I met Phoebe Dewillers on my first day of high school in homeroom class. We were both members of the College Bound Program at Wingate. I can recall vividly the morning when Phoebe and I were acquainted. She nudged me on my shoulder, excused herself, and asked if I had an older brother named, John, to which I responded that I did. Her beautiful blue eyes immediately lit up as she smiled, with distinct and discernible confidence, and informed me that we would become fast friends. We did!
I have wonderful memories of happy, carefree days, hanging out at her house, dancing to Motown music on those little 45 vinyl records, her older brother teasing all of us little teeny boppers. Phoebe would later become my sister-in-law, Phoebe Cartagena, when she married my brother, John in 1972. I was blessed to have been witness her loving role as a mother and faithful wife and companion to my brother.
I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to share her life and the beauty of which shall always live in my heart. Phoebe's life ended abruptly and much too soon at only 21 years of age...on the eve of her daughter's 2nd birthday. She possessed a beautiful and gentle spirit that nurtured those with whom she came in contact. She gave her love and, ultimately, her life, selflessly and abundantly. She was a devoted wife and mother, a precious daughter, a beloved sister, and a faithful, loyal friend.
It is unfathomable to our human sensibility when a spirit so young and so beautiful is taken away from us. It rocks our world beyond comprehension. Thus, I have always perceived, that on the day of Phoebe's death...something very beautiful had left this world...and our lives would never be the same.
Naomi Cartagena (1970)
I met Phoebe Dewillers on my first day of high school in homeroom class. We were both members of the College Bound Program at Wingate. I can recall vividly the morning when Phoebe and I were acquainted. She nudged me on my shoulder, excused herself, and asked if I had an older brother named, John, to which I responded that I did. Her beautiful blue eyes immediately lit up as she smiled, with distinct and discernible confidence, and informed me that we would become fast friends. We did!I have wonderful memories of happy, carefree days, hanging out at her house, dancing to Motown music on those little 45 vinyl records, her older brother teasing all of us little teeny boppers. Phoebe would later become my sister-in-law, Phoebe Cartagena, when she married my brother, John in 1972. I was blessed to have been witness her loving role as a mother and faithful wife and companion to my brother.
I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to share her life and the beauty of which shall always live in my heart. Phoebe's life ended abruptly and much too soon at only 21 years of age...on the eve of her daughter's 2nd birthday. She possessed a beautiful and gentle spirit that nurtured those with whom she came in contact. She gave her love and, ultimately, her life, selflessly and abundantly. She was a devoted wife and mother, a precious daughter, a beloved sister, and a faithful, loyal friend.
It is unfathomable to our human sensibility when a spirit so young and so beautiful is taken away from us. It rocks our world beyond comprehension. Thus, I have always perceived, that on the day of Phoebe's death...something very beautiful had left this world...and our lives would never be the same.