Jim Varagona

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Today is my fiance’s 22nd birthday. It’s sad that it had to be during this tough time for her family. My mother and I have had similar situations with death being near our birthdays. It’s no good. Hopefully this doesn’t ruin her b-day every year.

So Shannon, have a happy birthday. I’m sure your grandma would have wanted it that way.

Note: My pet name is Babushka, as in a kerchief or a Russian grandmother.

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My fiance’s grandmother, Delores McDonald, passed away early Monday morning. It was very sudden and involved kidney failure and a possible massive stroke. She was 67. We just saw her for the holidays and she appeared fine.

My condolences to everyone in the family, especially her husband, Bob, and her children, Gary and Pam (Shannon’s mom).