Bette McNelly

Dear Roger & Lee, & families. I am so sorry for your loss of this lovely woman. I first met Bette & Mac, (as he introduced himself to me), decades ago when they brought my Great Grandmother-in-law´s sister-in-law, Mary, to Shelton, CT to visit Rose Preston. By that time Gram, unable to live alone any longer, resided at her youngest daughter´s home. My then husband, Mark Shashinka, called to ask me to show them the way to his Aunt Lillian´s home. Mary was practically blind, and without her hearing aids, Gram was practically deaf, (Lillian later explained the hearing aids had been misplaced that day,) the visit was still a gift to both Gram and Mary. Afterward we drove around Shelton to see which homes your Mom recalled. They treated me to lunch as well.

The next time I saw your parents was at their beautiful 50th Anniversary party. I asked Mac if they would open gifts at the party, or later at home? He asked why I wanted to know? I confided I´d written them a poem, and he said, "Show me which package." He took me to your Mom, and upon opening it, she asked that I read it at the podium to everyone. At first I declined, not wanting my then husband, and in-laws to think I was showing off. But when Bette said, "Alpha, you know if Mac reads it, he´s going to kill it." I couldn´t allow that, so agreed. Upon returning to my table, my dears were all complimentary, and I was happy my words pleased your parents.

Dear Aunt Bette's family, my cousins! I was saddened to hear of Aunt Bette's passing! She is with Uncle Elmer now, and at peace! I will cherish the visit my husband and I had with them a few years ago as her stories were vivid in her mind and I visioned the oneriness she and my mother shared! I loved coming to Connecticut in the summers and playing in your backyard! Very sacred memories! Hugs and love are sent to Roger, Lee, and your family!