She was my next door neighbor for 47 years. I moved in right before my 21st birthday. Her and Gene were my neighbors, surrogate parents and best friends. They taught me everything there was about taking care of a house and yard. I loved spending time with them, which I did often. When we moved in, they invited us over for drinks. We said I would take care of inside the house and Jim would do the outside. They both said, "No, you can't do that. You have to work together." It was good advice, and I learned to cut grass, and eventually we got a John Deere. If I didn't think the grass needed mowing and Lil was out mowing, I mowed. I quickly learned that if I didn't do it the same day, we would have rain for 5 days and regret it. I miss her very much, but I'm glad her and Gene are together.
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2018, Chesterton, IN, USA
Aunt Lil and Cathy @ Great great niece Kyrie's graduation party
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Aunt Lil was my Godmother and was very special to me. There are so many memories with her and my Uncle Gene I could write a book. A few years ago, I called her to find out what they were doing on July 4th. She said why don’t you come over and spend the day. Well that was in 2021 and it was like a private party just the 3 of us. I wanted to take pictures but Uncle Gene said come on no pictures we are all getting older. Haha so I did not. We shared stories and laughed and had appetizers, pizza, and salad. It was the last time I saw them but it truly a special day! She will be missed but not forgotten ❤️❤️
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— with
Beautiful mama in her authentic Ukrainian costume
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So sad to lose another dear friend. My thoughts are with her family, whom I appreciate and love very much and will continue to keep in touch.
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I met Mrs. Blayho 48 years ago. She worked in the office at Lake Central. She was so sweet and compassionate.
She and her husband Gene raised a lovely family.
Sending all my love and prayers to the Blayho family.
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Aunt Lil was such a warm kind person, very supportive and always smiling. I will always cherish the memories growing up with Aunt Lil hosting our family gatherings. Lil was a great cook and always had plenty of food and wanted to feed us more than we could ever handle. She brought so much more to the table with her warm smile, showing her comfort and love to us all. These memories of Aunt Lil will always be a place in my heart. Miss and love you Aunt Lil ♥️
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I miss Aunt Lil and everything about her. I will always remember her smile as it expressed her love of people and being in the moment. I’ll never forget each family gathering her love of food and cooking, too. She always made sure that I got more than enough to eat, just like her mom, my Baba. We were also Word with Friends buddies, and she was competitive – making words that I did not know existed. I know she is now at peace and dancing with Uncle Gene. She will always hold a special place in my heart - I love you, Aunt Lil.
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As a friend of Gene and Judy, we pass along my sincere condolences to your entire family. May you always cherish all of your beautiful memories of your family matriarch.
Dave and Trisha Bainter
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Mom loved poetry. Among her favorites: “ my crown is in my heart, not on my head; not decked with diamonds and Indian stones, not to be seen. My crown is called content; a crown it is that seldom kings enjoy.” -William Shakespeare
“Desiderata” (too long to post but worth looking up) -Max Ehrmann
Most recently, “The Clock of Life”
The clock of life is wound, but once, and no man has the power,
to tell just when the hands will stop at late or early hour.
To lose one’s wealth is sad indeed, to lose one’s health is more, to lose one soul is such a loss that no man can restore.
The present only is our own, so live, love, toil with a will.
place no faith in tomorrow for the clock may then be still.
-Author Unknown
She often mentioned what a good poet her dad was, and was proud of herself when she could recall a poem that she learned in school.
Though an amateur at best, I tried to express my feelings for mom and dad through writing. Indulge me as I share some of my deepest thoughts about what my mom meant to me that I shared with her through my attempts at poetry. I don’t know how to really convey how I felt about my mom. My past writings are my best attempt.
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Living to 90 is an accomplishment in itself. Aunt Lil did it living her life to the fullest. Raising 5 children while wearing many hats making it all work even through rough times. When visiting there was always laughter, story telling and forget about leaving hungry, Aunt Lil always made sure there was more than enough. In a recent family gathering in Sellersburg, Indiana, the grandchildren who were present were all sitting on the floor in her room laughing with and listening to her like a Queen holding court. She was of clear mind right to the end. Aunt Lil is now where she always wanted to be, with Uncle Gene. A match made in Heaven has now come full circle, May she rest in peace.
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