Classmates Through the Years

Linda G, Dorene, Jack L.

At my daughter Melanie's Celebration of Life in May, two of my lifelong friends were able to be there. I realized that I have known Jack and Linda since Grade 1 at Venice Elementary School, which then was a part of the Margaretta Local Schools District.

Jack and Linda and I all took College Prep Classes at Margaretta High School. We had Miss Stiller for English Literature, and Mr. Van Orsdall for Biology. We three were members of the Mighty Polar Marching Band, under the direction of Mr. Robert Price. The band bus experience was always a lot of fun.

Linda's mom was a teacher at Venice Elementary. In the Baby Boom years, some academic years, Mrs. H. had her class at Trinity Lutheran Church, down the road from Venice School, because Venice School was overcrowded. On more than one occasion, I was blessed to go on vacation with Linda's family, because her older sisters were working, and they wanted Linda to have someone to pal around with .We went to Washington D.C., and I  got to meet Congressman Mosher. Another vacation was to Atwood Lake Lodge. My parents, who were raising six children, rarely went on vacation, so my trips with Linda and her parents were a delightful treat!

Jack's mom Viola, lived  to be over 100 years old! She was a strong woman, and she had helped raise her siblings, after their mother died young. 

Living in a small community, there are ties with family and friends that stay with you all through life's journey. Thank you Linda and Jack, for being there to help us remember my daughter Melanie, who left this earth at age 47. Niece Tina got me a special journal, in which now I am sharing memories of my daughter. I encourage you to jot down memories on paper, or in a blog. Future generations may enjoy the memories you have.