Gary Lee Dear Susan, Max, Kari and Alvin, I have sent phone messages to your mom, my daughter and I were going to go visit your dad and your mom called and told me not to go, I had tried to contact her several times but only had her cell phone and your dad’s cell phone. I feel terrible that I had no idea your mom passed too, and on your dad’s birthday no less. Your dad and I go back to July, 1962 when we moved to Newington, your grandfather also visited with my aunt and uncle in Florida and Kari you, mom and dad were in their pasture when you did the motor trip out here to Maine and NE, Susan, you were maybe 3 when you visited with us in Newington, and your dad had my car to use when he came for the band reunion, I would have had him use the GrandPrix but there were 4 of going to MA for my nephew and niece’s wedding. I know your mom suffered terribly until they finally determined what her problems were/are. I was talking with your dad when he told me of his illness, I cannot tell you how heavy that has weighed on me and the both us had a serious crying session, your dad and I considered each other to be brothers. Both mom and dad and Butch and Pam came to Donna and my wedding in 1975 in Dorchester, MA. Ours was a military wedding and all of the males were in the USAR unit I was a member of and ultimately retired out of. Alvin, I hope you are still in the ARNG, time goes so fast and the retirement is well worth it, all I had to go thru for the issues actually a 30% disability, means that the government does not tax that amount, however CT does not tax your military retirement now. I would have stayed in longer but Donna was adamant that I get out so all I have is 22+ years. My heartfelt sympathies go out to all of you with the loss of both parents, I truly regret not being able to visit with your parent, dad said all I was doing was giving my intentions lip service but I really had every intention to see them. I was also very close with your grandmother, Eva, and we used to go to church each Sunday in Newington. I was 17 when my dad passed from pancreatic cancer and your family adopted my mom and me. Just know you four in my prayers and on my mind, if only I had known.
about 13 hours ago

Donna Burrell Susan, Kari & John, I was just shocked when I came upon this news. She was so young. My hope is she did not suffer in her passing. I do know she was way too young to be leaving us. So many memories come flooding back to when Susan and Christin were the tightest of friends and all the trips to and from your log home on top of the mountain. For decades now, I still make her mother’s rhubarb crisp recipe every rhubarb season. My heartfelt condolences to all of you. I know she’ll be missed. Donna Burrell (formerly Hylland)
11 months ago