JoAnn & Ted, Ron & Jan, Ed & Sue, Diane & Jeff and Steve & Eve,
My sincere condolences on your Mom’s passing. As much as she was a wonderful mother (mother-in-law) to you, Auntie Ann was also a wonderful aunt. She and Uncle Joe celebrated all of the important moments during school years, later moving on to jobs, marrying Claudia, having our children and seeing our kids move on into adult lives themselves – with grandchildren. Auntie Ann and Uncle Joe, until his passing, were part of our lives each step of the way and truly made celebrations and just plain get-togethers special. They were also there during the difficult times with no end of support and care.
Some special memories: my Mom describing how Auntie Ann helped her learn to drive (a manual transmission no less); my amazement as a very young kid at her coloring skill – I remember sitting in the kitchen of your parents’ 7th street house (next door to ours) as she showed me how to color a picture of a German Shepherd dog so well by staying inside the lines (evidently a new concept for me), meeting at Grandma & Grandpa’s house after church on Sundays, the bubble lights on the Christmas tree in the darkened living room of your Cleveland Ave. home, our family holiday meals, birthdays, etc. celebrated together as we were all growing up – a fun loud crowd every time, Auntie Ann’s always present sense of fun and a little mischief that we especially appreciated as we grew older (probably developed by having my Dad and Uncle Tony as big brothers), her using the name “Joseph!!” for Uncle Joe when she meant business or he needed a tease, and of special personal significance: her introducing me to the wonders of Pecan Pie (both with and without ice cream)!!! This last gift has stayed with me to this day.
I’m so disappointed that Claudia and I will not be able to join you in person to celebrate your Mom’s life. I had surgery recently, am recovering well, but doctors recommended that I not travel just yet. Paul and John can fill you in on the details.
Auntie Ann, a petite lady, has a big place in our hearts and was so special to our entire family. She’ll be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Mike & Claudia Hornacek
