Hey sister, sister. Was watching a documentary about Paul Simon tonight called “In Restless Dreams” and it took you through his musical years from Simon and Garfunkel through Graceland and South Africa. And it ended with him still recording as he gets older. But anyway, at the end he talks about an album he made in Brazil and he sings a song called”The Cool, Cool River” that I had never heard before and there’s a line in it - “Sometimes even music cannot substitute for tears.” . And it struck me that every time I post here I end with a line from a song. I think of you so often and I associate so many songs with you and our family and just I guess life in general. So maybe, just maybe it’s my way of crying and missing you all over again.
   … Always in my thoughts.

Hey sister Bea. I’m on a Carribean cruise with Eileen and am sitting on my balcony thinking thoughts and of course as always they turn to you. I look up and over my head in the blue Carribean sky is a cloud formation that looks just like you down to the ponytail and cup of tea in your hand. I hope you continue to drink countless cups of tea with Charlie by your side and think of us down here still trying and have a good laugh at the absurdity of life. Jim died last week. Very sad for the girls and Jamie. Losing your father no matter how old you are is a loss of innocence. All the sisters rallied round and your absence was hard.

“ There’s someone for me somewhere, but I still miss someone”
  Johnny McAvoy

Happy Birthday Betty. Feeling your loss. Rose

From Nancy: Happy Birthday. I remember Ma cooked a beef tongue for dinner and we were all grossed out. It was the ugliest looking thing sitting on that platter, when Daddy sliced it, the tongue tip was grossest of all . Well Betty, you took that tongue tip and put it on Jane's plate. We were holy terrors when we wanted to be.  Poor Jane, being the little sister. I love you and miss you. Nan

Happy birthday in heaven, Betty. Hard to believe it’s been almost 4 years. We all are raising a margarita to you for your birthday.

“Happy Birthday Mr. Hood, Happy Birthday to you…. Well sister sister another year older.Missing you today but you’re in my thoughts as always. We’re good. Had George and your boys for Thanksgiving. And the new generation, Eloise. She’ll know you- through our words and hearts. Forever missed.

Happy Birthday , sister . I just read that Helene’s grandaughter Evelyn was born today. How cool is that ?!! I’ve been babysitting for Sarah’s baby Ellie, and she is the sweetest thing. I wish you could have gotten to know her. Of course, we will make sure she knows all about her GreatAunt B. The family always shares our stories & memories of you when we are together.You are never far from mind. I love you & miss you.

Hi Aunt Betty, thinking about you today.

Happy birthday in heaven Aunt Betty. I hope the people who loved you the most take comfort in their memories of you today.

Well I have news to share Betty-you now have a birthday buddy! We welcomed my first granddaughter earlier this morning-Evelyn Marie Khouri. It was a quick delivery and I got the call and thought: today is someone else’s birthday too

Oh, what a year. Lots of celebrations and family times. You are missed. Some times I think I bring you up too much in conversations and that I make people uncomfortable. But you are such a big piece of our lives, our stories. Katie got married yesterday. It was so beautiful and as a couple they are so funny. They did it just the way they wanted. You would have loved it. You came up several times yesterday and I wasn’t the one doing the remembering. When we went into the bar for the happy hour Katie had a picture of you and her on display to make sure you were included as one of the special people who should be there. If only …. Later on during the toasts Rick thanked Jane for raising such a beautiful daughter (as he should) but when he went back to his table he looked over and gave a thumbs up and mouthed “For Betty”. I didn’t understand but later Sarah told me how you cornered Rick at her wedding and scolded him for not mentioning Jane in that toast. I never knew that story. Always the “big Sis”. Always so you. He remembered this time and I think your opinion mattered very much to him.

Sarah has a beautiful little girl, Eloise. It was a huge struggle for her and Jesse but they are so happy now. I gave Sarah the Frances books as a gift from you at her shower. She was very touched and said it was one of her favorites as a child. I still think of you calling me Frances every time I set out my lunch “just so”. And I still set out my lunch “just so”.

Lots of new memories and happy times but you’re still with us. I’ll always remember that and it seems like others do too.

“ In myyyy life, I’ve loved them all.”

Mary sent me a photo of you today smiling in your yellow rain jacket in front of the Trevi Fountain . I remember you that day . I remember you bought a red leather bag across the road and I remember the bus ride and the secret you told me and Mary on the bus as we rode passed the Colisseum. One of a kind ,my dear sister. Missing you. Rose

From Nancy : I remember going out on the roof and singing and sharing the bedroom with you when we were kids . I think about you and know you are with me. I miss you. Love, Nan

I’ve been thinking about you the past few days. Rich and I are in Ireland, and I remembered our trip here together. I know you loved it here too. Last night, we were in a pub in Killarney, and they played the song that always makes me miss you:
“ And we’ll all go together
  To pick wild mountain thyme
  All around the blooming heather
  Will you go, lassie, go”
Love you & wish you were here.

I remember you in your 8th grade graduation dance dress, It was light purple and had chiffon billows and flowers . I remember your freshman debating dance dress. It was light blue and was chiffon and billowy. We were so,so different. In that crazy,unique family of our origin , we did Christmas plays and sang songs and took care of the little guys. Yentyl was on tv last week and it reminded me of you . You Betty, loved that movie and Georgiana and I pretended to like it. But you were so good and kind and I miss and love you. Rose

Thinking of you today, sweet sis. Been 3 years but still can’t believe you’re not with us. But, even as I write that, I know you still are a part of us. There is never a get together of any combination of us that you are not remembered. Oh, what times we had! Stories about you in all your beloved craziness make us smile and treasure you all the more.

Happy Birthday Betty. I’m cruising with Mary, Peter & Luann in the Caribbean. We’re having a few laughs telling the old family stories, like Daddy’s tomato soup with leftover meatloaf & you, Rose & Nancy working at Patricia Murphy’s. Peter reminded us about your mood in the morning before your first cup of coffee. We laugh, not because we got over losing you, but because we all carry you with us. Margaritas all around to celebrate your birthday! Love ya,sis.

Happy birthday in heaven, Betty.

To Betty , from Nancy. Nancy called today to ask me if I knew today is your birthday. She said she left a message for Mary to post it but I know the girls are on  vacation so this is from Nan . Happy Birthday.  As for me, I dream and we are still in old spaces . Happy Birthday ,big sis. I miss you. Rose 

Happy Birthday Bea. We were talking about you this morning at breakfast on our Caribbean cruise and we will raise a glass (Margarita, your fav) at Happy Hour ( or any hour really - we have the drink package)
In honor of your birthday. Happy Birthday from Jane, Peter, Luanne and me.

Love you, miss you.

Hey Bea. Thinking about you a lot today on my drive home from Delaware. Always do on the holidays. You. made them important to all of us and this tradition continues to hold the “sisterhood” together. Lots went on this year. Stupidly broke my wrist in February and that led to all kinds of medical issues this year. All’s good now though. Sarah is pregnant! ( still early and fragile so watch over her please). Katie just got engaged. Molly finally closed on her new Delaware home. Josh and Lauren started college. Bought a house on the bay in Delaware. You would love the back porch. Still need that screen door. Trying to talk Peter & Luanne into buying next door. Or maybe George and Geordie.

Ok giving up on buying houses and now intend to cruise my life away.
. Leave Wednesday for Carribean with Jane , Peter and Luanne.then another 2 weeks to Panama Canal with Rochelle and Janice. Norway and Scotland in April with Eileen , Peter and Lu, and then New England and Canada in October.

Spent New Years Eve with Andy and Anderson. Also Papi and Pippi my stalwart traveling companions.

I’m so sorry about Nancy and Jim in assisted living. You would have very strong opinions on that. But she made her choice for PA and now she’s dealing with it. We, the sisters, really had to step back and let her kids decide. She does burn her bridges though. A total conflagration like the California wildfires. Can you see them where you are? Anyway, no matter how twisted she gets we’re here for her as you would be,

Love you sister sister. Long note but Still Crazy after all these “New” years.

   I thought I'd check in with you today to ask you to keep an extra eye on Nannie .  Worried about her so letting you know. Mary has some bruises on her right arm that you might want to look into also. Rose

Well sister, hit the big 70 today. Was thinking about that Simon and Garfunkel song “Old Friends” . Kate Orza and I used to sing “How terribly strange to be seventeen” You introduced me to their music. Remember I went with you and George and Jerry McAveney to see them at Fordham University? We used to double date with you because we were too young to drive. Now I’m probably a few years away from being too old to drive.
Miss you sis.

“Can you imagine us years from today sharing a park bench quietly?
How terribly strange to be seventy…
Memory brushes the same years..
Silently sharing the same fears.” S&G

Happy Mother's Day, sister B. We visited Peter & Luann a few weeks ago at their farm. George was there too. We had a nice afternoon & got to see their 3 baby goats. You would have loved it.
Things are crazy in the world right now. I know you'd have a lot to say about it
& I miss hearing your take on politics & the news. If only your girl Hillary had won ( well, actually she did).
Anyway, rest easy B. Love, Jane

" You belong among the wildflowers.. you belong somewhere you feel free."

I'm having trouble not being sad. He is dead! He is not dead ! Something like that I guess. always down the black hole. Rose

“Gone too soon …gone too soon”

Thinking back on so many memories. Spoke with Geordie yesterday and we were talking about my deposition. I was telling him that the woman in the other car mentioned she thought it was unusual that you were wearing these big black sunglasses before the accident. She thought it was odd. I laughed when I heard that. There was nothing wrong with your eyes. They were the free sunglasses you got when we had cataract surgery. Us McArdles could never resist a freebie. Geordie laughed too when he heard the story. We all knew you well and you give us a good laugh even in death.

So many changes this year. Jane and Rich and Peter and LuAnne both got married last year on this date. They kept it quiet I think because of what this day has become, but now it’s one of celebration and of course family.

Love you sister sister. Always.

Happy birthday in heaven Betty❤️

Nancy has been thinking about your for days. I am sorry I am a day late posting a birthday wish for you from her. You are loved and missed.

Happy Birthday,B. Thinking of you today. I wish you could be here so we could share a big piece of chocolate birthday cake. This year we had some good family times: a trip to Alaska, summertime in Delaware, Thanksgiving dinner
(when the oven stopped working), a Christmas cookie exchange where we all
wore matching aprons & chef hats. All were fun, but would have been so much better if you had been there too. Maybe you were. Don't worry about us, we will all take care of each other. I love you.

" In my theater, there is a stage, and a footlight you can always step into..."

Happy birthday sister sister. Miss you today. Thinking back and remembering. You are never far from my thoughts and your presence gives me comfort. You came to me last week (maybe a dream; maybe not). It was so good to be with you again.

“For the great relief of having you to talk to.”

You pop in unexpectedly. I’m down in Delaware and took Papi for a walk by one of the ponds and heard a screen door slam. Some of the townhomes have screen porches. All at once you were there telling me how we had to have an old fashioned door with a good slam. I remember being in Home Depot and trying to find one with the perfect slam. We never did. I remember when we rented the cabin in the Georgia mountains how you loved to hear the door slam. It meant home to you. (Why I don’t know because we didn’t have one, just flies.) Anyway… I’m building a new townhome down here and plan on adding a screened in porch. I’ll get that door with the perfect slam and know you’re still coming in and out of my life.

Vaya con dios, chalooch !

Sent Charlie home to be with you yesterday. It was a painful decision but it was time. He missed you so much. I did my best by him but I wasn’t you. It was peaceful. We held him and whispered that he was going to be with you, free of pain and able to do all that he wanted. I picture him jumping into your arms wagging that stumpy tail. Be happy. I miss you both.

Happy 1st anniversary in heaven. I love you and miss you very much.

The last of all the firsts - Happy Anniversary, Betty. Be at peace.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, sister dear. Last year this was the day we chose to begin our Covid quarantine. I went to Harris Teeter to get the corned beef and we toasted our health, our family, and Governor Cuomo. You wouldn’t believe how long and how devastating this pandemic has been. One of the few times you went out was to the hospital that day and you took every precaution but that didn’t keep you safe. How I wish I had driven you that day. But as Ma would say “If wishes were horses ...”

Having dinner tonight with Jane, Rich, Sarah and Eileen. Keeping the traditions. We’ll toast you and of course a la familia. Slainte.

I’ve been thinking so much of you recently. I attributed it to the presence of Irish Soda Bread as St Patrick’s Day approaches- I don’t think it was part of my world until you were also. Then, today, I was in a store and bright and smiling eyes peered over a mask, and reminded me so much of you.
I am so thankful that the memories and wit that go with those eyes are still with me, and with all the many who miss your earthly presence. I will spend some time tomorrow thinking of you and know those thoughts will bring a smile to my face-Thank you for them.

Happy birthday in heaven Betty❤️

Betty,
Thinking of you on your birthday. I remember celebrating it with you and wish we could live those old times together again. I know your soul is at peace now and you are looking down on all your family with great pride.
Your friend forever, Patti

Happy Birthday sister sister. Didn’t post yesterday because I was up in Fishkill but you are never far from me. Just thinking back on your last birthday and how happy and hopeful we were. We had closed on the house in Fishkill, were just feeling our way in NC, and were mlooking forward to returning to Florida and an exciting Democratic primary. What a year., you wouldn’t believe it. But back to your birthday. We had such a wonderful day at the Biltmore Estate. We had our picture taken in the mansion and it’s the last picture I have of you. I’ll never forget the love and happiness we shared that day. Your loss has made me realize how important it is to be there for each other. I’ve grown closer with my nieces and nephews, and of course our sisters. Many changes coming this year (as if I didn’t make enough last year) but I feel good about them and am hopeful. My heart has lightened and I go forward with so much love and I feel you with me.

“Time it was and what a time it was. It was...
A time of innocence, a time of confidences.
Long ago... It must be
I have a photograph.
Preserve your memories, they’re all that’s left you”
                   - Simon and Garfunkel

I have many photographs.

Mom,

I miss you and think of you daily. I am comforted that you are in a better place. You would not be thrilled with what is going on down here. The knowledge of it is a heavy burden in our confused world. I know you have a greater understanding now and are watching over all of us. I too look forward to seeing you in another dream. Please share our prayers for the people of principle fighting the good fight as you did. Your birthday is probably meaningless where you are, but we remember.

Love,
Geordie

Happy Birthday, sweet sister. I miss you very much. Sometimes I am lucky enough to see you again in a dream, but I can always feel you close when I look at pictures, or think of our memories together. Rest easy, B. Love, Jane.

Can’t believe it’s been 6 months since you walked out the door with a “See you later”. If only I could. This will be the season of firsts- first election night, first Thanksgiving, first Christmas, first “Keep the hunger out...” Someone asked me the other day how many sisters we are. I answered 5. Can’t get my head around 4. We’ll always be 5 with you in the lead. It’s just still so hard.

Missing you,wanting to call and talk about the election. You laughing and saying that I'm nuts. i just miss you.Today is Halloween but that doesn't matter. I wanted to tell you I miss you . it's been 6 months now and i know we all were lucky to have each other . To America!

Hey sister, sister. Miss you so much some days it hurts. So much going on. Have contract to sell Mariners Walk. That was really your place. Bought a new condo in Delaware.it’s sunny so you would hate it but it’s perfect for me.
Active community, pool, lots of dog owners. On the fence about NC. It has become Fishkill South until Geordie decides where he wants to be. I am so sorry you didn’t know about Peter’s engagement. You would be so happy being mother of the groom. You still are, don’t worry and what a hat we’ll get for the occasion. Charlie misses you so much. We have a special relationship and we share thoughts of you every day. Papi is over being jealous so I can love them equally. Charlie is almost blind but enjoys his walks. He gets nervous at night but walks with his nose on my leg to reassure him. We manage — side by side. Covid still going wild. Biden going to pick his VP. Don’t think it will be but hope he picks Warren. Know she was your 1st pick while Biden was mine. If he does we’ll share as our pick.Loveyou, miss you. You’re still the one I want to tell things too. Be at peace, we’re all good.

Betty had always treated me with kindness, when it was most needed.Being a close friend of the family, I had the pleasure of living in the Fishkill residence on and off for some time. Geordie , pretty much a brother , we did numerous projects in the house when I stayed there, and I remember at one point, Geordie, myself, Betty and Mary were all living in the house , and we would discuss what projects we would do , always making the house better, even though the love and positivity in that house was always there. I will never forget the kindness Betty , Mary and Geordie had shown me over the years , you will be missed greatly Betty , may you Rest In Peace

Peter and Geordie I am sorry for your loss. Many of my memories are gone after getting sick years ago. Don’t have good memories much of my young life. But your mother certainly did a fine job raising her sons. Definitely be remembered well in you
Was a wonderful tribute I listened to. Think you know when you’re a musician good things really hit you. And that did

Betty, I have many fond memories of you. The wonderful shows, the theme parties you graciously hosted at your Yonkers home, our talks about teaching and our frustrations with the NYC DOE.  The Eskimos have a saying, "Perhaps they are not really stars, but openings in the heaven where the love of our lost ones, pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." When we look to the skies on a starry night, we'll feel you smiling down. May you rest in peace.  Midge, Charlie & Willie

As we were assigned to sit alphabetically in home room at St Barnabas HS, Betty (McArdle) sat in front of me (McCarthy). We were “locker mates” and Betty became my first new friend in high school.
This friendship led to many adventures and good times in “the country” (Glen Spey, NY) and who could forget the summer rental cottage at Rockaway (1965)
Betty was a bridesmaid at my wedding . She brought me solace at my husband’s funeral years later.
Godspeed Betty Boop!

Holding you close in my thoughts Geordie. Sorry for your loss