I am so sorry for your Mother’s passing and your great loss.

It is always nice to have some good memories to lift the spirit and give us gratitude so I want to share a few things that meant so much to me and my family.

You were not even 2 years old when we, the Jankes, moved to Massapequa in the summer of 1974. Our seller had given us the names of the families with children our children’s ages and your Mom was at the top of the list.

We had only been there a couple of weeks - not fully unpacked, when your Mom came over and introduced herself. I think she brought you with her. And our Cathe was just your age - only a couple of months older. Wallah!!! A chance for a good friend who lived one house over.

Then that early fall your Mom invited me to join her bowling team. That was wonderful as I had a chance to get out of the house and a chance for my kids to meet and play at the alley’s play group. Your Mom’s warm and inclusive invitation brought us into the neighborhood and gave Cathe a wonderful new friend and Joan always was so considerate and kind to Cathe and me.

Joan also invited me to join a group of neighborhood women who met in the evening every week or so. That was also wonderful for me. We were included and that was so great. Because of all those invitations we had such fun and neighborhood support and care. Your Dad gave Hal, my husband, rides to work several times those first couple of years as we kept having such car trouble.

One favorite memory of mine was when Cathe was turning 4 snd she wanted at have a birthday party and she had only one friend her age- you , Jill, so I went to Joan with my dilemma and asked about inviting Chris and Susan and the Candance and Kuntz kids who seemed so much older and Joan said, “Of course, everyone loves a party.” And we had a wonderful pool party and all had a great time.

As the years went by I had to start a sewing business so really had no time to engage with the your family much except through Cathe, which I’m sorry about.

Joan seemed always to be so considerate and mindful of the situation which was a great blessings for us. Especially when she so carefully walked Cathe home holding her arm - all crooked having fallen on the sidewalk while roller skating.

And then again her kindness with food and other help after Hal died. And after we moved she Invited Cathe to join you on several occasions so you could visit.

So Jill, I want you to know just how much your Mom, Joan did for us in her cool manner that made things so simple and natural. Her life was a real blessing for us and our neighborhood. Once we moved, I did not keep in touch. My plate seemed so full raising 2 young children and working.

My heart goes out to you, your Dad, Susan and Chris and their families. May you all receive comfort and blessings at this time.

With love and gratefulness

Dotty Janke

I’m so glad for all the time I was able to spend with your family and mom. Jenn and I were always over. Thank you thank you!  I’m forever grateful for such a fun safe environment to grow up in. Thanks Joan and Cliff for all your love and effort and making such a fun time for us kids! 

I really wish she was still here with us  ❤️
I feel so lucky to have known Joan and enjoyed our fun times as kids Jenn and I always welcome to stop by sleepover or be free in the neighborhood. To be able to create safety and freedom as a kid wow! Such a gift!

Even when I broke my arm and Jill ran inside to get bandaids! I said get your mom and Joan walked me so carefully back to my house just 60 steps in between I felt so comforted by her. I’m sure I wanted you and her to go with me to have my arm X-ray Ed ! Ha!!
I will always be grateful to showing me a good example and I know Joan and Cliff and your family have made me a fun friend sister and auntie!

Our Deepest sympathies to Mr Palmer Susan,Chris ,Jill and all the Grandchildren.Mrs Palmer you are such a beautiful shining Star you always made me feel welcomed .Your Beautiful Soft Smile Your Gentle ways .So many years go by so fast but one thing that never goes away are the memories.All Our Love Linda Thomas Barb