After spending some time in the hospital, my Great Aunt Maddy passed away peacefully at the age of 88 years young. She was a feisty, independent, no-nonsense woman who came back to America from Germany in 1931 (with my Grandmother) when she was just 5. She made a life for herself, had to re-learn English, had a way with the men, and often told me how important love is. She had been my penpal ever since I could write. I would tell her the struggles of a teen living in New York and she would tell me about her daily activities in her Florida community. She never missed the sending of a holiday card and I always got a phone call on my birthday ("Hellooooo, it's your Aunt Maddy!") We all knew that God would take her home when she was ready and it was clear she was. When she took a turn for the worst, I was allowed to take a break at work to call her, courtesy of a friend of hers. She reminded me of the photos she had in her bedroom of myself and my boyfriend, Gio. She accepted him into our little family and always asked about him. "I keep the photos by my bed so I can keep an eye on you two. Is there ever a photo you take where you're NOT kissing??" It has been a blessing to have her in my life from the day I was born. Her last words to me were "I love you." I am so grateful to all of her neighbors and friends. Thank you for checking in on her and helping her. Being far from her was hard, but she spoke highly of all of you, and that brought us comfort. For the last time: Love always, from your Great Niece, Jessica. May you rest in peace, beautiful angel.
