The News from Whispering Pines

It is my sad duty this week to chronicle the death of Mrs. Mona Marino of Glendora, CA. As the oldest sister of this reporter's deceased father she was a much loved aunt. She was counted among this blog's most dedicated and discerning readers, frequently commenting by e-mail to the reporter about how much she enjoyed the posts and gave unending encouragement to keep writing. As an executive secretary for 35 years she was a perfectionist when it came to grammar and spelling (before word processors and spell check) and didn't hesitate to point out any errors she detected. As this reporter does not have an editor the corrections were much appreciated. Now it's up to the remaining discerning readers to help out! (Please be as kind and gentle as Auntie!)

In this photo the reporter, as a wee one, is being held and fed by her Aunt Mona.

Mrs. Mona Marino, Mrs. Pam Brewer, and Mrs. LuAnn Aakhus having lunch together in September of 2009.

After lunch Aunt Mona dug into her trunk and brought out some samples of the short skirts and heels she so loved to wear.

What a dish she must have been. Tap-tapping away on the typewriter, pausing with a steno pad to take a memo by shorthand, jumping up to get coffee for her boss, gossiping with co-workers on breaks with cigarette dangling. And on Saturday nights she'd polka the hours away with the love of her life, Bill Marino.

Mona's body was laid to rest today by Bill's side.

May peace be with her family in their hour of sorrow.