Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

I'm grateful to have this place to add my memories of my Uncle John.

Despite not having the opportunity to spend very much time with him due to my living on the West Coast, there are many things I tenderly cherish about my memories of him today. 

He was older than my parents and had traveled internationally- I found this exotic and exciting.  I wanted to listen to his stories and thoughts about the things he had done and seen. Learning seemed like a natural extension of  his live and something I again found inspiring. Growing up in Califronia without older extended family,  I appreciated realizing that aging didn't necessarily mean the end of learning new and interesting things, and connecting to the greater world. 

I loved learning he was an active hiker even into his later years. Seeing a strong older man taking on the mountains really inspired me to push my physical activity level and keep moving!  

I appreciated how much he loved his family. I could feel the pride when he would talk to me about my cousins- it made me feel proud too! Growing and becoming adults, caring for one another; these values helped strengthen me to be part of the fold!

These are some of the elements that I found meaningful in my relationship with Uncle John. I'm glad I got to know him and will cherish the internal strength and sense of agency he supported in me.

To his family, my aunt and cousins, I wish you much tenderness in this time of loss and I hope my memories bring you some comfort as you tend to your broken hearts. 

All my love,

Theresa FitzGerald (Smith)
Los Angeles, CA