Thursday, January 24, 2019
Mrs Stear was a real presence in our neighborhood of Pontiac Drive. Two of my sisters and I were the same ages as Ellen, Billy, and Bobby Stear. Every year, Mrs. Stear would invite us three and the other children in the neighborhood for fancy birthday parties at their house. We all dressed up and were served a lovely, very decorated store-bought cake and came home with interesting favors such as Mexican Jumping Beans or animal-shaped balloons. She was always present as we rode our bikes around the neighborhood, or picked beans in their garden. Even after we had all grown up, we would see Mrs. Stear sitting on her porch, or walking down the street, and she would always ask after us. When our mother died, Mrs. Stear made a point of coming over for tea. Although I wasn't among the party, I heard how comforting and sweet her visit was to my family. I have not seen Ellen, Billy, Bobby, or Martha since our childhoods. I have often thought of them over the years and received news of them through their dear mother. My thoughts are with them now in these days after her loss, wishing peace and light. Sincerely,
Betsy Fleche
