This video was taken on Nana's 71st Birthday. She was surrounded by her family and friends - being goofy per usual.

I was lucky enough to have spent the whole summer living with her and Grandpa while working with Uncle Jay. Everyday, I would get up and go to work before she was up - but never would I come home without her greeting me at the door with a smiling face.  I would plop down on the couch beside her and talk about what we did that day. Most days we would continue talking through dinner and into the evening. She was the best listener.

That summer will forever be one of my most cherished memories.

I have so many great memories with Nana--too many to count. One that will stick with me the rest of my life was just a casual parting late one night the summer of 2012. I was hanging out with Nana and Grandpa one day after work or on the weekend and had been talking a lot about life, work, and politics - the usual. As I went to go out the door, Nana followed to see me off and told me how proud she was of me. However, it wasn't the generic "I'm proud of you" statement (which is still great reassurance and feel-good mojo to hear from your elders). She told me how she was confident I would make the right decisions and that she knew whatever I decided would be good. The way she said it had depth and emotion. I knew she was telling me I was a grown man ready to take charge and lead. She left me feeling empowered and ready to take on the world. You may not always remember what people said or did, but you will always remember how they made you feel. Nana made me feel like a million bucks -- all the time.

Jay

Life is a journey that has let each one of us be touched by the most amazing woman -- a woman that was beautiful, giving and full of love --  You, Mom!!

Wow! - is all I can say! 

Each one of us has been blessed to have known my wonderful mother!! My mother definitely knew what she was doing when she touched each of us -- to ensure that she lived on -- in each one of us! She would want us to live each day to its fullest by loving everything, with all of our hearts, as she did every day, giving everything she had to each person she touched!!  Please take what she has given you and carry it forward -- making people feel awesome about this short run we all have here on earth.

Barbara

Mom,

I never thought I would be in this world without you to hold my hand, rub my head when it hurts, or just hold me while I cry.  Life is going to be so different without you here.  You prepared us all for this moment.  We all may not realize how, when or even why you did, but we will see it each and every day.

I am also thankful for the love that you gave to each and every person that you ever crossed paths with.  Mommy you changed more people’s lives that any of us even know.  I am proud to say that You are my Mommy and no one can ever take that away.  I’ll see you soon and I love you with all my heart, Always and Forever!

Judi

It’s been a crazy few days mom! I keep hearing you to tell me to just ‘be still’ and listen. Well, I’m listening and I’m hearing some pretty cool and amazing things.  I    always knew we had a very special bond; we had the kind of relationship that most mother daughters dream about. Well now I know I wasn’t the only lucky one to have a special connection with you, geez everyone you met felt tethered to you. told me what a great student I was, well actually, you liked to brag about everyone, because everyone was special to you.

Ya mom you can let one of your employees use my car I just purchased for a few days.... 6 weeks later Jay still does not have his car.... LOL.... Mom you always took care of your friends, family and workers!!! We all LOVE YOU for that!! :0))))

Working in the Golf Business for 10 years you get to meet many people.  There was no one that was kinder, polite and more genuine than Joanne.  She would litterly light up the golf shop with her presence as soon as she entered.  The best part of seeing her during those long days at the course besides her smiles, was the hugs she would give.  The absolute best!!!!  I am grateful that I still have those memories of her during the early years of my working life.

It was 1988, probably spring, and Jay Bird and I decided to enter into the Ponderosa High School Talent Show.  We were the Blue Brothers, it was the bit from Saturday Night Live with Dan Aykroyd / Elwood (Jay) and James Belushi / Jake (Me). 

We were at Joanne's house working on our moves and choreography.  Joanne was our dance coach!!!  I can see her now with the movie camera filming our moves from the deck that hung out over their backyard.  She would say “move left, you guys are not in sync, kick your legs higher“ …

She periodically had us into the house for a break to review the film so she could give us on screen dance coach feedback, haha.   Joanne told us to never break character….

We left the talent show that night in a blue Buick Apollo (Apollo Creed) As “The Blues Brothers”!!!