Joy Umbach
I've know Mrs. Timoney since I was born. It was March 1954 when she and my mom both were in the Amityville NY maternity ward. Steve and I were born a day apart and a close friendship between Helen and Audrey blossomed from that day for the rest of their lives. Neighbors in NY for years, our families shared lunches [Steve - do you remember watching Romper Room together?], cookouts and pool parties [beginning with just a blow up paddle pool]. Helen & Bill and Audrey & Al gathered for innumerable evenings of cocktails and cards, and they became frequent travel companions. In early years it was get-aways to the Catskills & Poconos. Trips later expanded to explore Hawaii and take Caribbean cruises. A couple of years after Helen & Bill retired to Florida, my parents were drawn by their friendship to Palm Coast where those cocktails & cards, cookouts and travels continued to the delight of all involved. My parents loved Florida and it was the Timoney's influence that precipitated this wonderfully rich and satisfying chapter of their lives. Both avid singers, Helen and Audrey became enthusiastic members of the Palm Coast community chorus, carpooling together for nearly every rehearsal. Deeply caring and thoughtful, Mrs. Timoney never forgot a birthday or anniversary, and I cherished her sweet thank you notes every time I dropped off a recent thriller paperback. She was one of the few people who regularly visited my mom during Mom's difficult last year - for which I will be forever thankful. Mom looked forward to and cherished those visits that brightened her days. Mrs. Timoney's hugs and kind words gave me comfort when Mom died this past January. Seeing her join the church choir to sing at Mom's funeral brought both tears and a gentle warmth as Helen sang goodbye to her lifelong friend Audrey. I will miss you Mrs.Timoney, but my heart is lightened because you and Mom are singing together again.
Jeanne and Steve - your folks were awesome - and I hope that you sometimes will think of them as I do: unburdened by age or poor health, blissfully traveling the heavens with their dear friends Audrey & Al, full of the fun and laughter the four of them shared for more than 60 years.
In sympathy and with love,
Joy