Aunt Betty" years later really
married my Mother's brother, my Uncle, and really became my Aunt.  To me
she was always so warm, loving, so funny, so enthusiastic and talented.
It is our human condition to live with the knowledge we will some day
die.  It does not make the passing of one we hold dear any easier.  I am
thankful, Betty had a full life; that she had children and grandchildrein
who love her and who will always remember her.  I am thankful in her
life she had countless music friends, other friends, husbands she loved,
a best friend for life and all who cared for her as she lived who will
now keep her with us in our memories.  I am thankful she decided to
take up folk music and guitar, because it made my childhood more fun.
I am thankful that we and her family went vacationing in Maine together.
I am thankful that she acquired wealth in her adult life having known
financial hardship as a child and this allowed her to travel and provide
for her children.  I am glad my parents had her as a best friend because
true best friends are rare. We are all blessed if we find one that lasts
upon meeting as it did for my Mom and Betty.  Her presence, her voice,
her emails, her humor will be missed, but her spirit is with us always;
we need only listen intently to its soft stirring. I love you Betty.

Jul's.