Please take a moment and visit her late husband Gerald B Klein
Tributes
Leave a tributeKnowing you are in heaven with your parents, Aunt Carol and friends and other family, is the only thing that keeps me from falling over. Here's to you....hoping you are playing bridge, laughing daily and once in a while, looking down on me.
I uploaded a small video of myself, Sheri, and her Mom and Dad. This was taken while at dinner in Scottsdale. I apologize for not knowing the name of the restaurant (I'm sure Sheri would know it). It was a pleasant evening and another fond memory.
Hard to believe 9 years have gone by. I miss you every day. Such a fighter! Your two beautiful children I know miss your "mothering". Life goes on but every now and then I abruptly stop and pause recalling a memory we shared.
Until we meet again you will always have a special place in my heart.
Your brother, Michael.
The years pass, but the sentiment remains the same; I miss you dearly, each and every day. I know Aunt Carol is with you now and you two are laughing it up, as you did when on the phone. She was the sister you never had. Love you both very much.
I hope you know that your family still thinks of you. Today and every day. You are still the matriarch of this family. Thinking of you...
Love you bunches, xoxo.
I thought it would be appropriate to share a few more of your photos with the family. I hope you can look upon them and smile as we do. Love you.
I realize writing messages on this tribute site is silly, as you can't read them. Still...feels good to acknowledge it in some manner. I picture you up in Heaven with your parents, our Candlewood neighbors, playing bridge and eating chocolate covered raisins. And smiling...always smiling.
Love you bunches---
Daughter
I know you've been watching over me and shaking your head.... I really can't remember when I've been so blessed. Things happen for a reason, and I look to you to tell me "Tricia you are crazy!" I think of you from time to time, and also Sheri. Please continue to guide me and nudge me from time to time... Hugs forever.
I didn't forget you but I was away. I still think of you and wish that you were here to talk with me about life and family. You are always in my thoughts. I miss you.
Remember, this is the way we always answered the phone when we knew it was each other!
Hope you stop in once in a while and know I'm thinking of you. Missing you always.....Love you bunches!!
Can't believe that it's been 5 years already. I miss those talks that we had.
Miss you so much... Happy birthday my sweet, loving, kind and generous friend. I learned a lot from you.
So many times I want to pick up the phone and call you--- for a questions I have, an opinion I need, an ear to listen to my ranting or to just say "Mother.....Daughter."
As always, Jack and I will be releasing a Wish lantern into the evening sky; keep your eye out for it! Hope you're having some champagne or a glass of wine, you know I will. Love you bunches--
As Sheri mentioned, we lit a Wish Lantern in your honor tonight. I uploaded the video for all to see, hopefully you too.
Love, Jackie
Four years....why does it continue to hurt so? I realize how lucky I was to have you for 41 years, however, I find myself always needing to run things or situations by you for your advice. Hoping you may let me know the answers in your own way, soon.
I know this may seem silly, but once in a while I will take out your beloved "moo-moo" and hold it tight, remembering you in it and wishing you still were.
Still missing and loving you terribly-----
There's a big gold star on your set, we call it "Sandy" and it travels from house to house each week. We even yell at you when you keep us from getting any jokers....cut it out ok?
I'm keeping your wine glass full and your seat warmed up!!
I do so much miss your love and gentleness and I promise you that we will again let you visit your favorite place, the bridge to Fort Myers Beach. All my love, forever!
I wanted you to know how much I still think of you, miss you, and how you are still a part of my life. I love seeing the photos John is posting..... makes me miss you more but keeps you alive in my heart in so many ways.
I'm wondering if you are riding that pony you always wanted as a kid, and never got......
Happy, happy day to you.
I just wanted you to know that you are still missed. I think of you often, and remember only the good. Isn't that the way it is suppose to be!
We are thinking of you on this day. I posted some more photos of you and the family. It is nice that you saved them for so many years and now we have them to share with all.
If you see Anya playing with another, don't be alarmed. His name is Maverick and you will love him as his personality is infectious...just like yours.
Ahhh loved how we started our phone conversations, lol.
Happy Birthday to you! I bet you will be having a glass or two of wine with many others later tonight. Missing you always and every day! Please keep a lookout for your wish lantern, to be released again into the night sky. Love you--
The other day I was going through some drawers and came upon your favorite robe...ok let's say it, mumu. :) I immediately saw you at our kitchen table, drinking your morning coffee and working on the crossword puzzle. You looked up and said "Morning, want some coffee?"
Oh how I miss seeing you and hearing your voice. Seems like only months....Missing you every single day.
I still think of you often. I sent Mickey a message that a friend sent me about every time you see a Cardinal (bird) a love one that has passed has come to visit. Well I saw one yesterday, so I just know it was you. I will love you always.
Leave a Tribute
Knowing you are in heaven with your parents, Aunt Carol and friends and other family, is the only thing that keeps me from falling over. Here's to you....hoping you are playing bridge, laughing daily and once in a while, looking down on me.
Drinks at the JW in Arizona 2011
A different side
Sheri shared a story with me the other day about her Mom that I found interesting. Apparently, Sheri was "acting up" at NIU and Sandy sent her a letter letting her know of her disapproval. I forgot that Sandy could at times be a spit-fire and although usually quiet and reserved she was not afraid to be a Mom when needed.
Sheri kept the letter and recently found it in the attic as it brought back memories for both of us.
I mostly knew Sandy as a warm and loving Mother-n-law who was always kind to me and Ashley. There were those "moments" when she had enough and would muster the words stifle to Gerry and occassionally Sheri. It's memories like this, both good and bad, that remind us all that she was a women much more wonderfully complex than most knew.
A Loving Life
"San", as I called her, was the real deal. Genuine. Honest, Loyal. Quitely devout. We shared many things in common: Mah Jong, crafts, shopping, golf (?!) and each other's company. We had a lot of the same interests: politics, kids, grandkids.. She truly loved her family, each and every one of them.. She loved having company, was a gracious Hostess, excellent cook, and fussed over everyone and every thing!!
Through her battles with cancer, she said little about being afraid. Her Faith was unwavering and this, I think, sustained her and always gave her hope.
Our favorite thing to do was walk the Fort Myers Beach together. Sometimes we would just absorb the comfortable silence between us and listen to the wind, and the waves, while feeling the sand between our toes. It seemed to be a time of rejuventation... Perhaps it was the warmth of the sun or the soothing sounds... But we always felt relaxed and calmed afterwards. I cherish these special times.
San would do anything for you. it was often quite a chore to find something YOU could do for her. She didn't just remember your birthday, she made you a beautiful card. Her talents for crafting were legendary... I've kept all of the things she made me. They were all very personal and beautifully made.
She wasn't much for the limelight and often downplayed her style. But I knew inside was a vibrant soul with much to offer. You need only ask. I remember when she took me for a fitting for her dress for Sheri's wedding. She wouldn't tell me anything about it, or let me help her try it on. She made me wait for the "whole effect." It blew me away. I told her then and there that I'd never seen her look so elegant, so beautiful. She just radiated and glowed and I knew she was looking forward to seeing Sheri as a bride.... It was her dream for her little girl.... She knew then of her breast cancer, but chose not to tell the family until after the wedding. It's just who she was.
She lived a purposeful life and held fast to her family, faith and friends. She never spoke harshly about anyone. If I could sum up her philosophy on life it would be: to live simply, love wholeheartedly, care deeply and have faith that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
I miss her every day, especially at Christmas. She loved everything Christmas...I collected angels and she liked snowmen. We often exchanged gifts adding to our collections.
I wish she were still here, I wish I could see her again.... and one day hopefully, we will walk the beach of eternity together one day.