The day we moved in across from Amelia in '89, she brought over a thermos of coffee and said, "I live there - come over when you can talk." and we've been talking ever since.
She became our friend, mother, cook, confidante and our connection to the neighborhood.
She had so many baby pictures in her kitchen, and so may stories about each one that you'd think they were all her grand or great grand children.
One day locked my keys in the car before work. I ran over to Amelia's to beg a ride and she just tossed me her car keys.
I worked mostly evenings, and Amelia called my husand Mike several times a week to come over for dinner. She'd say, "If you don't want to eat with an old lady, just take it home."
I depended on her for so many things: household hints, recipes, recommendations for all things local, and of course groceries since she had a small IGA in her basement.
Last month Gene, who still lives on Bayshore, took Amelia and I to lunch. She looked so beautiful, and the coat she wore was the color I liked best on her - red. She wore a soft, lovely pastel top and said "My daughter-in-law got it for me."
She loved her family and was proud of every one. In recent years, though, it was "my daughter-in-law" Linda who walked on water.
Amelia was a great neighbor - kind, generous and funny. I sure will miss her.
