I was saddened to hear that someone who meant so much to her family and my family has passed away. Our family shared a very special bond with Katherine Jaramillo. As senior citizens, Katherine and her late sister, my mother, Patricia Sloboda, had the pleasure of traveling on several overseas vacations together. My mom always enjoyed being with her sister and spoke very kindly of her. Katherine shared several inspirational traits with her sister - both were lifelong dedicated teachers who really cared about their students, graduates of the University of Michigan, and caring mothers who did a lot to encourage their children's college education. Despite living halfway across the U.S. from her nephews, Aunt Katy made sure that she always remembered my brother and I at during the holidays, and sent fruit and monetary gifts every year, even when she was very sick. She was always concerned about my children's education, and during her last few months of life expressed concern about my youngest son, Christopher, age 7, whom she hoped will someday attend college.
George, Nancy, and Jim - My thoughts are with you. I know the sense of loss you feel, since over one year after my mom's death, I still experience moments when I want to just pick up the phone and call my her, as I used to do every week for many, many years.
Nancy and Jim - Living overseas, I know there must have been times that you wished you were physically closer to your mom. I also lived much of my adult life many miles apart from my mother. However, I am sure that, just like my mother, Katherine wanted nothing more than to see the success of her sons and daughters in their own careers and in their own families -- wherever that may best find you, that is where her heart wanted you to be. But you were always and will always be close to her in spirit.
George - Your mom greatly appreciated your frequent help and assistance while you have been living nearby in Miami over the last few years. I am sure that you, your wife, and your son will all hold very dear to your hearts the special memories of the times you shared with her.##imported-begin##Russell Sloboda##imported-end##
