Joannie O’Brien a deserving neighbor

Thank you so much for your article (Good Neighbors, Feb. 22) on my former neighbor, Joanie O’Brien.

I am a North Sider now, so my mother passed on her copy of the South Side Voice.

Joanie is truly deserving! I am almost positive the nominators live in my old house, and I am so jealous!

I thought I would share a fun story about Joanie.

After my husband Pat and I had lived there a couple years, and had a baby, we took a trip to Hawaii. Unfortunately we hired a not very responsible house sitter who threw a party while we were gone.

Joanie dug up our old wedding announcement in the paper, found my maiden name, and remembered where my father worked. She called him at work and alerted my parents to what was going on next door.

My parents were able to clean up the mess and take care of our dogs so we could enjoy the rest of our trip worry free.

There aren’t many neighbors who would go to those lengths.

And, for the record, my husband and Joanie used to compete to see who could clear the most snow for the neighbors – so her energy was truly inspiring.

Robin Fiorillo

Spokane

Family grateful for Kay Kimball ‘Tribute’

Thank you for the wonderful “Tributes” article you wrote about our Aunt Katie or Kay Kimball on Feb. 8. I just received copies of it and am deeply honored that she was chosen to be written about.

She did so much in her life to help others in her teaching and especially in the Red Cross. I’m glad you were at the memorial luncheon to hear our stories about our dear aunt.

She will be missed, and now we have your articles to send to lots of friends and relatives in her memory.

Sally Shanafelt

Stuart Kimball

and our families