Barbie Zornes
My Aunt Neila was very special to me. I have many fond memories of her from the time I was a young girl. She, my Uncle Johnnie, and their three kids mostly lived in Florida while my Army family moved around the country, so we didn’t get to grow up around them. We often saw them at family reunions in New Hampshire, and one summer my family and theirs rented a cottage at Tucker Pond and we all had a blast, especially us six cousins. That is an especially fun and vivid memory. As an adult, living in Colorado now, I would keep in touch with Neila and Johnnie via Christmas cards and after both of my parents passed away at fairly young ages (my dad was Neila’s younger brother), I also periodically called. I felt it was important to stay in touch as our families dwindled. Several years ago, after Uncle Johnnie’s passing, I began visiting Neila in Florida every year as I felt it was important to maintain the relationship with the last of my dad’s living siblings (and my cousins too). Aunt Neila never ceased to amaze me with her quick wit and intelligence. I remember, from the time I was a teenager, admiring her athleticism, knowledge, and desire to stay active. I saw her in late February this year, when she was “only” 100. We had lunch at my cousin’s house and when I told her I was looking forward to seeing her again next year, she said “I’ll be here.” I spoke to her on her 101st birthday and it was only seven weeks later my cousin called to let me know my beloved aunt had passed away. I’m grateful for all the time I was able to spend with her and will truly miss her. ~Lovingly, her niece, Barbie (Deno) Zornes