March 30th will be a day never forgotten by me. March 30th is always a bittersweet memory for me since it’s the date my dear mom Jane was placed in hospice in 2017. Now in 2020, it’s the day heaven got so much brighter welcoming a phenomenal woman who I’m deeply honored to call my Aunt Nancy. I can just hear her saying Oh Jane with such love. What a party they had that day with the love of her life, Uncle Tom, her son Paul along with her sisters, parents and many more.

I think my earliest childhood memory of Aunt Nancy was her bright smile, deep laugh and the times she would say “For Heavens Sake”. It’s funny because I can recall many times the Feit and O’Connell cousins would get together we would share stories of growing up differently. The O’Connell’s house was always hectic and filled with junk food, while the Feit home was always filled with lots of fruits and veggies. The Feit’s would say how much they loved coming to visit our crazy house while I truly cherished my visits to their home. It was calm and loving. Aunt Nancy introduced me to eating a peach and if not for her perhaps I never would have learned to enjoy peaches. Anytime I eat a peach I recall that day in her kitchen on Seacrest Drive. I was so honored the first time I got to visit the Feits all by myself. I was so excited to have them all to myself. The girls were so busy with their lives and Paul taught me how to surf in the ocean. Aunt Nancy brought me to her classroom to set up for the upcoming school year. I was so excited to help her set up for her kids and her explain to me the importance of education.

For me personally, the past 3 years have been my favorite with Aunt Nancy. We bonded so much and helped each other with our grief over my mom. We both made a point to call each other every few weeks and chat. While the calls were brief it was quality time. Aunt Nancy helped me more than she will ever realize. Her love and concern for me was so comforting especially while coping with the loss of my mom. Aunt Nancy would always say thank you for calling, I will call you next time and goodbye. I had the honor many times hearing her say I love you. Three words that her and my mom struggled saying since they grew up not hearing it. Three simple words that make us feel such warmth and happiness.

March 7, 2020 will be a fond memory for me always. I was able to spend the entire day with Aunt Nancy. When I walked into the house she thought I was Claudia walking in and to her surprise she got me. She got so excited and tried to get up. We talked so much and recalled past memories. I was able to read to her from some of her books as well as share notes and videos from my siblings sending their love. We went on a 45-minute stroll on a gorgeous sunny day. We laughed about all the holiday lights still hanging on houses and the lovely flowers. Aunt Nancy became so excited while eating vanilla ice cream as if she was a child again. Her life was coming to a full circle and while she was struggling, she still had such grace.

Anne, Claudia and Clare thank you from bottom of my heart for sharing your mom with so many over the years. I forever will cherish my fond memories with my Aunt Nancy and have a special spot for her in my heart. I thank her for showing how to have elegance and humanity towards others. I will forever love you Aunt Nancy, All my Love, Eileen xoxo