Barbara Jean Dewey

Dear Steve and Ellen, My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Debbie

BJ and I had the pleasure of being in each other’s lives for 10+ years. I learned and observed she was a hell of a woman - whip smart and always ready with the perfect comment or response in any conversation. She taught me what grace, level headedness and a touch of humor in the face of chaos looks like. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to know and love her. Those who were closest to her and have had her love touch them deeply - my heart and support are with you. - Erin Matzke

I can't isolate a single memory that's my favorite. I can tell you what it felt like to grow up with BJ as my grandma. I can tell you my favorite feeling in the world was climbing into bed when I stayed with her. The sheets were always crisp and cool, and perfectly taut. That feeling is my ultimate goal every time I make a bed, and I think of her every time without fail. I can tell you that there was something special about coming up the stairs in the morning to the smell of coffee and bacon, and the ever so faint scent of grandpa's cigarettes. Maybe there was golf on the breakfast nook television, later the sunroom. I distinctly remember grandma sitting with me on the steps to the formal living room and teaching me to use an Emery board because she and my dad desperately wanted me to stop chewing my fingernails. And how comforting it felt when I stayed with her as an adult, in my late twenties, for work. I found myself stuck in Madison unexpectedly without even an overnight bag. When I woke up grandma had ironed my pants. I had been a very self sufficient adult for many years, and this was the most personal thing anyone had done to care for me in a very long time. She was amazing, and strong, and I was so blessed to have her in my life.