Grandpa’s wife, Arla, passed away at the age of 42 from a prolonged battle with, what we believe, was cancer. She left 6 children, the oldest, Lad, my father, who was 19 and the youngest, Dave, who was 7 at the time. She left a void that would never be filled, especially as Grandpa and the older boys struggled to earn enough money to support the household and repay the tremendous outstanding debts occurred by Arla’s illness.
These are a few of the letters of condolence received by Grandpa after Arla’s death. They provide a glimpse of Arla as a friend in addition to the view we have had as a wife and mother.
King Caesar Road
Duxbury, Massachusetts
July
Dear “Al”,
Before coming down here the other day I noticed in the Bridgeport paper the sad news of your wife’s death.
I know this has come as a terrible…
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Janet's Thread 2 
So sad. There are parallels in my family history.
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