When I noticed on my cell phone the message from Stamford, CT I had a feeling the news was not pleasant.  What was so pleasant however, was talking with Barbara.  My Godmother, my Aunt Teresa, was now in heaven!  Georgiann and I express our sincere sympathies to my cousins, their spouses, their children, and to Aunt Teresa’s many friends and acquaintances. 

A flood of memories rushed over me.  I have a black & white photo of Aunt Teresa walking with me as a young boy towards St. Michael’s Church in Hartford, CT to receive my First Communion.  I’m 68 years old now so that photo could very well be the day of my Confirmation.  Point is, Aunt Teresa was always by my side. 

When I was a little older, I spent a week during one summer staying with and working on my Grandparents broad leaf tobacco farm in Windsor Locks, CT.  A day’s hard work was followed by a hearty supper.  Trouble was, I couldn’t recognize any of the very Polish foods I was offered by my Grandmother.  I don’t know how she knew this, but Aunt Teresa came to my rescue and invited me to have supper at her house.  I’ll never forget those ‘recognizable’ and delicious plates of pasta! 

  Our family spent so many summertime Friday and Saturday evenings in the backyard on Turnpike Road.  My brothers and I would shudder when jets were coming in for a landing at Bradley Airport – Aunt Teresa and Uncle Bill wouldn’t even flinch.  Sometimes on those weekends, my parents celebrated a bit too much and being almost sixteen years old, my Dad gave me his car keys.  In spite of Aunt Teresa’s frown, she trusted me to get everyone home safely – and I never let her trust down. 

Aunt Teresa was present at Georgiann and my wedding some 46 years ago.  She visited immediately following the births of our daughters and always stayed in touch. 

I could go on and on, but I’ll end with saying Aunt Teresa was a very special person to me.  At times, tough when she needed to be, more often, the kindest person you could know.  I’ll miss my Aunt Teresa and cherish our memories forever!  Bill Iskrzak