Della Brennan

My condolences to the family on your loss. Mrs. Brennan was a second mother to many of us in our teenage years. She was wise to all of us and equally as loving. Her home was always open to anyone and her kid's friends became her friends as well. As an adult she often invited me for tea and now I feel bad I didn't take her up on that cup. In the last few years we lost touch over the phone but she was never far from my thoughts, especially when I visit the Das family still in the neighborhood....

Della always treated me like a son. She was quick to give a hug, and always seemed pleased to see me, even though I invaded her home almost every day. To my chagrin, she also never hesitated to correct me, give me advice, smell my breath if she thought I was acting funny, get upset with me when I messed up, and demanded the best, most respectful behavior out of me. It was like having two moms. Although I would try to sweet-talk her, get indignant, or otherwise dissuade her, she never let up....