Regan Family News Vol 2 #3

This is the link to RFN 2#3 January 1964

This month's installment of the RFN is a 9 page affair with 7 pages devoted to Br. Matthew's report on working and living in Mexico City in the early 60's. The other 2 pages contain family news; mostly about the Ross Regans. I guess it was a slow month following the recent holiday. Check it out at the link above.

Meanwhile, as promised, here is a note from Catherine Postier regarding the passing of her mother, Sarah. Again, our sympathy and prayers go out to you, Catherine and Bill at this time and we look forward to seeing you next month.

Here is a link to Sarah Postier's obituary.

First, Bill and I would like to extend our sincere thanks to all who have offered their love and support to us after the loss of our Mother.  Obviously nothing can bring her back, but it makes things a bit easier knowing how loved and appreciated she was.  For those who made it to the reunion in the Manor, she was so happy to see all of you and really had a great time that day, as did we all.

The question I keep getting is "what happened?"  Well, some of you know that Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last May and had a mastectomy in June.  She had undergone 12 weekly chemotherapy treatments and was on a lower dosage every 3 weeks.  She had just begun radiation in November, and then on the 21st she fell and broke both bones in her ankle.  She was in the hospital for a month, and then had been transferred to a rehab center to continue physical therapy.  In addition, she was receiving her ongoing cancer treatments at the Cancer Center next door to the rehab.  Fast forward to the week of February 2nd.  On Monday the 2nd, she received her last radiation treatment, and on Tuesday her ankle was declared 100% healed.  Friday the 6th, I picked her up and brought her home for the 1st time since November.  That night she was thrilled just to sleep in her own bed and see her cat, Jasmine.  Saturday went along fine all day.  We had finished eating dinner around 7 and I went into the other room to print off our "Christmas" letter for her to read before I made copies to mail.  When I came back into the living room 10 or so minutes later, she was gone.  I called 911 and tried CPR, but to no avail.  We're not exactly sure what happened, but think it was either a heart attack or blood clot.  At that point we didn't see the point of an autopsy.  She was cremated and we had a small wake at the local funeral home.  As with Dad, there was a snowstorm that night so I was worried about those that came getting home safely.

Going forward, I am in the process of moving into her house.  Bill already has a home and we decided we don't want to sell.  Since I was close by and was renting, it just made sense for me to take it over.  It necessitated a job change, but so far, that bit is going very well.  Needless to say, I'm a bit frazzled, but I think when I get to the other side, it'll ultimately be a good change.

We will be having two memorials for Mom; one here in Vermont, and the other in Warwick, NY where she will be interred.  The gathering at the Vermont House will be Saturday, May 9th in the afternoon.  The grave-side ceremony and reception afterward will be on Saturday, May 30th in Warwick, NY.  I am still working out details, but the interment will be at 11am at Warwick Cemetery.  I am trying to book the Raymond Hose Fire Company function room for the reception.  Those who came down for Dad's memorial may remember it.  If you plan to attend either, please RSVP to me.  You can call me at 802-962-5286, email dkhelmo@gmail.com, or mail to PO Box 221, North Stratford, NH 03590.

One thing we would love for people to do is to share their remembrances of Mom.  As you know, she could be very quiet and didn't talk about herself much.  We would love to have some stories to tell at the memorials.  Again, you can send them along to me or, if you plan to attend one of the get-togethers, we'll open up the floor and you can tell everyone. 

I truly think that Mom didn't realize how important she was to those around her.  I have been told in every way imaginable how wonderful she was and that she touched many lives.  I am so immensely grateful that I got to spend as much time with her as I did.  She was more than a mother, she was a friend to both Bill and I.  She was a sounding board and a rock and, although we were never a family to say "I love you" a lot, we never doubted it for a second.  Her light and calm demeanor was always there, no matter what.  She was no mouse though.  She was the "quiet one" that would come out with a zinger when you least expected it.  She loved to have a good time and she and Dad had more than their fair share of wild times over the years. She was smart and funny and a joy to be around.

Again, our thanks to you all for your messages of sympathy and support.  We look forward to seeing you at one of the memorials and at other family functions in the future.  Our love to you and yours, now and always.