Dear Laurell, Tracy, Davia, and all the family,
I am sitting with so many memories of your mom/grandma right now. It was always so wonderful, as a teen, to wake up in Aunt Connie's home on visits and chat with her in her kitchen while she whipped up the best breakfasts. Omelettes with asparagus is one I remember well, on her large flat grill, the type I had never seen before anywhere else. I have this memory too of discussing books that were good for kids and teens, since she was a teacher in that field. Hours and hours of chatting at her dining room table on Arlington Ave, where her coffee pot was never emptied and friends would drop in from all over at any time, really, at any time of day or night. I remember her preparing tripe for Uncle Bobby in the middle of the night when he would come home from a shift. I don't know if I was more impressed with the time of the cooking (about 2 am) or the fact that she knew what tripe was (I did not). And, also, more recently (only about 10 years ago let's say) when she was preparing a meal at Tracy's (or maybe it was Davia's) house. Aunt Connie was in charge of the salads, and I remember she had bought some really fresh arugula and she had packed each leaf very tenderly between sheets of damp paper towel. I watched as she opened the paper towel rolled around the leaves, and checked each one of the leaves to see which ones were still fresh enough to dare to be served to her beloved family. Such gentleness and love. And, I know, this is how she cared for all of you. I know how well you all then cared for her, especially in her last years. You are filled with her blessings and legacy of love, may this be a small comfort to you all. With love and fond memory, may she rest in peace, Ilana Axel
So very sorry for your loss. My memories of Conni are waiting for Laurell to walk to school, the tuna sandwich needed to be made, not to mention the vitamins. She was ahead of her time a beautiful woman missed by all. God bless all of you through this difficult time.
Angie and Jim Gregory
