Betty Jo Lowery

I can't believe it's been a year since her passing. I think of her often, and I'm grateful she had such a long life that brought her joy.

The very first time I met Betty (Perky) she made me feel at home. She welcomed me not as a stranger but as family (Virginia's son-in-law) and was always kind and thoughtful. Whenever I see Patsy I recognize in her the care and concern for others that she inherited from Perky. Patsy and Greg took great care of Perky during her last years. Perky deserved no less. She was a family treasure.

My mother called her sister Perky instead of Betty, so that's what I grew up calling her, too. One of my very earliest memories was when she took Peggy, Patsy, and me downtown on the streetcar to see "Pinocchio". I don't remember a thing about seeing the film, just waiting for the streetcar and going to sleep on the floor really late with my cousins. A big night out for a four year-old. For several years every May, I had my mother, Perky, and my Aunt Susie over for lunch. They all had...