Dear Ed and Ashley,

My deepest condolences for the loss of your wonderful mother. I have such fond memories from childhood of playing in the beautiful home that she created, eating her delicious cooking and most of all how kind she always was to me and my siblings. She always made me feel cared for like family when we were together. She was one of the most soulful people I have every met. I love how she took great joy in the everyday and valued how meaningful small gestures can be. I recently came across an old holiday card she sent Erin and I that I had saved because written on the back of the envelope, in her distinctly big beautiful handwriting, were the words “Friendship brightens every corner of the world.” Your mother had a warm spirit that will greatly be missed.

Love,

The Carreno Family

Vic, Erin, Eva and Oliver

Kind, lovely, gracious, worldly, wise, creative, humble, caring, generous and thoughtful! Nina was all this and more. We were blessed to be able to call her our dear friend for over 45 years. One of our fondest memories with Nina and her treasured dog, Louie, was occasional walks on the Longport beach with pumpkin spice coffee. She shall forever remain in our hearts. We offer our deepest sympathy to Ed and Ashley and her extended family. May Nina’s precious grandchildren follow in her footsteps.

With love and hugs,

Susan and Mike Gross

Nina was such a welcoming inspiration and friend… one of many welcoming neighbors, she was the first neighbor to stop and welcome me when I moved into the Beaver Lakes neighborhood . She became a wonderful friend and mentor always sharing her life wisdom and her gardening wisdom. She always made the time to check in on me and my children…  dropping in with gifts from her very healthy and abundant garden. Some of which I brought with me to my new home .

Nina and I also shared a birthday which made me feel even more kindred in spirit with her …we always shared a card or sentiment with each other every February.

I now live near some new Moms and this is my wake up call to reach out in kindness and community in the spirit of Nina. 

I know she is watching down on all of us.. Nina until we meet again my friend , I will see you in the garden from time to time - thank you 💞

The day after mom passed away, I was in her home packing up her belongings. As I sat on the floor in front of her writing and stationary cabinet, taking papers off the shelf, multiple copies of this poem came across my hands. With a little grin and tears in my eyes, I said "thanks mom" as I read the following poem she had printed off the internet 22 years earlier and stored away. This is so fitting to who she was - a true romantic for life and intentional in everything she did! Her home was filled with hidden love notes and quotes in which she left behind. Love, Ashley 

Letter from Heaven

To my dearest family.... There's some things I'd like to say,

But first of all, to let you know, that I have arrived okay.

I’m writing this from heaven.

Here I dwell with God above.

Here, there’s no more tears of sadness...

There is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I am out of sight.

Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,

God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you!"

"It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on."

"I need you here so badly, as you are part of my plan.

There is so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man”.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.

And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night, with the day's chores put to flight,

God and I are closest to you….in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years,

Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.

But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand.

There is one thing is for certain, although my life on earth is over.

I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;

But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;

That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain;

Then you can say to God at night…."My day was not in vain."

For now I am contented, that my life was worthwhile.

Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;

Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.

When you’re walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind;

I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go from that body to be free, remember you’re not going…you’re coming here to me.

Author: Ruth Ann Mahaffey

Your mom was very inspirational to me. She was an amazing mother. As a neighbor mom we always had fresh fruit and a ride to dance class. Her polish heritage was so special to my family. I am so grateful for everything she gave to me and my brothers.