I received a phone call from my mother Friday evening. Very calmly, she asked me if I was sitting down. I told her I was in the middle of something. I asked if she was alright. My Mom in a quiet yet composed manner, started to explain the story Lloyd had heard from his younger brother, Ira. What must have taken an eternity to say,I only remembermy mother's last words to me in a calm voice that cracked as my mother said...said ...SHE IS NO MORE. It was surreal...How could this be? My vivacious precious Aunt Erna who was always running, seeking, doing, and exploring the city's top matinee plays,lectures, and museuem to traveling the country to see her son's and grandchildren in various cities from LA to Washington D.C.was now...gone? She had an an amazing life spirit in her. An optimist's,way of looking at situations as always half full rather than half empty. She had a devoted 60 year marriage to my Late Uncle up until thecsay he paased. After a while being who she is, she got out again and settled into her old routine. She had incredibly long term loyal unbroken relationships with her childhood friends among many other long term couples over the years . My Aunt Erna was in every way a responsible big sister who had to take care of my mom when their parents were working on Maxwell Street. She always showed up. She always did 'the right thing.' I never ever heard my Late Aunt Erna ever say a nasty word to anyone or about anyone else. SHE kept a traditional kosherJewish home for mnany many years. She was an AMAZING Baker at Pesesch. She created these amazing unlevened,almond and walnut orange and fig cakes with sweetened syrup on the side for those who choose to indulge. She was organized, effective, efficient, cost conscious,affectionate,loving, caring and oh so smart! When I lost my sight for mnany months and had multiple eye surgeries that year, she always called my mother to see how I was doing, what the prognosis was after my surgeries, sent me out thoughtful 'gift cards' from either Ultra or Sephora or another department store. She never missed sending me a birthday or a Rosh HaShannah card. She was an amazing Aunt. When I look at her photos I cry. I cry because I wont be able to embrace her again and see her shining face and hear that iconic voice as she woyld would always say to me..."Okay Dollie." She won't be able to see my sister and I walk down the aisle. I planned on visiting her early this week to see how she was doing. Instead we all mourning the sudden loss of a beautiful Devoted Matriarch Grandmother, Mother, Wife Sister, Aunt, friend & Confidant. She brought so much love and giving to others. ESTHER BAHT CECILIA BAHT SARA (O.B.M.) May your zest for life and living a Righteous life filled with love and integrity be remembered.