JANET ROGGENBURG

Remembering Janet, and brightened by her memory.

Janet was brilliant, strong minded, and funny, but she was also as loyal and thoughtful a friend as one could ever wish for. I have her last card on my desk - it simply says "I love you." I know her daughters have and impart her finest qualities - in this I find her now.

Tonight I asked Verizon to take your cell phone off my account. I can still see that phone beside you in bed ready for the evening calls. For the rest of my life, something will prompt me to dial " JAR" but then I'll realize you already know. Thanks for listening.

I think of you each time I walk into my Morristown apartment. I still remember the day I signed my lease and brought home the floor plan. We mapped out furniture placement together and discussed the fabrics to be hung for curtains down to the placement of artwork I'd put up. Today, various pieces of your delicate furniture are tastefully placed around, including the dainty antique couch that was in your room - it's now in mine. You would love it here, I sure do because I feel your presence...

I thought of you today as the snow fell outside Chapel of the Snows in Stratton Mountain as we prayed the
Prayer of St Francis of Assisi:
Lord make me an instrument of Thy peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to...

Mary Pat, Mary Jo, and Kate - so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She WAS a wonder! She always made me feel so welcome and so included when I visited your home, which felt like an oasis of calm and beauty in a hectic world. She was gracious and giving and raised (with help from Stanley, of course) three gracious and wonderful daughters who have continued her mission of making the world a better place. Hold her memory close to your hearts. Love, Barb

Mary Pat, my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your gracious mother. My prayers for her eternal rest in peace, now with your Dad, Deb Simeone

Of Janet

Dear Mary Pat, Mary Jo, Katie, and all,

I have a terrible memory. Friends tell me of events I was present at, and I remember nothing -- even at times when the story is about me.

But I have a memory of Janet from over 60 years ago. I was maybe 4, and Janet was giving Mary Pat a bath in the kitchen sink in their apartment on Park Hill Avenue. I was amazed that any human could fit into a sink. And, I remember how I felt relaxed and happy there.

As I grew up,...