For nearly 40 years now, we’ve been involved with the Downers Grove Public Library, at first as library patrons and members of the Friends of the Library. Gordon served as Membership Chair, Treasurer and, in 1980, as President of the FOL. Then for 14 years Nancy was employed at the library, working behind the Circulation Desk and getting to know many of the regular library patrons.

We think of the library as our community’s principal cultural amenity and have always been full of admiration and gratitude for the good will and energy of its Staff and Board members. When the new, greatly expanded building came into being, buying a Garden Walk brick gave us the perfect opportunity to express our support for the library in a lasting way. By contributing funds for the purchase of new works of art, we honor all the Board members and staff who have made the Downers Grove Public Library a great asset for our community.

Gordon and Nancy Goodman

HONORING
LIBRARY STAFF
AND BOARDS
GORDON AND
NANCY GOODMAN



The Green Family

Our children, Laura, Brian, and William, all grew up in Downers Grove and benefitted from the many offerings of the Downers Grove Public Library. We are thankful for all that the staff of the library have done to contribute to the learning experiences of our children. As the library enters a new phase, we all hope that other children will enjoy the library as we have. Our brick represents both the past and our hope for the future of the Downers Grove Library, as well as the fact that we are proud of our children.

IN HONOR OF
THE GREENS:
LAURA, BRIAN,
BRENDA, MARK,
AND WILLIAM



William
Greenhill
President
F.O.L.
1988 - 1994

Family and friends are honoring William Greenhill’s love of reading and his satisfaction from being President of the Friends of the Library (F.O.L.) from 1988 - 1994. His first newspaper reporter job at age 16 and his career in public relations grew from his interest in books, particularly history and biographies of American presidents. His wife, children, and grandchildren are grateful for the provision of libraries for research, children’s books, enjoyment and knowledge.

-Jennifer Greenhill Hoskins



Gunn: see Sedath.



Ron Hale was a loving husband and father. He was devoted to his educational career. He spent his entire career in Downers Grove from 1956 to 1991.

During that time he was a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. At Highland School he was a teacher and principal. He was the first principal at Belle Aire School and then became an assistant superintendent for curriculum for School District 58.

While in the main office, he realized that he missed his contact with the children. So, his last few years were spent as a principal at Fairmount School.

Ron was happiest when in the classroom. He was firm, but had a special rapport with the children. He touched many lives and will always be remembered.

In Memory
Of
Ronald Hale



I have lived in Downers Grove all of my life. Last Christmas my wife and daughter surprised me by ordering a library brick.

My great grandfather, Eldred Thatcher (my mother’s side of the family), came to Downers Grove from Hartford, Pennsylvania in 1838. His first wife, Harriet Newell Thatcher, is buried in the Main Street cemetery. Their children John, Helen, and Harvey were born in Downers Grove. Harvey, my grandfather, had three daughters, Helen, Ruth, and Bernice, who was my mother.

The Thatcher home was at 1232 Gilbert and still stands. I have a contract in my possession that Eldred Thatcher sold the “back” 50 feet of his property at 1232 Gilbert Avenue to the CB&Q Railroad for 5 cents and all the lumber he could cut. I am very proud and feel fortunate to be a part of the Downers Grove History.

BILL AND JOAN
HANNAN



George/Joni Hansen

When the “Brick Inscription” idea came up I thought it was a good way to “memorialize” someone but I didn’t have anyone to really memorialize. Because my husband and I could not think of anything witty and short (or better than the ones already turned in!) we decided to just use our own names thinking we could point it out to our grandchildren in the future. I think we decided to use the year 1958, too - the year we decided to make Downers Grove our home.

As it turned out, the brick inscription was a way to remember a very happy time in our lives in 1998 we celebrated three vacations, to Spain, Hawaii, and Colorado; our 40th wedding anniversary, and many other things. In February of 1999 my husband died of a brain tumor. This stone when I see it will be remind me of a hot day during heritage fest with a new addition being added onto the Library!

George and Joni
Hansen
D.G. - 1958



My brick says “Susan Hanson, Librarian 1966 - 2001.” I came to Downers Grove as a newlywed in 1966 and began working as the head of the Junior Room, leaving in June of 1967 for the birth of my first child. I returned part-time off and on during child rearing years and finally became permanent again in 1979 as a part-time reference librarian.

The Downers Grove Public Library has been a large part of my life for 33 years so I felt I wanted something permanent to mark my time here. Including the dates of employment was my husband’s idea though I have regretted it as I now think it looks like a tombstone! I don’t plan to die in 2001 but only to retire!

For all the years I have worked here the library has given wonderful service to the community and I have always been proud to be a part of that.




Ralph Harrison
D.G. Police Officer
1964 – 1984

Born December 9th, 1932 in Ashton, Illinois.
Graduated from Maine Township High School in Des Plaines, IL.
Served in the army 1953 - 1955, stationed in Germany.
Worked for Lord Lumber Company in Downers Grove for 11 years.
Was a policeman for 20 years.
Found Officer Richard Barth shot and killed in the line of duty.
Bus driver for Little Friends.
Bailiff in Wheaton to a woman judge for 4 years.
Usher, trustee, elder at Immanuel Luther Church
Active in American Legion. Sergeant - at - arms
Married Dolores Jean Zarn July 30th, 1955.
Two sons named Scott Edwin and Ronald Charles.

Frank and Betty Heinisch moved from Chicago to Downers Grove on January 26th, 1949. They had a special reason. Frank came home from work one day and said, “Let’s go look for a house in Downers Grove to buy.” Betty exclaimed, “Where in the world is Downers Grove?”

Frank explained three of his fellow workers already lived in Downers Grove and they wanted a fourth member to their carpool, one week each month to save gas money. They moved to 5502 Belmont Rd. They were the first to ask for a number instead of County Road No. and the post office granted 5502. There was only one stop sign from Downers Grove to the Clearing district in Chicago where Frank worked.

Frank passed away January 14, 1998. Betty is still living in Downers Grove.

The beautiful home at 5502 Belmont was demolished to make room for a new subdivision.

Betty would like to add that they did buy acreage in Norfolk, Arkansas for retirement, but sold it 17 years later because they really loved Downers Grove, the best suburb of DuPage County.

Betty (Elizabeth) Heinisch

AL AND EVE HODOUS
BOBBY, PATTY, BILLY
BERT & BRIAN

A weekly trip to the Downers Grove Public Library was an important part of our life. Our five children, a year apart, always remembered to take along shopping bags to carry home their choices.

My husband and I have always known the library contributed to the success of all our children and for that we thank you.

Eve Hodous



F451 Read On!

Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 reminds us all of the importance of reading and how the ideas expressed between the covers of the book may please or provoke. These concepts challenge us to come to grips with our notions of the world. F-451 alerts us to the dangers of censorship, by portraying its ultimate and most profane manifestation…the burning of books. Bradbury shows us that books go far beyond our hands and eyes. They can and must continue to be part of us, if only in our memories.

Don, Pam, Katie, and Mike Whitfield Jacobson.



Walk, Rabbit, Walk
For Jamie

Walk, Rabbit, Walk was our son Jamie’s favorite book as a toddler. The book told a story of Rabbit enjoying a walk to Owl’s house. Other animal guests rushed by Rabbit to get to the party, only to be stopped in their haste. Rabbit, on the other hand, found particular joy in the sights and sounds of his journey. Jamie died at age 5 many years ago, but we often stop to remember the lessons his favorite book taught us.

Don and Pam Whitfield Jacobson



In Memory Of
Carolyn Jean James

The story behind “our” brick begins in 1968, when Carolyn died at the young age of 33, leaving to mourn her 3 children, one of which is my husband Howard. Howard was 12 at the time and although many years have passed, he continues to miss her very much. About one year ago, Howard (finally) became a parent himself and with the arrival of our son Joshua Jay James, the reality that Joshua will never get to know his grandmother in person brought back some painful memories.

That’s when we heard about the Library’s Garden Walk and without hesitating we called the library to inquire about dedicating a brick in memory of Joshua’s grandmother, who was not only a loving mother and wonderful human being, but happened to be a librarian as well.

We don’t know how long we will remain in Downers Grove, or if Joshua will make it his home, but from now on he will always be able to return to the city of his birth and touch the brick that bears his grandmother’s name.

-The James Family



The Jencks, Samonte, Snell, and Williams are a family of daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren and cousins. We represent 30+ years of residency in Downers Grove. Over these many years, we have watched the library grow from its original structure to what it is today in 1999. We congratulate you for the lovely building, and thank you for the opportunity to become part of this special place. We look forward to our continued enjoyment from the books and services that the library provides.

Anita, Paul, and Heather Jencks
Val and Jim, Amanda and Olivia Snell
Rich, Barb, Jill and Tana Samonte
Allison, Joshua and Sarah Williams



Our grandmother, Joslyn Kirkegaard, worked very hard to make sure the Referendum for funding of the new library would pass when she was asked why she was working so hard, she said that she wanted her granddaughters to have a beautiful library for the future. We got this brick so that she would always know how much we appreciate her efforts. We love the new library! Thanks grandma!

Emily, Marie, and Allison Kirkegaard



During the campaign for the library referendum, the Reporter asked me why I was co-chairing the campaign. I answered that it was for my grandchildren, my own sons grew up enjoying the Downers Grove Library and now it needed to be updated for the next generation. So I was thrilled when my grandchildren and my daughter-in-law surprised me with my own special brick:

To Joslyn from Allison, Marie, and Emily

P.S. They love the new library and use it often!



The large brick that has my children and grandchildren on it is it to signify the support and celebration of my family for our new library. During the entire referendum process they were always behind the project, even to Brad giving up a planned trip to Ireland with me because it fell during election week.

Margaret
Dana Emily Marie
Allison Joslyn
Eric Laura



J - Joyful
A - Angelic
N - Noble
E - nthusiastic
L - Loving
L - Laughing
E - Ever present in our hearts

Janelle roughly means God’s grace. It was by the grace of God that Janelle was born into our family at 2 pounds 14 oz. Her smile could knock you over and she had a song for anyone who would listen. We often woke to a serenade of the Wheels on the Bus. More than once I saw her overwhelm family, friends, and even strangers in adjacent cars at stop lights with her loving acceptance and bountiful hello as she engaged them directly as if recognizing them all as long lost family at every meeting. I often wondered where her life would lead her with this innate social gift.

Janelle’s journey brought our family to many of the area hospitals and even one in New York City. She was born with a rare genetic condition called Russell-Silver syndrome. Janelle became one of the MAGIC children as we got to know other families around the world who were on a like journey in their lives and we were blessed to live for a moment in a world that is filled with difficulty but, overshadowed by love and the joy of simple things. We will always remember fondly the many family, friends, therapists, nurses and doctors who walked with us and were touched by Janelle’s life. Janelle left us to be with God at 2.5 years old. During her short time, Janelle’s presence was felt by many. May we all strive to bring love, acceptance and joy to those around us as Janelle effortlessly demonstrated in her exuberant smile and welcome to all she met.

This brick was brought in Janelle’s memory by her grandparents, Donald and Arlene Guest. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them. The depth of their emotional support and wisdom was strength I could lean on during difficult times. Words cannot express my gratitude. We love you.

Janelle will always be ever present in our hearts.

-Joe, Laura and Julian Jovanovich



FROM JANE
THE CAT AND
A.R. JUST

Cats see reading material as competition for attention which could be much better spent in service of them. There’s nothing droller than a cat camping out on your book, newspaper or letter until you acknowledge her status as the most important presence in the room. Jane-the-Cat certainly deserves a library brick for all the books she has put in their proper place.

There was a dear feline, Queen Jane
(who wasn’t in any way Plain)
She’d like to oft’ look
At paper and book
And sit on then while she would reign.

A.R. Just

“A Good Book Has No End”
Patrick Kasper
1989-2009

Patrick Connor Kasper, a lifelong Downers Grove resident, died on Sept. 24, 2009 at the age of 20.  He loved books. He was a happy, loving young man.  Both of Patrick’s parents are teachers, so we, his O’Connor Cousins thought that a brick along the Downers Grove library Garden Walk would be an appropriate memorial for this wonderful young man who lives on in hearts and as an echo whispering softly down the Garden Walk.

IN HONOR OF
THE LADIES
LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
HELEN KAPER

In 1891, determined that Downers Grove should have its own public library, the Ladies Library Association took the first step by founding a small reading room above the Farmes and Merchants Bank on the Northeast corner of Main and Curtis.

To cover the rent, they levied a 25 cent quarterly use fee and spent the next 20 years volunteering their time and working to establish a tax-supported library.

When the Ladies Library Association began their reading room, the population of Downers Grove was 960. The library was open on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 3:00 to 8:30 p.m., and patrons could check out one book at a time. The ladies spent no more than $3 for any book that they added to the collection, and on a good day seventy-five books were checked out.

The dedication and foresight of the Ladies Library Association in creating a public library more than 100 years ago remain their greatest legacy. An early circulating catalog proclaimed, “We do not regard our present collection of books as in any sense complete. It is but a modest beginning, a nucleus which will, we trust, grow into a large and valuable library.” The ladies were right. Our wonderful new library is a testament to their foresight, and this brick is just a small thank you for their efforts.



SUPPORTING
KNOWLEDGE!
KASTENHOLZ

Our family has always enjoyed visiting libraries! We happen to think Downers Grove Library is one of the best. Out 5 year old twins love "Miss Mouse" and absolutely adore her new home. Not many libraries house an abundance of books, magazines, computers, changing artwork, quiet reading placed and free lectures, not to mention the VERY TALENTED and CREATIVE Junior Room Staff! We are truly blessed to have this resource in our community and therefore our family will continue supporting the place where we can always find knowledge.

The Kastenholz Family
July 1999

 

I believe the inscription reads “In Loving Memory of Pat Katzfey.”

Pat was a loving wife and mother of three children who lived in Downers Grove from 1978 - 1991. She was a highly regarded math and special education teacher at both Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South High Schools. Pat passed away after a brief illness at the start of the 1991 school year.

Pat was also a devoted patron of the Downers Grove Library, spending much of her free time enjoying its many offerings.

Pat’s spirit lives on in Annual Scholarships for North and South High School Graduates, and now at the Downers Grove Public Library, with this brick memorial.

John R. Katztfey
July 10, 1999



ROBERT L. KEMPFER 1945 - 2007

A cheerful greeting, a firm handshake, his compassion for others, his laughter, his smile... Robert “Bob” Kempfer was a life-long resident of Downers Grove. He worked as a letter carrier in both the Downers Grove and Woodridge Post Offices for 37 years.

This brick is installed as a lasting tribute to his unwavering fellowship to his co-workers, determination during adversity, and dedication to the well-being of his family and friends.

Jacqueline Kempfer
Joann Silingo
The Postal Employee Benefit Fund

THE
KENDALL
FAMILY

A brick discarded from the pre-1976 library building is part of our patio. We are pleased that we can return the favor and have a brick as part of the 1999 library. We hope our grandsons will recognize the Kendall Family brick as an important part of their heritage.

Dave and Bonnie Kendall




Live   Love
Laugh  Learn
Lauren Kolack

My granddaughter, now 10 1/2, has been the personification of those four virtues. Ever since the moment of her birth, the whole family, including her great -great –grandmother, infused her life with as much knowledge and experiences as possible. She can travel the world through books, explore the sky above and the earth and see below and understand her body and soul all by turning a page. What a wonderful time!! Thank you for this opportunity.

Sharon Dunn




My  husband and I lived in Downers Grove 50 years. He loved Downers. We raised our family and retired here. He passed away in 2003. We miss him terribly.

Some years back we had a brick put in for his mother Anna. I thought it would be nice to do the same for Eugene. He was a good husband, father, and grandfather. And was proud of his family and town.

Esther A. Kolagkowski and family.



Mike Koncel a Loving Father

Because of your wisdom and strength you will always be an inspiration to us. We love you very much. We are so proud of you. You will always be our hero!



Edith Larson was a quick, gracious, well-read woman who loved the beauties of the world. She enjoyed the wider world of the printed page and photographic world. An art teacher at Avery Coonley School, she passed on her enthusiasm to the young people. Her warmth and intelligence was appreciated by all who met her.

Dun Larson was a big, burly, hearty man, retired from section boss at Western Gas and Electric. He and Edith were introduced to the Downers Grove Camera Club by fellow worker Lorraine Vokerun, a moving force in the club, and remained a staunch member until the day he died on his way to a meeting of the club.

They enjoyed club outings, as near as the dunes in Milwaukee, as far as the Olympic Peninsula and the Southwest. After Edith’s health failed Dun would talk other members into trips to Brookfield Zoo or the bridges of Bronze County, Indiana to photograph. He could be totally entranced by butterflies landing on him at a butterfly garden on a trip to his daughter’s in Georgia. Judy is a librarian at the college in Athens and some of her underwater pictures held pride of place on the Larson’s living room walls.

For their unflagging enthusiasm in photography, and the beauty of the world the Downers Grove Camera Club is proud to install memorial bricks in their honor, that their memory be resting and they be unforgotten.



Mike & Nancy
Lawler
& Family

We have lived in Downers Grove for over 20 years. Our 3 daughters have been raised here. We have attended many community based festivities. When the library offered this opportunity to contribute and the part of “memories”, we were honored to contribute. We struggled with sayings like “Get off my brick” and “A community without books is like a body without a soul.” However, we decided to leave words of wisdom to the authors and put names on it instead. Simplicity is one in keeping with the founders of our city.

Nancy Lawler



THE GHOSTS OF LINCOLN SCHOOL

I thought the Ghosts of Lincoln School should have a place in Downers Grove history so I got a brick at the Garden Walk at the Downers Grove Public Library. It is to honor all of the former students, parents, alumni, and staff throughout the years. Even though they closed Lincoln in the seventies, the spirit of Lincoln and the Ghosts of Lincoln School live on.


Bruce Norman Swanson
Pine Hollow



Marge Lukes and family

Not a very original inscription for someone like my mother.

Her first identity when she arrived in Downers Grove around 1919 was the “renter's child.” Her family was the only family renting a house in the town. The house still stands at 4927 Main Street. By coincidence their arrival was celebrated with a parade down Main Street, flags waving high, the very next day.

But the identity my mother has enjoyed these past years is that of writer. She has helped to keep people in touch with each other with her articles in the Downers Grove Reporter. She has also helped people to remember or learn about our town from “way back when” with stories of how life used to be in Downers Grove.

The library has always been a place of wonder for my mother, and books are dear friends she keeps forever.

I guess that brick should really read...Marge Lukes - writer and reader.



“Dedicated to John Mahoney
By Writer’s Workshop”

The Downers Grove Writers’ Workshop has been meeting here at the library twice a month for more than 18 years. The Writers’ Workshop has no president, no chairman, and - heavens be praised! - no facilitator. Most of the time, in truth, we’re a pretty disorganized bunch. You can’t expect artists to be tidy. But we reach unanimity on two points: first, in devoting ourselves to the betterment of our craft, and second, that our group would be far poorer were it not for our senior member, our anchor, John Mahoney.

John has always been the first to befriend a newcomer, the first to find the good in our work, the quickest to accept suggestions on his own poems, and is the last to take offense.

John Mahoney is a man who seems to span time - though he assures us he is only 82. Having never owned a television or a car, he may seem to some a man of the 19th century. But his service in the Second World War, and his subsequent rearing of a family in neighboring Westmont place him firmly in the 20th century.  John’s three daughters two sons- in-law and three (so far) grandchildren will certainly carry his wisdom and love far into the future. And John’s broad knowledge of literature, always at the ready, makes him a man of all centuries.

I fear this story is running long. Already I can hear John, a modest man as well as poet who values concision, quoting to me from Stunk and White’s Elements of Style: “Omit needless words.” So let me, in turn, quote my fellow workshop member John Quinn, who put it all so eloquently and simply: “John Mahoney, you are our oak.”

July  11, 1999



READ FOR FUN
& KNOWLEDGE
MANN-BEHM

Marion and Stanley Mann moved to Downers Grove in 1964, having built a new home on Third Street. The library was a source of enjoyment and a place for research for them and their two daughters, Barbara and Janet. In 1974 Janet and her family, husband Wayne and children Jane and Steven returned to Downers Grove and they enjoyed and utilized the Downers Grove Library extensively. The spectrum of reading interests is unique. Truly it runs the gamut from frivolous to deep research. Steven’s library away from home is now the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. and Jacie has such a large book collection she could begin her own library in Michigan. The Mann’s and the Behm’s still reside in Downers Grove. The stone is a historical marker and a memorial for three generations who truly have READ FOR FUN & KNOWLEDGE.

Janet Behm

7-11-99

FRED A. MARVIN
MAE C. MARVIN
DAVID FRED MARVIN
ANITA MAE MARTIN

Fred Marvin was born in Downers Grove, December 28th, 1909. He lived in a house on Washington Street across from the Masonic Temple.

In June, 1942, Fred and his wife, Mae, and son, David (aged 2 years) came to Downers Grove to buy land and build their own house. They stopped at the DOWNERS GROVE LIBRARY to get books and magazines showing you how to CONSTRUCT A HOUSE. Freida Humpris was the Librarian and she said we had the help of the Library's materials to give us the knowledge of what material we needed.

We had an apartment in Chicago but put up a tent on our wooded land and lived there for two months before construction began. Each night, we sat at a small table in the tent, with an ALADDIN CAMP LIGHT, viewing what we'd need in lumber and tools, going over details and pictures of HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN HOUSE.

With hand saws and hammers, we put together a sturdy, attractive 6 room house. We had NO ELECTRICITY sue to a shortage of copper wiring during the WAR years. Fred had graduated from Coyne Electric School in Chicago, so knew this electric area well (but there was no electric to work with), not for SEVEN LONG MONTHS.

Each time we needed information, we went to the library on HOW TO. When Anita was born and we needed more room, we built 2 more rooms to the house. We still live in the house on Elmore Avenue.

DOWNERS GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY was a fantastic help in raising our family, helping Mae study to attend college to become a D.G. teacher. Both David and Anita graduated from college with help from Library materials.

As a living memorial when friends or family members die, a check is sent to the library for books and other materials.



Paddy and Maggy McGuire

The brick inscription is a gift to our children. We truly enjoy living in Downers Grove and are raising our children to have the same appreciation and pride in our community. We hope they will enjoy locating and then "visiting" their brick on trips into town and to the library. Thank you for providing this unique opportunity to be part of our history.

Billy McGuire



We have lived on Prince Pond, a short walk from the Downers Grove Public Library, for more than 10 years. We made this contribution to demonstrate our appreciation for the library we, as avid readers, have enjoyed the last decade. As community - minded citizens of Downers Grove and as a proud and loving aunt and uncle, we dedicate our special brick to our nieces, Emily Rose Niespodziewanski and Cathryn Marie Niespodziewanski, because they are special people to us.

When they were small children, we read to them as they lay in their beds before falling asleep, and we have watched them mature into vibrant, intelligent and joyful young women who continue to pursue the adventure of reading, both for pleasure and in hungry pursuit of knowledge. We hope their special brick inspires them, reminding them of the gratification offered by the simple act of reading, and that someday the will bring their children to the Downers Grove Public Library Garden Walk to view their special brick, so that they may in turn instill a love and appreciation for reading in their children, and their children’s children, and their children’s children’s children, for many generations into the future.

Robert M. McNamara
Robin S. Tryloff

FOR EMILY
AND CASSIE
WITH LOVE
AUNTIE ROBIN
UNCLE JOHN



IN MEMORY OF
OUR SON
LARRY
JOHN & DORIS
MOCHEL

Our brick is dedicated to our son Larry who died in 1990, the result of an automobile accident which occurred four years earlier.

We miss him everyday and somehow, it helps to see his name now and then.

The library has always meant a great deal to our family, what with John serving on the board for many years. Doris remembers the little library on the corner as almost a second home during her growing up years.

John and Doris Mochel




Morningside Square Book Club

New building, new lifestyle, new friends...plus an opportunity for sharing old passions.

Two condo neighbors decided to form a book club and issued invitations to all the residents. Nearly half of the building’s owners attended the initial meeting on April 3rd, 2003. The first book selection was written by the son of one of the residents. The author, David Ellis, winner of the Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best First Novel, attended the inaugural meeting.

The club is still thriving and has reviewed almost 50 books since its inception. The criteria for the yearly book club selections (non-fiction and fiction; classics and recent publications; social justice and women’s issues; learning about other cultures; self-discovery; adult and children’s books; Chicago history; fantasy and science fiction; humor; mystery; and a tad of romance) has caused each attendee to, at some point each year, read a book that would otherwise be ignored.

The Downers Grove Library has been a wonderful resource for the book club. This brick recognizes their connection to and support of our reading community.




Christine Mary Moscato (nee Diebold)
“Love.”
Spring 2009

One of the most endearing memories I can recall is Chrissie’s signature (captioned above) on cards, letters, or simply a note to me.  Sometimes she would articulate each letter, L-O-V-E, with a resounding, “Period” indicating the true measure of her love for me.

Christine was a wordsmythe, writing poetry to prose; daily life from varied view points. My favorite is “My Pen is My Paintbrush.” On one occasion she began writing several chapters of a book.

Listening to classical music and reading were two of her favorite pastimes. And yes, she read Rise & Fall of the Third Reich on several occasions. Fondly, I remember her even reading some books in one night. Our Florida time share provided a much needed respite for 1 or 2 weeks a year. Walking the beach and picking up shells was a daily occurrence. She gave new meaning to the “Sanibel Stoop.”

Chris was born in Hinsdale on 10 July 1947. She grew up in Downers Grove on Summit Street.  “Just off Main” were her directions to me on our first date. Her father, Robert M. Diebold was a former DG Commissioner, while Mary, her mother, was church secretary at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ on Dunham Road. I met Christine at St. Paul’s in 1974, in choir after rehearsing songs for a wedding. During this time I also met Christine’s friend Kathleen Wright (nee Halbig). Kathy was maid of honor at our wedding in 1975. Since Christine’s passing, Kathy & I have “reunited,” and have become renewed friends catching up. Kathy is also cosponsor of this beautiful brick.

In the spring of 2006, while Chris & I were “doing other things,”  LIFE happened. Christine was diagnosed with stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer.  Her diagnosis was preceded by two weeks with her employment loss.  However, friends, neighbors and family (newly formed family, I might add) stepped up to the plate and assisted us during this very difficult time. Food, gas and daily essentials were offered by known and anonymous friends. Boxes of food would magically appear on our doorstep and somehow the bills got paid. We never had been so scared in our entire collective lives especially since WE always helped others. But we accepted our fate and realized our new, unplanned & dire situation.

On 10 December 2006, Christine took God’s Hand and passed away in my arms. I was her caretaker those last five months as she bravely ENDURED massive radiation & chemo treatments. Then one day she said “no more” and it was only a matter of weeks until she left us. She proved and redefined many words: hope, dignity, courage…Love. For 32 years we did “our thing” our way. And as an individual, Christine Mary did hers. I will always love her, keeping an eternal flame lit in my heart. As I stated at her memorial service, “Until we meet again, MyChris, MyLove… Period.”

Gerald Moscato (MB)
Husband
Best Friend
Muse
Confidant
Soul Mate

The Mullen and Murrison Brick Story

Our two bricks are a way of sharing our love of books and our thank you to the Downers Grove Library for being such a wonderful place to come and enjoy the endless rows of books and wonderful activities and events that the library allows us to share together as a family.

Grandma Ann and I are dear friends and as life is full of delightful moments …my daughter, Rhonda met Glenn, they married and had a little boy (Liam – now 7 years old) and a little girl (Rori –  now 5 years old).

Grandma Ann and I are still dear friends and now, Grandma’s together! The bricks are a way for the “Grandma’s” to leave a reminder and legacy of the love of reading and books that we all shared through the years.

Thank you,
Grandma Judy

Brick Stories A to F

Brick Stories N to Z


For more information about donating a brick of your own, pick up a brochure in the library or call the Administration Office at (630) 960–1200.