I still remember what I wore to their wedding as well as the Garden Party Gene’s parents, my great aunt and uncle, gave at their summer home in Arden to celebrate their wedding.
(At that point in time, Gene was the closest thing I had to a big brother for better and sometimes worse.)
Many years, many memories—some very funny and very Enid.
When my Grandfather Charles died after a huge snowstorm, Enid, in her inimitable fashion, brought a huge tuna and vegetable tray to Parkside. As she was maneuvering her way out of the car, our hyperactive dog came bounding out for a taste test. My mother and Enid, both gracious and highly accomplished hostesses, looked at each other and the decision was made: It was scooped out and molded back together. The verdict; “No one will ever know.”… and they didn’t.
Many vivid memories of breaking fast after Yom Kippur: Ohev Shalom’s Neillah Service is very long and very late. Enid got to leave early to take care of a young Peter and Melanie. My mother would put a note in each serving dish which Enid would fill, put everything together, and when we finally came home there was a party waiting.
Strangely enough, I just found a letter which my mother had written to me at school….’
“Enid was just here for lunch….she is such a sweet young lady… I enjoy having her here.”
It was SO exciting to walk into the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland, Maine and be greeted by posters announcing Enid’s Edna St. Vincent Millay exhibit. Unfortunately, we missed it by about a week. If it were possible, I would have come back with my mother; Edna St. Vincent Millay was her favorite poet.
I have an early Enid which looks like puzzle pieces which is almost ironic since I have spent multiple years working with children and adolescents on the autistic spectrum. I think of her whenever I walk by it.
I am sorry that my recent personal contact with Enid has been limited. In spite of that I felt a special bond. Enid and my mother had a very strong connection. Charles mentioned that before every holiday, secular or religious, Enid called with good wishes which were warmly received.
Enid was so very special in so many ways! Her internationally recognized talent spoke and continues to speak for itself. She was warm and gracious, witty and fun and had impeccable taste. She entertained beautifully and made the best antipasto ever. She was a loyal friend. I will remember always that Enid left an art show in a nearby state early so that she could come to my mother’s unveiling. She was certainly a profile in courage.
If he could, Leonard would join Charles, Amy and me in mourning her loss.
With love,
Elaine Huberman Kline