RIP Regina O

[mellytu74]

Regina Orzkazewski, mother of Boonie's late wife, Alice, passed away overnight. She was 92.

Regina's friendship with TLAF was instrumental in my meeting Boonie.

Back in 1942, TLAF was all hepped up to be a riveter. Sp, she went into the riveting apprentice program at The Budd Company.

And she HATED it. So, she went to payroll. Where she sat next to Regina Maxim.

And they became fast friends. Eventually, TLAF married THFD and Regina married Butch O. Regina had Alice, Monica and Frank. TLAF had me.

Once or twice a year, the two of them -along with Mary Usliton (whose father-in-law once coached Temple basketball) - would meet at The Eagle in the court at Wanamaker's, then walk down the street to Kelly's, eat and have their tea leaves read.

Alice passed away in early spring of 2004. A particularly vicious oral cancer. She had been sick for several years. TLAF and I had sent her funny cards with kittehs and owls on them. And a green scapular, which Alice kept pinned to her pillow wherever she went.

In August, Alice's widower invited us to lunch to thank us for our kindnesses to her. Turns out, Boonie and I have a ton of friends in common. In September, Regina felt up to an overnight stay in Atlantic City - one of Alice's favorite things to do.

Monica and Boonie took her down on a Sunday. We met them there, driving down after my old neighborhood reunion (which I wasn't yet running). Boonie and I met at the bar at Harrah's at 7p.m., talked until 3:30 a.m. and had our first date that Friday.

Regina approved of the match. Urged on by Monica, I suspect. And, of course, Boonie and my sheer adorableness was fodder for many Regina-TLAF phone conversations.

If TLAF doesn't hit it off with Regina, I'm not with Boonie.

We talked to Regina (who lived with Monica the last couple of years) a couple of days ago. We weren't shocked by Frank's phone call today. But it doesn't mean it doesn't hurt.

[ghostjmf]

Sorry to hear of Regina O's death, but the tales of intertwined friendship & courtship you tell make lovely stories.

[Beebs52]

Ditto what ghost said.

[Jessie]

Sweet story...

[SpacemanSpiff]

^^^ What they all said. Condolences and hugs.

[Catfish]

Hugs and love. Awesome story.
Love,