Sunday, April 26, 2026
I was so sorry to hear of my cousin Jennifer’s passing. Although we hadn’t seen each other in years, it still hits pretty hard. Most of my cousins grew up (all 32 of them!) in close proximity. The Pitiss crew lived three doors down and across from us in Delphi Drive. Jennifer was a year older than me, and we were close back then. I was reminiscing about hopscotch, red rover, swimming in their pool, their terrifying swing set which always “thumped” out of the ground, playing cards (rummy was a favorite), riding bikes and birthday parties. There were so many picnics we all went on regularly especially to Emery Park. Catching salamanders, minnows and frogs. Playing at the huge lead-painted marquee playground there. Splashing in the creek and getting all muddy. Our families went to Honeoye together for vacation for years at Beecher’s and when we moved down the lake to my Uncle Ken’s, we paddled back and forth everyday in our little blow-up rafts. We thought we were pretty cool. I also remember walking down and back to their cottages down Doggy Road. The terror of all of those crazy dogs chasing you and then subsequently sneaking through Mrs. Smith’s turquoise gate was always a true mark of bravery for us kids! So many great times and wonderful memories. Rest in peace, Jennifer. Thank you for making my childhood so special.