From Uncle Dave Poulos...

The seven Poulos kids, taken at Grandma's funeral in Miami, January 2011...
Left to right: Joanne, Carol, Jeff, Janet, Jim, Laurie and David

Uncle Dave, better known as U.D. to us kids, is the youngest boy of the Poulos kids and second from the bottom.  Though he's one of the youngest, he has emerged in recent years as the patriarch of the Poulos clan.  He visited Mom for her birthday, just two weeks before her death, and I know it meant so much to her that he did.  Here are his words from her funeral:

My Sister Janet

Recently at my mom’s service this past year, I declared my mother to be a class act like nobody I knew. Well I have to back track on that. There is another. You see, the class act gene runs strong among my sisters, especially Janet. Her children will always remember her for always being there for them as one who chose to forgo a career (and she could have done anything) to stay at home to nurture, guide and cheer them on in life. Her husband will remember her for her devotion, support and a rock during good times and bad. I will always remember her as, well, kind of a second Mom and mentor in my youth. As a teenager when I got my driver’s license I would hit the road from Miami and drive to her home in Long Island just to hang with her and her beautiful young family. The girls thought it was to see their school plays. Sorry.

To everyone who knew my sister, she will always be known for her incredible hospitality as well as her amazing meals. Janet lived to serve and set an example for all of us. I believe the most frustrating aspect of this disease for her was that she couldn’t do for others, which was very difficult for her. Now others had to serve and care for her in ways they never would have imagined. My hats off to Paul who never left her side as well as her sisters and her four children who made frequent trips to assist.

Finally, I just want to encourage Paul, Shannon, Casey, Jamie, and Paul to always be grateful for the 60 years that God loaned her to us. He chose this week while walking in His garden to pick this particular flower for himself. Janet has been promoted by the Grace of God and I am grateful for that. Love you Jan!