Helen and Ray Memorial Dinner, October 19, 2013
Several years ago Barb had the idea that when mom and pop passed we come together in Mountain Lakes for a weekend and celebrate their lives. Turns out to have been a pretty good idea! Also, mom and pop had made their feelings clear and in keeping with their wishes this was not to be a religious or a solemn event. Just a gathering for the renewal of relationships, some hearty meals, good stories, some laughs, maybe a tear or two, and, in general, some quality time together. Well, we did it. Dinner Friday night, spreading the ashes at the Esplanade on Saturday afternoon, and the dinner and ceremony on Saturday night were perfect.
Special thanks to Chris Coombs, long time family friend, and cousin Michael-Ann for taking wonderful pictures at the dinner which you can see below. Also, thanks to those who came from so far away (California, Virginia, Mass., Columbus, New York, and Montville) to celebrate together.
I tried to put some order to the photos so below you’ll see the cocktail hour, ceremony and speakers, an appreciation for our spouses, cousins, and the next generation along with some photos of the “original eight”. If you would like to add any photos or comments just send them to me and I will insert them. So, now, enjoy!
Cocktail Hour
The Ceremony
First, our master of ceremonies, Todd, takes control. Aside from not letting me get up and speak for a second time he did a wonderful job.
Quiet down please
NO Art!! You’re not getting up here again!
I’m not kidding!!
OK, who’s next? Patty?
The Speakers
Thanks to all our speakers: Barb, Patty, Sean, Denny, Laura, Cardie, Megan, and Jan. Also, Maggie’s beautiful song and Quinn’s coming all the way from California to present that great video were deeply appreciated.
Barb
Patty
Sean
Laura
Megan
Cardie
Jan
Maggie Sang and the older folks cry.
And finally Quinn presents the video
The Audience
Judging by the smiles and applause it would appear our speakers did a good job.
In Appreciation…of our spouses
To Debby, Bob, Jan, Patty, and Adie: THANK YOU so much for putting up with all our craziness (much of it from me) for all these years. Mom and pop were proud of and loved you all.
In appreciation of our Cousins
Special thanks to Cardie, Carole, Dave, Michael-Ann, Laura, Jerry, Carol and Jack ‘o Boy for joining us. Your attendance was appreciated by all. I believe Uncle Jada, Aunt Betty, Aunt Stelle, Uncle George, our grandparents and, of course, my mom and dad are looking down and smiling; delighted that we spent this time together.
In Appreciation of the Next Generation
We are so proud of all of you. Don’t know how else to say it. Hopefully we set a good example for all of you on the benefits of remaining close and supportive. Thanks for being with us and celebrating Nana and Bompa.
In Appreciation of the “Original Eight”
The Big Boys
The Little Ones
A look back
Always watching over us
The Final Photos
Who new this….
….would lead to all this!!
Ashley receives nomination for Mid Atlantic Emmy.
I am not at all surprised to report that Ashley Saunders Russo has been nominated for a Mid Atlantic Emmy Award which will be presented in September in Philadelphia. The segment recognized was a profile of Shane Burcow, a college student who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The story shows how Shane uses courage and humor in his heroic battle with the illness. Great story and very well told.
Below is a profile on Ashley in the online magazine Style. Her work on her show and her contribution to the non profits in the Lehigh Valley are covered.
http://www.lehighvalleystyle.com/August-2013/Women-of-Style/
And, in case you missed it, here is the link to the Peak TV website:
Congratulations to Ashley!
Quinn and Aidan graduate:The academic world is rocked!!
Quinn Michael Mahony, son of Dave and Patty, (Dave is Denny’s son, who is Ray’s son, who is Ray’s son, who is Red Denny’s son, well, you get the idea) recently graduated from Capistrano Unified School District. Attending this monumental event were Quinn’s parents, brothers, Uncle Steve, and, making the journey all the way from Virginia, Aunt Barb.
Below is a brief write up from Dave on the events preceding graduation. In my view these events can be described as “so Mahony”. Goofing off and doing good almost simultaneously; somewhat of a family trait. Bompa and Nana would love it. The main thing is he was allowed “to walk”, graduated on time and is headed to college in the fall.
Dave’s commentary:
We didn’t get the OK from Quinn’s gym teacher till 4 hours before graduation that he would let him walk. He had to run 100 bleachers and fold all the gym clothes that were turned in to make up for sleeping through his 630 gym class most of the semester. It was Quinn’s commitment to help the teaching staff keep other kids sober that really put him over the top. Very Proud!
Patty and Dave with handsome Quinn
Gavin , Quinn, and Aidan
Aidan Storm Mahony (also son of Dave and Patty) graduated from 8th grade this June. He achieved high honors with a 3.85 (That’s an A minus for those who have been out of school for a while) Grade Point Average. He is looking forward to making his mark in HS this fall.
The proud graduate
Aidan (second from right) and buddies on graduation day
A
The Cardie and Carole Saunders family Christmas card with an added bonus. That’s Carole in her cow suit celebrating at The Hunt in October. Notice the utters.
Front row: Kailee & Cardie V
Second row: Eileen, Sean, Sabrina, & Liza
Top row: Cardie IV, Gaga (Carole) , Grandpa (Cardie), Greg
Jan wins another tennis title at Lake Valhalla Club.
Jan and partner Nancy Kornbluh won the 2012 club doubles championship in a tough 3 set match. Jan has now won more singles and double titles than any other club member and she’s not done yet. I will keep you posted.
