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Judith Rae Long (Reinking)

  Hope this Christmas (today) was as good as it gets for all!!  As some of you may know, we are in Goodyear Az. and it was a beautiful 72 today.  The day started at 38, but quickly becomes so nice!   We made the right decision moving here 12 yrs. ago!  The other great thing - even better, we became Great Grandparents for a 2nd time.  Arely Brielle was born 2 days ago.  My Grandson, Trey lives in Ft. Worth, also cold!  Our first Great Gran is 18 months and lives here, so we do get to see Damian often.  We are so lucky!  I always thought you had to be "old" to have great grandkids, but as long as I don't look in the mirror or get down on the floor - I think I'm doing pretty good!  And now, HAPPY 2023 to everyone!!  Hope it's a little less "cwazy" as these past few gems!    Hugs to to you all!!!   Judy Long-Reinking

Judith Rae Long (Reinking)

   It is with Great Sadness that I let you all know that our son, Jeffrey Paul passed away on Christmas Day.

As many of you know, J.P. had diabetes since the age of 5 and struggled with balancing the damn disease.  He fought hard!  Been on dialysis for 5 yrs. and was on the transplant list up in Portland, Or.  On Christmas Day, J.P.'s blood sugar level dropped so low, so fast - all he could do was get a small piece of candy in his mouth, which was too little too late for him to call for help.  It makes me cry every time I think of this scenario!!  Paul's alzheimer's allows him to comprehend Jeff's death sometimes.  I call J.P. my Sweet Character - because that's what he was!!  He lived life to the fullest, thankfully.  But at 47 yrs. old, it was too soon!! He had a loving heart for his family and friends! 

Thank you for letting me share!  I miss him so very much!    Judy Long-Reinking

P.S. - if you see my previous Christmas note - needless to say - I did not know about J.P. at the time I wrote that.  The medical examiner called us that night. 

Don Comfort

Oh Judy...I am so sorry for your loss and heartache. You have had more than your share of sadness. Remember that it is always darkest just before dawn.

Don

Bruce F. Burianek

Judy Ialso share yourloss I lost mymiddle daughter in October 2022 she was 52.  She diedfrom liver infection.

Best regards

Bruce

Ethel (Jean) Snyder (Riskus)

My heart goes out to both of you, Judy and Bruce.  I can't even imagine the heartache of losing a child.  You both are in my prayers.

William Gibson Heller

Judy, my minister always says that when you share your pain you cut the load in half.  I accept my share and am glad you could share it with us all.

Linda Louise Crissey (Cotten)

Judy, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Kerrin Anne Kinsey (Sgourakis)

Judy.  This is so heartbreaking.  I am so sorry.  

Diane Lynn Cass (Elder)

Bruce, so sorry for the loss of your daughter Ruthann

Judy and Paul,  so sorry for the loss of your son Jeffrey, its heartbreaking to hear when parents lose a child. May he rest in peace . . .

Judith Rae Long (Reinking)

Diane Cass Elder - Your works are so appreciated!  I'm getting out pictures to show neighbors who are coming over on Sat. to get to know Jeff - he did get here to visit ocassionally due to finding a dialysis center close by.  Had to go - 3 days a week for 6 hrs. each day.  Sat. with be both smiles and tears as I share his funny stories!!

Good to hear from you!!  Are you and Al doing good?  Hugs to you both
 

Judith Rae Long (Reinking)

Thank you Kerrin, This has been a tough time - as Bruce can agree!!

 Hugs

Judith Rae Long (Reinking)

Bruce - so devasting!!  Our kids are missed so much!!  Crying is helpful!  Hugs! 

You take care!!!

Judith Rae Long (Reinking)

Bill, thank you so much for sharing of my heartache!  It's such a kind gesture!  With all the others sending notes, I can't thank you all enough!!!

   HUGS 

Judith Rae Long (Reinking)

Thank you Linda!!  I really appreciate your words here and on FB!  Accept your kindess!!

HUGS
 

Judith Rae Long (Reinking)

Ethel Jean - thank you, as well, for your thoughts and prayers!!  So very helpful at this time!!

Hugs
 

Mark Wieting

Judy, as one if the conveners of previous reunions, you are special to the Class of '63, so we all share your grief in the loss of J.P. and my heart goes out to you. Bonds made in our teens are amazingly strong sometimes, especially in a situation like you are enduring. I'm also sorry to hear about Paul; we were Pony League teammates and grew to love golf while caddying together at Glen Oak. Hugs back to you.

James Alan Bullard

Judy, so sorry for the loss of JP.  Our prayers are with you.

Susan Ann Harrington (Hauke)

Judy so sorry for the loss of your son. My heart aches for you. Lost my sister in May and think of her every day. Thinking of you and your family. Was not aware of Paul's illness. Prayers to you all.

Gerard 'Bud' Melto

Judy,  I want join our classmates in expressing my condolences on the lost of Paul.   Most of off I hope you can find some peace...I know it is a hard time.  Wishing the best for you and your family. 

Judith Rae Long (Reinking)

Thank you, Bud!  I appreciate your thoughts for my family!

Mark Wieting

All, here's a story that will jog your memory about the DuPage Theater, and the development that sits on its site. But the developers have saved some tributes to the theater, including the 1,600 lb. ticket booth.

https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20230415/yes-it-was-special-new-lombard-apartment-development-pays-homage-to-dupage-theatre

Share your memories about the DuPage Theater?

And, for those of you in warmer climes, the bradford pears and redbud trees here are spectacular signs of spring, despite the high of 44 degrees today.

Thomas L. Bakos

I hope the Dairy Queen is still there.  It was at our last reunion.

I remember many afternoons in the DuPage ... the stars and the clouds ... and my youth.  I don't remember any movies I may have seen but I do remember the cost of a Snickers going from 5 cents to 10 cents.  It is strange the things we remember and which have an impact on our lives.

In any event, times change and an apartment building on that corner seems like an excellent idea.  It's right near the train station, as I recall.  I take note that things, in general, have changed enough that I am glad I found my way out of Illinois.  I worked in Chicago early on after graduating from college.  I remember also the1968 Democrat convention.  I walked through it after work on my way home.

The DuPage was a good memory and those early Chicago days were as well.  At least we have the memories.

Don Comfort

Hey Tom,

The corner of Main and Parkside definitely has a new look.  There is an eatery right on the corner now, but it couldn't possibly be better than the Blue Plate.  Moving south from the corner, the new building is mostly apartments and shops, up to where the theater parking lot was.  They are still working on the new building, so I do not have any more info to pass along. I'm sure the apartments are very nice.

Take care,

Don

Don Comfort

P.S.  The Dairy Queen is still very much there.  I stop a couple times a month for the M & M Blizzard.  The DQ opened in 1952. I was 7 years old and remember my parents taking me there for Cherry Sundaes...I have expanded my taste buds.  BTW...we moved to Lombard in 1950.

Don

Thomas L. Bakos

Don:  For me when, probably, pre-teen, it was the Dilly Bar.  Always hoping for a FREE Dilly which I got occassionally.  When older, it was the Slurppy.