From the time they moved to Superior, Wisconsin, my mom, Collene Spencer found her new best friend in her sister-in-law, Doris Spencer. They actually lived across the yard from each other. There wasn’t an alley between them, just a fence. It was a very cozy place for the two families, and as the kids came along, it made it easy to play without worrying about the little ones getting out into the street. Aunt Doris and my mom were very close and did just about everything together. Those were some crazy times. They were always on some diet, including when they went to a restaurant and asked for a cup of hot water, to which they added ketchup to make a soup. They figured that it would be the lowest calorie item they could have. Another time, when they were both feeling particularly hungry, Aunt Doris suggested that they each eat one puffed wheat…just one. Like that would satisfy any kind of craving. I can’t help but laugh at the goofiness of those two.
Aunt Doris lived the longest life of all of my dad’s family, passing away November 21, 2024, at the good old age of 100 years. Not many people get to live that long, and it is always a very cool thing when they do. She lived a good live, staying active for many years. The last time we took my mom to see her, before my mom passed, Aunt Doris was still doing a lot of walking around the assisted living facility where she lived. For a time she lived at Harmony House, which pleased her so much, because her grandson and his mother both worked there, so she felt especially loved.
I think that one of the things she was rather proud of, was the fact that she reached that milestone of 100 years. The party that was thrown for her was amazing, and she was so pleased. I don’t think she knew it 
would be her last birthday, but in the end, it was. We were all very sorry to have her leave us when she went, but she was ready, I think. Aunt Doris left us on November 21, 2024, and it was a very sad day for us, but a great day for her, because now, she is in Heaven. She is happy and healthy, and with Jesus and the Father, as well as her family members who have gone on before. I can see the celebration she is still having with them, and that makes me so happy. Today would have been Aunt Doris 101st birthday. Happy birthday in Heaven, Aunt Doris. We love and miss you very much.
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