Allison Vogel

I was married to Allison's sister Dana for five years in the early 80's. We part-time shared a small house in Richmond with Norm and Allison for a while. Even the teenaged Allison was a force of nature: so beautiful with such a magnetic personality. From the moment I met her, I honestly loved her like the sister she would soon become. Like Dana and Tara, Allison was funny, bright, and confident in everything she did. She had great taste in music too: introduced me to OMD and Spandau Ballet, which I still have on my playlist. Everyone very much enjoyed being around Allison and her sisters. The time I spent with these girls, together and individually, are moments etched in my memory, filled with so much laughter, so many smiles, and such utter enjoyment of life -- it was almost unfair how much fun we all had together. I remained friends with the Tilbury girls for quite a few years after Dana and I separated, but drifted out of touch over time, only communicating with Allison on facebook in recent years. I was glad to see the happy pictures of her spending time with her twin daughters (who I met briefly in their first year of life) and their own friends and families. It distressed me to learn about the battles Allison fought with life on a daily basis, and I was heartbroken to hear of her death. I've been sharing old photos and videos, along with words and thoughts, with Brienna for the last few days. Empathy isn't my strong suit, but I am deeply moved by this interaction and I feel a familial bond with her. I only wish I could provide more comfort to her and her sister. I can tell that Brienna has the same spirit, life, gratitude, and love that made Allison such a dynamic person. I grieve for the twins, but trust that their mother's wishes for their happiness will be fulfilled, and that through this, they will become stronger and even more joyful women. And I want Dana and Tara to know how much I share their loss. I've attached a picture of Allison as a bridesmaid at our wedding in 1983.