Dear Kim, I was shocked this evening to learn of your mother’s passing! Something–I don’t know what– made me put her name into Google and bang. No one told me anything. I just called my father Ralph who confirmed it. I have fond memories of the kindness your mother displayed towards me and my sister when we were small kids visiting our grandparents, and your parents, our aunt and uncle, in Kirkland Lake. She was a wonderful lady and deserved all the best. I’m sorry we’ve had such little interaction over the last couple of decades. But memories cross my mind all the time, as they did tonight. Best wishes to you and your children. I’d like to see you again sometime. Maybe you should consider a trip west at some point. You are my only living first cousin–the one and only!–and it has been years since our paths have crossed. With my condolences, Marty (Backstrom) Berkeley, California, USA

Kim, Marty send me the notice of your Mom’s death. I’m so sorry to hear that she passed away. I remember Norma as a sweet and soft lady and when I met her for the first time back in the early 1960’s I liked her (and your Dad) immediately. Although I’ve never met your children, please pass along my sincere condolances for the loss of their grandmother. Grandma’s are very important and I’ll bet your Mom was a good one to your children. I have nothing but great memories of Esther and her wisdom and kindness. Love, Frances (Denver Colorado)