It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Beatrice Ann Taylor Asken, who died peacefully on December 30, 2020 of Covid 19. She was 91 years old.
Beatrice was an accomplished musician, and was an active participant in her communities in both Connecticut and Maine. She will be remembered by her family and her many friends as someone who accepted everyone for who they were, and spread love and kindness wherever she went.
Beatrice was born in the Bronx and grew up in Brooklyn and White Plains, New York. She was a graduate of the High School of Music and Art and Brooklyn College, where she studied fine arts and graphic design. After her marriage she lived in Switzerland for five years before settling in Connecticut in 1961. She moved to Maine in 2001. Bea taught recorder for many years in the music departments of the University of Bridgeport and Sacred Heart University in Bridgeport, Connecticut and music at the Unquowa School in Fairfield, Connecticut. She played the viola, viola da gamba and recorder in a number of community orchestras and early music ensembles in Connecticut and Maine including the Cinquepace Consort, the Calderwood Consort, the Bridgeport Civic, Bridgeport University and Seton Hall University Orchestras, the Androscoggin Valley Community and Bates College orchestras, among others. Bea was also a classical music radio announcer at WMNR in Monroe, Connecticut for many years, where she reached thousands of listeners as one of the station’s favorite and most knowledgeable announcers. She was a dedicated volunteer at the Naples Maine Public library, worked at Fare Share Food Co-op in Norway Maine, and taught recorder at L.O.O.K., the Oxford Hills summer enrichment program.
Beatrice is survived by her children Andrea AskenDunn and husband Michael of Harrison, Maine ; Dara Asken Teste and husband François of Paris, France ; Chandra Asken and partner Karen Hoffmann of San Francisco, California ; Fren Asken and wife Tamar of Los Angeles, California ; and Ariel Asken of Los Angeles, California ; as well as her grandchildren, Asher and Sorrel Dunn, Lio Teste, and Neev, Erez and Lena Asken. She is also survived by her ex-husband, Saul Asken and her extended children, Aliya Asken and Abby Frey.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hy (Schneiderman) Taylor and Ada Brown Taylor, and her brother, Ira Taylor of Hicksville, New York, and sister, Jane Taylor of New York, New York.
A celebration of her wonderful life will be held later this year in Maine. You can honor her by making a donation in her name to your favorite arts organization.
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Bea recently posted the following quote, which we feel beautifully represents her outlook on life:
When Einstein gave lectures at U.S. universities, the recurring question that students asked him most was: — Do you believe in God? And he always answered: — I believe in the God of Spinoza.
Baruch de Spinoza was a Dutch philosopher considered one of the great rationalists of 17th century philosophy, along with Descartes.
(Spinoza) : God would say:
Stop praying. What I want you to do is go out into the world and enjoy your life. I want you to sing, have fun and enjoy everything I've made for you.
Stop going into those dark, cold temples that you built yourself and saying they are my house. My house is in the mountains, in the woods, rivers, lakes, beaches. That's where I live and there I express my love for you.
Stop blaming me for your miserable life; I never told you there was anything wrong with you or that you were a sinner, or that your sexuality was a bad thing. Sex is a gift I have given you and with which you can express your love, your ecstasy, your joy. So don't blame me for everything they made you believe.
Stop reading alleged sacred scriptures that have nothing to do with me. If you can't read me in a sunrise, in a landscape, in the look of your friends, in your son's eyes... you will find me in no book!
Stop asking me "will you tell me how to do my job?" Stop being so scared of me. I do not judge you or criticize you, nor get angry, or bothered. I am pure love.
Stop asking for forgiveness, there's nothing to forgive. If I made you... I filled you with passions, limitations, pleasures, feelings, needs, inconsistencies... free will. How can I blame you if you respond to something I put in you? How can I punish you for being the way you are, if I'm the one who made you? Do you think I could create a place to burn all my children who behave badly for the rest of eternity? What kind of god would do that?
Respect your peers and don't do what you don't want for yourself. All I ask is that you pay attention in your life, that alertness is your guide.
My beloved, this life is not a test, not a step on the way, not a rehearsal, nor a prelude to paradise. This life is the only thing here and now and it is all you need.
I have set you absolutely free, no prizes or punishments, no sins or virtues, no one carries a marker, no one keeps a record. You are absolutely free to create in your life. Heaven or hell.
I can't tell you if there's anything after this life but I can give you a tip. Live as if there is not. As if this is your only chance to enjoy, to love, to exist.
So, if there's nothing after, then you will have enjoyed the opportunity I gave you. And if there is, rest assured that I won't ask if you behaved right or wrong, I'll ask. Did you like it? Did you have fun? What did you enjoy the most? What did you learn?...
Stop believing in me; believing is assuming, guessing, imagining. I don't want you to believe in me, I want you to believe in you. I want you to feel me in you when you kiss your beloved, when you tuck in your little girl, when you caress your dog, when you bathe in the sea.
Stop praising me, what kind of egomaniac God do you think I am?
I'm bored being praised. I'm tired of being thanked. Feeling grateful? Prove it by taking care of yourself, your health, your relationships, the world. Express your joy! That's the way to praise me.
Stop complicating things and repeating as a parakeet what you've been taught about me. What do you need more miracles for? So many explanations?
The only thing for sure is that you are here, that you are alive, that this world is full of wonders.
—Spinoza
About |
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Name | Beatrice Asken |
Date of Birth | February 28th, 1929 |
Date of Death | December 30th, 2020 |
Home Town | New York, NY, US |
Other City | Harrison, ME, US |
Family |
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Children | Andrea AskenDunn, Ariel Asken, Chandra Asken, Dara Asken Teste, Fren Asken |
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published a tribute .
Well, Hello All!
I have been wondering about Bea and her children for some time now, and finally remembered that the internet is a fantastic tool for such searches! You may not quite remember me but you all were an important part of my own youth. I was your babysitter during the 1960s; lived two houses down from you on Main Street. I was your babysitter when Fren was born, but do not recall meeting Ariel, so I must have been on my way to college by that time. Chonnie was just a little girl, and may not remember me much (I do have an indelible memory of singing "Row,Row, Row Your Boat" 421 times one night to get you to sleep, Chandra! Yes, I counted! :-) Andrea and Dara will probably be the two to recall the 1960s the best. So ... do you remember me? We spent quite a bit of time together, since I sometimes came over just to play with you, even though I wasn't 'sitting.
Those of you old enough, played your instrumental music at my 1976 wedding in Stratford (Christ Church) with your Mom, and maybe your Dad, too. Your parents gave me a beautifully framed music manuscript that my daughter now has hanging over her piano. She is a professional organist, and really treasures that piece of art. It was a most thoughtful gift to Geoff and me.
One day, the trash in my backyard got our of control, (while my own parents were out-of-town) and I lined you all up in the little hill in front of our house while the fire department came with their truck and hoses to extinguish the flames. Your Dad had me wait before we left your house, so he could retrieve the little office fire extinguisher, - as we heard the fire truck sirens approaching down Main Street!
And so many more memories and reminiscences!
I'd love to hear from one or all of you, if you do remember me. Your Mom was so sweet and good to me, and we had some wonderful conversations. I recall her delightful laugh and her wisdom when giving advice and guidance to her teenage babysitter. (and I was thrilled when your parents raised my pay from 50 cents to 75 cents an hour!) I did know that your mother was at one time an announcer at the local classical radio station, but I was living away from Stratford at that time, and never did get in touch with her. I now regret that.
I now live half the year in Topsfield, MA, and the summer half in Blue Hill, ME. Geoff and I have three children, and 5 grands! I sure did get my most beneficial training to be a Mom and Grandma from the Asken family. So thank you.
Hope to hear from you. I've left my email address with this note.
Fondly ~~~ Deb (aka Debbie Smith)
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published a comment .
Hi Debbie ! Of course we Asken elders (me and Andrea) remember you so well, and Missy too. Your family was an important part of our childhood as well. I have a very distinct memory that you went on an exchange program to Turkey (?) and the word "peaches" caused some excitement. Have I got that right? I think and dream often of Stratford - I have been living in Paris for 22 years, and my childhood memories come around regularly. Andrea lives in Harrison, Maine, not too far from Portland and that is where my mom settled when she left Connecticut about 20 years ago. We will be having a celebration of her life at Andrea's on Sunday August 8 and would love to see you if you are able and willing to come. The details will be on this site, under Events. Lovely to hear from you ! xoxoDara
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Hi Dara, and others :-)
Wow! Thanks for responding! It's so good to hear from you and know that you do remember me. And Missy. I'll tell her we've been in touch.
I also have made a note of the August 8th gathering to honor your Mom, and will certainly try to come!
You're right about my summer as an exchange student in Turkey.... and the interesting (embarrassing) consequences of my love for peaches -- both the saying of the word, and the easting of the fruit!
How wonderful that you can live in Paris. Did you meet your husband in France or in this country? Or someplace else? Do you have any children? Any nieces or nephews?
I was fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home Mom while our three kids grew up. What I always wanted to do. Since Geoff has retired, we are both slowing down a bit and enjoying things together that we didn't always have much time for before. A lot of that is living on the coast of Maine, boating, etc., and I'm starting on quilting to add to my other handiworks.
Be sure and give my fond regards to your siblings; and thank you again for being in touch!
xxoo ~~~ Deb
published a comment .
Hi Debbie,
How wonderful to hear from you! Sorry for the delayed response.
I have strong memories of you playing guitar for us when you babysat. I also remember being very grouchy and rude to you, with door slamming, etc. Sorry about that! I actually liked you quite a lot as a babysitter!
I have looked for Missy on the internet a few times; she was like the big sister I didn't have – only more creative! But there are too many Melissa Smiths to track her down, and probably her last name has changed since then.
I live in Harrison ME with my husband Mike. We are both now retired (as of last week), so we can focus our energies on gardening/permaculture, and on finishing our house (which we started in 1983!). We have two children, who you will be able to meet if you can make it to the Event. It would be amazing to see you!
published a comment .
Dear Andrea,
I've been meaning to respond to you for months now! I really appreciated getting your note.
I'm rather surprised that you remember me playing guitar for you all - I can't say I remember that myself, though you did jog my memory a little bit! And to tell you the truth, I don't really have sharp memories of you being rude and grouchy. I do remember playing in the backyard and on the swing set with you, and tucking everyone in for the night. I remember making egg salad for your lunch - probably since your Mom made it differently than my Mom did, so it was new to me :-) (We didn't use one of the hard-boiled eggs in the Mayo part, along with the yolks; just the yolks) My husband, Geoff, and I live in Brooklin, ME on the Blue Hill Peninsula) for half the year. We've had the cottage for 24 years now, but didn't spend the entire summer (and spring and fall!) until Geoff retired in 2011. We love it in Maine, and will most likely end up there year-round eventually. For now, we live for the other half of the year - the winter half! in Topsfield MA. We sold our larger house a few years ago, and down-graded. My children thank us for de-cluttering before we die!
Melissa's last name is Warner now, and she moves around a bit - Russell MA, Ellsworth ME, and Prince Edward Island. She has five children, and visits them also. I'll tell you you asked after her.
We have some busy months coming up - our youngest son is getting married in July, in Park City, Utah; we'll be south of Los Angeles with our older son, David, and his family, over Easter; We b babysitting in Baltimore for Katie's 2 kids in May while she attend a bachelorette party in Utah for her future sister-in-law; etc. Mostly, we look forward to begin in Maine! And we expect lots of visits from children and grandchildren. Love it!
Thanks again for responding to my note. I have such good memories of the years with the Askens, and think of you frequently. I do want to mention the day Geoff and I wed, when your family played your instruments for our ceremony. Such a lovely gift!
Perhaps one of these days, I'll detour to Harrison on my way up to Brooklin. It would be special to see you again.
~~~ warm regards ~~~ Deb
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published a tribute .
I was very blessed to know Beatrice when I was employed by WMNR from 1991 to 1995. I deeply regret falling out of touch when I left, but I often tuned in her program many years after. Bea has to be one of the sweetest and most loving ladies I have ever known! I enjoyed her broadcasts, was amazed by her knowledge of music and the variety of different instruments she could play, plus her artistic accomplishments. Beatrice had a loving kindness for all,
...for people, for animals, for different cultures....we enjoyed not only talking about music, and family, and this amazing thing called life, but also trading vegetarian recipes! Bea lit up the room just walking in....and I just know she will light up the heavens with song, with love, and with her smile! Thoughts, prayers, and love to all of Bea's children, grandchildren, family and loved ones ♡♡♡♡
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published a tribute .
Bea joined the Oxford Hills Aquatic Club as soon as she moved to Maine (photo is from 2011). It was a wonderfully diverse group of women and she fit in immediately. But that was Bea, she shared her joy with everyone. She set a wonderful example on how to approach life and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to share a small part of it and hopefully have learned from her.
Thank you Lynn. What a great photo of you all! I'm so glad you and the Aquatic Club were there. I know it was a special place for her.
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What a lovely photo ! She loved the aquatic club and spoke often of you all.
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Wanted to let you know I share in your sadness at the loss of this kind, gentle and joyful lady. You are all privileged to have been part of her family. Nancy Houlihan OLLI Recorder SIG
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Thank you Nancy. I'm sure she considered you part of her family as well.
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I had the privilege of being part of the Calderwood Consort which meant I got to soak in Bea's wonderfulness over a three-year period. Bea could play everything! And beautifully! She exuded positive energy. Can you picture how many different instruments she brought to rehearsal each week? My brother played with her in the Bates orchestra and remembers her so fondly, as do I. Much love to her family.
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A devoted WMNR listener who never knew or met Beatrice, but like most still saw her as a friend. In particular, I thought she was the best and warmest fund raiser I had ever heard. May we encounter in heaven.
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published a tribute .
I'm very sad to hear this. Mrs. Asken played recorder with my mother (Mary Young) for years, as my mother proceeded from beginner to "weddings and bar mitzvahs". I know music was one of the great joys of my mother's life, and her years playing in the group with Mrs. Asken (and Mrs, Schopick, who passed away last year) was the highlight of her musical life. She was always friendly, cheery, and attentive to us when the group met at our house - clearly a woman who knew, understood, and liked children. I don't remember a lot of my mother's friends from so long ago, but I can picture Mrs. Asken just as she was then.
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Russell, I remember your mother fondly. I also used to join the group from time to time, and can tell you it was one of my mother's greatest joys (mine also!) as well.
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published a tribute .
Carol Babina (left) and Bea Asken (right) during a WMNR special pledge drive (summer of 1987) Most likely a drive for the new tower. Old Studios at Masuk HS.
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published a tribute .
These two pictures capture Bea so well during our musical story times. I had to cut him out of the picture, but there is a toddler grinning like mad as he plays keep-away from Miss Bea with the uke on his lap.
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published a tribute .
Bea had a way of giving herself whole-heartedly to whomever was in her presence. I still feel her love and friendship, even now. It's like a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek (how she always greeted me). It was impossible to work when she was at the library because all I wanted to do was follow her around and soak up her humor and stories. So I did, and I have no regrets about time well-spent with a friend.
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published a tribute .
The first time I met Bea Asken, I was taken by her cheerful spirit. Then, as time went on , I found out she seemed to always be in happy mood. But the real prize for me was She was a fascinating expert on medieval music and the instruments of that period. Because I studied 4 years of Latin in high school I also became interested in the music of that era. But the big prize was to go to her house where she had her own custom harpsichord and an array of medieval wind instruments, including a buzzy! Bea always honored a request to play some selections on her instruments. In the 80’s, I would go to her home to drop off some station items and I would bring my son, John III, with me. He was fascinated by the harpsichord and instruments and how accomplished Bea was.
Listening to her radio shows on WMNR was a treat and I liked the way she did her perfect pronunciations. While she was immersed in the arts, she was also very skilled and at ease at running the station technology while on the air. Bea will be missed.
John Babina
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published a tribute .
Bea was much loved by listeners and broadcaster alike at WMNR Fine Arts Radio. She did so much for the station in the 1980's as a broadcaster, graphic designer and music librarian. But it was the way she did these things that opened up our hearts and now leaves a whole. We are fortunate that we can continue to broadcast the recorded programs that she made.
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Kurt, Thank you so much for WMNR's tribute this morning. I know our mom felt like she found a second home there when she started. It was lovely to hear the taped tributes from her friends and colleagues at the station.
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Fond memories of her teaching me the recorder! She told my mom years ago wheni was six,, she was happy i was in the classroom because smart kids should be challenged and I challenged her son. haha love it!. She saw me for who I was! she was kind and friendly, strong yet warm, and also welcoming to her home. She was a Good SOUL. Rip.
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published a tribute .
Carol Babina <[email protected]>
Sun, Jan 10, 3:09 PM (22 hours ago)
to Kurt
Bea was one of those special people you may be fortunate enough to meet in life. Her family, her friends … and the music she loved … were always at the forefront of everything she did. She was an accomplished musician, an avid music educator and a broadcaster with the talent to share her enthusiasm and love of music with WMNR listeners. …… But what I will personally miss most is Bea’s gentle spirit, her friendship … and her smile.
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published a tribute .
I was so sad to learn of Bea's death.. I never met Bea, but she phoned to chat while I was on the air at WMNR, as recently as 2-3 weeks ago, when she said that she had not been out since March. She so clearly loved and knew her music--she always called about a piece I was playing that had jogged a memory or that she had not known and enjoyed. She loved being taken to new works. What a lovely person. I feel that we became friends over the last three years, long distance. I shall miss her.
Gary Fountain
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Words cannot express the deep sadness that we of the Oxford Hills Aquatic club are feeling at the news of Bea's passing. Her bright light and constant positive energy will be greatly missed when we are able to return to the pool. She was always humming and singing through our exercise sessions and brought joy to each one of our gatherings. She truly was an inspiration to all of us.
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published a tribute .
I am so sad to hear of Bea’s passing. She was a true gem and holds a special place in my heart. We lost touch for many years and I am happy that two years ago we unexpectedly met up at a play in Norway, ME and were able to catch up. Of course I met Bea through music about 20 or so years ago when we became stand partners in the viola section with the Androscoggin Valley Community Orchestra. She was there before me and I wanted her to stay in the first chair of our very small section. She disagreed and said I should take the seat because I played better than she did. I am not sure that is quite true but she prevailed and became the page turner for us. Playing with Bea was a bright spot in my week. She would share stories of her grandchildren and I of my young son. I learned that in music one cannot take ones self too seriously. As she had trouble with her eyes another member would drive to Harrison to pick her up so she could play. As her fingers became stiff she would laugh at the end of a concert of some challenging music and say that at least she played every other note. There was always a sparkle in her eye and a smile on her face. I always marveled at her life experiences and the places she had been. I never tuned in to her radio program, but I understand that they are still sharing them. It would be wonderful to hear her voice and musical wisdom. Bea, you will be missed very much. Your life was full and marvelous and touched the hearts of so many people with your spirit, your music and your smile. Love you.
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published a tribute .
Bea, You will always be missed. It was such a privilege to know you. Rest in peace , friend.
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I knew Bea as a member of our little annual music camp in NH. She was a valued musician for all of us, generous, capable, cheerful and incredibly supportive and positive. I loved reading the Spinoza quote above - Bea's personality and smile came flooding back like warm sunshine. We will miss her, and value our memories of making music with her.
Jane Hershey
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I had the privilege of working with Bea at our music camp in workshops and of having wonderful conversations at meals and during free time. She was always upbeat and happy to share stories about her family, her past, and to discuss her musical ideas and experiences. These conversations were hgihlights of our many years of shared camp experiences. Although in recent years she complained that her fingers were not finding the notes as well as previously, her music-making remained rock-solid and she anchored any ensemble of which she was a part. She was happy to work with other musicians whose abilities might not have matched hers--she was there to help make the experience a good one, just as her presence would always insure a good experience. I am grateful to have known and been befriended by her.
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Bea radiated positivity and strength; she was a remarkable, inspiring soul. I too knew her at our camp in NH, where her light shone brightly, both musically and socially. What an interesting and rewarding life she had. Thank you for this wonderful obituary. I feel privileged to have known her and very sad to know she is no longer here in the flesh. My sincere condolences to the family.
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published a tribute .
Andrea- so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. You may remember me from your growing up years in Stratford. I always admired your family's creative talents and togetherness. Many years later I listened to your mom on WMNR. She is still a friendly, kind and knowledgeable presence on the radio. I live in Chicago now- but still tuned in as I could to hear her show. My deepest sympathy to you and and the whole family.
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Thank you! I believe WMNR is planning to continue playing her program! So we will be able to hear her for a while, still.
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Your mom sparkles in my memory and thoughts of her. I am sending much long distance love to all her family.
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I am so sorry to hear of this great loss. She was a beautiful soul who we enjoyed during Music time with our 3 year old daughter at the Naples
Library. She brought so much light and love. She will be missed. Thank you for all of those musical mornings
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We are so sad to learn this news! We met Bea when she came to take square dancing lessons with the Swingin' Bears. She was such a joy to be with and so much younger in spirit than her years. She embraced every experience that life had to offer. We will miss her terribly. Sending heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
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Thank you! She only stopped dancing because her feet hurt. She spoke fondly of you all.
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published a tribute .
So very, very sad to read this. I always remember your mom as either smiling or playing music — usually with the whole family joining in. The combination of great talent and great love that I always experienced in your home is a cherished memory of my childhood. May you hold on to the sweetest of memories of her and may those memories be a blessing.
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Thank you Richard ! That's exactly mom, either smiling or playing music ! :-D
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