To the Editor:

Given the circumstances that have transpired over the last few months, I felt the need to write you to extend my appreciation to the members of our community.

When my wife, Barbara, and I moved to Newtown in 1994, our goal was to find a pleasant town to live in and raise our three children. Our requirements were simple: we wanted a house, a yard, and good schools. What we got instead was far more than we bargained for. Our children thrived beyond our expectations and grew up in a close-knit, welcoming community of neighbors and friends. Although our children grew, my wife and I continued to love the community we chose as our home.

This past October, we received unexpected news: Barbara was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Over the seven months of Barbara’s battle, the Newtown community has shown a positively astounding amount of love and support. Meal trains, Christmas caroling, and an endless stream of encouragement via cards and phone calls are only a few of the expressions of kindness that the community has shown.

Barbara lost her fight on May 30th, and the support from the community has continued beyond anything we could have imagined. To the (literally) hundreds of community members, friends, and neighbors that waited patiently in line during calling hours last Friday and those of you that packed St. Rose on Saturday for Barbara’s service: thank you. There are no words to express the level of gratitude that my family feels toward each and every one of you.

Despite the brief period of time Barbara had with us after her diagnosis, she was able to witness and appreciate the magnitude of the support from the community.  In her last few days, Barbara made sure to thank me and tell me that she had a “wonderful life.” To those of you that knew Barbara over the years, I want each and every one of you to understand that you truly were a part of that wonderful life.

With Deep Gratitude,

Edward F. Wolf, Sr.

16 Taunton Lake Drive, Newtown   June 10, 2015