The year my mom, Olive Weaver, turned 85 she wanted to travel to Pennsylvania to revisit the places where she grew up, went to school, married, and where generations of her family were buried. I met her in Pittsburgh and we drove to Roaring Spring, Johnstown, Davidsville, Claysburg, etc. Of course, a visit with Alfred Weaver at Laurel View was on our list.

On July 8, 2013 we met Alfred for lunch and then spent some time visiting with him in his apartment. He showed us his Sudoku books, family photos, and told us about his volunteerism. It was so apparent that Alfred was loved in the community and was greeted with open arms whereever we went. We had a wonderful visit with him (and lunch was delicious). 

Alfred and Marie Weaver became friends with my parents, Dean and Olive Weaver, in Roaring Spring, PA. My dad was manager of Cove Auto Supply and both couples attended the Church of the Brethren. Marie Weaver and my dad were distant cousins, plus my dad and Alfred were both part of Patton's 3rd Army in WWII. Alfred was with the 89th Division "The Rolling W's" that landed in France on 21 Jan. 1945 and my dad, Dean, was with the 13th Armored Division "The Black Cats" that landed in France on 29 Jan. 1945. Alfred's 354th Infantry Regiment would have supplied Patton's tank divisions with supplies. Although they did not know one another in 1945, their paths would cross in the 1950's and from that point forward their friendship grew.

I definitely remember spending time with Alfred and Marie and their sons in Roaring Spring (our family moved to FL in Dec. 1958) during vacations back to PA as we were growing up. There was no better fun than playing cards or board games at Alf and Marie's kitchen table! I loved hearing Alfred tell stories about the farmers he met while selling feed for livestock. I could have listened to him all night, but the grown-ups never let that happen. Alfred would suit us up for winter fun when we'd arrive from FL with little to no winter gear. Everything I know about being a kid and having wintertime fun, came from our visits back to PA for the holidays. 

So, back in July 2013, my mom and Alfred talked about old times, about their families living and dead, and about my dad, Dean, who passed away in 2003. We had a wonderful visit with Alfred...just one of many treasured memories of a truly remarkable person.

Wunda Weaver Shuga