Wednesday, February 12, 2025
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On Monday, February 10, 2025, I said 'hello' and 'goodbye' for the last time to my Mother, Genevieve Kalena. She was about to turn 102 years old on February 27, falling short of that by just days, victim to a respiratory infection, from which she was recovering. She was strong in many ways, and defeated many ills. Unfortunately, that last illness left her in a weakened state, and her health declined.
You were amazing at everything... A wonderful, caring, loving Mother to Myself and my Sister; a caring and patient wife to our Father Fred Kalena, who I know you deeply missed following his passing in 1983, who was a bartender and cook at the former Brass Lamp of Ridgewood. It broke your heart to sell and leave our family home in Ridgewood, NJ in 1976, yet you charted a new course and carried on. You loved and cherished your little poodle dogs who became your “adopted children” when my sister and I left the nest. Ridgewood, Toms River, Whiting, Port Jervis, and Middletown... your heart and mind always returned to Ridgewood
I spoke to Mom for hours on Monday, and in days prior, recalling wonderful memories of her... with her. Although it was difficult for Mom to respond, she smiled frequently and squeezed my hand with each spoken memory. Sharing stories from far back in my childhood that, when she was healthy, we would often smile and laugh about. Times when she would pick me up late after school from Benjamin Franklin Junior High School following afternoon chorus and Musical Production rehearsals. I would always be the last to leave the school, and she would be anxious, wondering when I would emerge from the school. But she never complained. Her love of music and the arts made a deep impression on me, and she gladly encouraged me. Mom had a keen interest in arts and crafts, and produced many beautiful stained glass creations, some of which she created for families and businesses.
From as far back as kindergarten (when I would disassemble and re-assemble flashlights), through first grade when my teacher, Mrs. Kritzler, watched in amazement as I built electromagnets, buzzer and light circuits with switches, and would hear me sing as I did it; she (the teacher) wrote in my report card, “Fred should be encouraged to pursue his musical and technical talents”. Something my Mother did every chance she had.
Before I had my driver's license, Mom would regularly drive me to all the local electronics stores so I could purchase the parts I needed to build my various electronic projects. Things such as a music synthesizer in 7th grade, a digital computer in 10th grade, and a computer display terminal that won First place in a national competition in 1973. All things made possible because of Mom's tireless support and love. Never complaining or griping, she even took on the added responsibility of becoming a Den Mother for my Cub Scout Pack 55, helping with recruiting, meetings, and organizing outside activities.
Even in my later years, Mom continued encouraging me in my technical and musical interests, leading me to a career in computer systems development, and to being Cantor at St. Mary's Church in Port Jervis where, for a time I led the choir and sang at weddings and funerals. Mom was always my shining source of help and encouragement.
Now you travel on. Free from the trials, tribulations, and ills of this Earthly life. Travel on to reunite with those who left before you... Dad, your Mother, your sister, your Brother Walter (who you spent your life trying to locate), other family members both from your side, from Dad's, and friends made along the way. You are forever in my thoughts, and in my heart, and I will look for you in my dreams
Thank you Mom. I Love You... I Miss You
