She was 15. Judy’s older sister, Sue.
In their family, Sue filled the role of parent, so when I picked up Judy to go out on a date, we sat at their dining room table with Susie while she set the rules. We acknowledged even then, with a smile, that it was a little odd having someone younger than me being the parent, but the rules weren’t too tough. Home at a decent time and don’t get in any trouble. We never did.
Judy and Susie were so close. As children, they protected and comforted each other, as much as they could, through some difficult times. And all of our adult lives, the three of us, Sue, Judy, and me, were good friends. We enjoyed, respected, and supported each other.
Sue passed away peacefully in her sleep today. It was a several-year fade as her memory left her. Another contemporary we love and will miss.