Friday, November 9, 2018
Around the corner from 681 Washington Avenue, up short Erie Street and four houses to the left of the corner of Benson Street and Erie, my three older sisters and I grew up in the Abriel and Devine household, at 163 Benson. My grandparents, Joseph and Molly Devine, had built the house many years before, and my mom found it a great neighborhood to raise her family in, although it had few children to be seen. Luckily. we found 681 Washington was blessed with children!
Susan's and my earliest childhood friends were Linda and Susan Scher, while our sister, Joan, became friends with Toby, and her cousin, Toby Scher. Joan and I recently shared stories of memories we shared of good times in the old neighborhood, wondering, as we often have, where everyone went, and what their lives had gifted them with---blessings mostly, we hope.
I was sorry to learn Toby had lost her husband and son early in life. I had hoped to attend today's burial, so that I might share more about our collective lives, but let the weather scare me away. We all fell out of touch as we grew up, in the way of neighborhoods, my sisters and I going to Vincentian eventually, and I assume the Goldsteins and Schers going to Milne. Early on in my adult life, I ran into Mr. Scher when he was staying active by helping out at Schaeffer's Fruit and Vegetable Mart, but never again saw anyone after that. I hope Toby's life was full and happy, in spite of losing her husband and son early in life. I too became a widow fairly early in life, and lost my closest sister, Susan, when we were 36 and 37, but try to count my blessings for all the good times, and my four healthy children, now in their 40's and 50's. Peace and love to you all! Sally
