# 6 Mu'umu'u Memories

My grandmother knew style. Her family visits to Hawaii always included shopping for elegant floral mu'umu'u's that she would wear with perfect copper curls and ruby red lipstick. She was just about the only woman to dress this way in the small town of Jackson Michigan. Clearly she loved these dresses, she loved Hawaii, and she loved her little brown granddaughter.

My dear friend Christy has been actively reviving the nostalgic mu'umu'u in the islands & posting her pictures. I couldn't help but think of my sweet grandmother, as well as the matching pale yellow mu'umu'u's of my childhood (Yes, mom and I had matching mu'umu'u's). To my surprise, Christy sent me this beautiful red pin stripped mu'umu'u in the mail a few days later. I couldn't wait to wear it on Aloha Friday, where I floated around my Dental Hygiene seminar with confidence and gratitude. Such a lovely and thoughtful gift to help me feel connected to my friends, home, and tutu!

#5 A Healthy Treat

Sent the parents (Marilyn, Arlene, and Spencer) and good friend Heidi "hugs and quiches" gift cards from Whole Foods. A healthy treat in honor of my sweet grandmother.

A cherished friend made a contribution with a most genuine act of kindness, with artistic & inner beauty. It is a Special-Love-Wish-Heart-Friendship-Art-Happy-Box-for Jess<3. This will be a new vessel for my optimistic thoughts, special wishes, and the precious jewelry my grandmother passed down to me.

Thank you Kimi Werner for your tribute to my dear grandmother & for your continued treasured friendship. 

Special thanks to Christy Werner and Erik Saavedra for the Gorilla Pod, making this photo of appreciation possible. 

This is act #16 for Kimi's birthday :)

#4 Elsie's Zucchini Bread

My grandmother's neighbor Elsie used to bake us the most magical zucchini bread. It was moist & fluffy, spiced & walnutty, and served best warm & buttered. I would sneak little slices of it all day from grandma's kitchen. I tried my best to replicate it, but admittedly I still have quite a way to go. Friends, neighbors, co-workers, and classmates... I'll need your help eating and critiquing our way to recipe perfection.

#3 Mother Daughter Day of Beauty

Spent a luxurious day with my mother getting manicures, massages, and shopping for girlie frills. We also picked up healthy healing fruits and vegetables to make fresh juices and smoothies. So lovely to have mother daughter quality time.

#1&2 Seeds

Because my Aunt Janet does so much good work in caring for and connecting the family, I wanted to share my sentiments in a letter and gift her some seeds. With her love they will grow into beautiful purple flowers, grandmas favorite color.

The second set of seeds are for my dear friends Christy & Erik in Hawaii. They grow delicious vegetables in their garden.

Kind Words Shared with the Family

October 30, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. June was a beautiful person and we will all miss her. I can still remember her giving my twin, Fran, and I permanents at her house when we we just kids.

~ 

Nancy Gaddy,

Parma, Michigan

Kathy so sorry to hear about your mother.our prayers are with you and your family. 
love Bob and Nancy

Dear Prestler Family,
My sincere sympathy to all of you for the loss of your mother. It seemed as though June was a second mother to the LaRosa family as well as a very dear friend to our mother Josephine. June will be deeply missed just as we miss our mother.

~ 

Rosanne LaRosa Mortlock,

Kalamazoo

Janet & family may God give you the grace to get through this difficult time. Be thankful He allowed you to have her for so long, she truly was an exceptional lady, remember the good times, there have to be many.

~ 

donna fair-burden,

drummoond island, Michigan

Mary Jo & family,
I am so very sorry to read of the loss of your mother. May God and His love surround you and give you comfort during this difficult time in your lives.
Love,
Tara Gerou (daughter of Sherri Keyes)

Prestler Family,
I've known your family all my life and am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I know it hurts,my family lost our Mother too. I hope "June and Jo" are sitting at the table in heaven sharing a cup of coffee and many memories like old times.
Love and Blessings to all.
Barb LaRosa Jordan

I worked with june at mercy hospital I hired in 1981 and she was such a blessing and a joy to work with. may god bless you at this time.wilma stevens

~ 

wilma stevens,

jackson, Michigan

She was such an awesome lady, an inspiration, and such a kind soul to everyone! What a blessing to have a mother like that. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, may God comfort you in this sad time. Love, Debi, Danielle, Shawn, Travis and Nathan.

My heart goes out to you Mary Jo and all my Prestler family. she was an amazing lady and a friend to all who knew her. Sadly missed, forever loved and remembered.
with love,
Kathi Cagney

My deepest sympathies to you Bob and your family. Your mom was always so kind to me when I saw her. May God wrap you all in His loving arms and give you peace and strength in the coming days. Hugs, Cyndie Moody

What a lovely, generous lady Mrs. Prestler was. Our sympathy especially to Janet and her family.
Dave & Ruth Westhoff

~ 

Patricia Mundy,

Jackson, Michigan

So sorry about losing your mom and grandma. She was quite a lady. I remember seeing her many many times over the years. We were lucky to have our moms so long.

~ 

Vince Dragonetti,

Holt, Michigan

I and so sorry for your loss Marilyn. I don't know if you remember me from high school days but I grew up near Kathy Davidowiz father's store. May God bless you and your family in your time of losing your mother.

~ 

Tom Braun,

Jackson, Michigan

Mary Jo, Kathy & John, sorry to hear about your mom-she suffers no more! Hope the family is well Jo Szymczak-Petaluma CA
jo@sfalfaro.com

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ 

Cindi Hinkel,

Jackson, Michigan

October 31, 2012
The Prestler family (especially Janet). May God bless you and your family at this time of sorrow. I am sorry we can't be with you at this time but please know you are in our prayers. 
Mike & Janet Dunigan

I am so saddened at the loss of such a great and remarkable lady. She was so gentle and loving. She loved to play Euchre and Bingo! I remember the last time I played Euchre with Aunt June, it was with Aunt June, Aunt Patty and Aunt Rosie. It was one of the most special memories I will hold dear in my heart. My condolences to all of our cousins and family members. She will be missed. I will be thinking of her and all of you today here in CO. Love Wendy Holly and family...

~ 

Wendy Osborn,

Colorado Springs, Colorado

We are so sorry for your loss. Be grateful for having your Mom for as long as you did. God bless.

~ 

Jan and Bill Hardwick,

lansing, Michigan

Dear Janet/Ron and Prestler Family,
We send our sincere sympathy for the loss of your mother.
June was an exceptional woman and will be missed so much by all who knew her. God bless you all,

~ 

Dan and Carole Conrad,

Loudon, Tennessee

So sorry to hear of your loss.

~ 

Tony LaRosa,

Jackson, Michigan

We miss and love you very much, Aunt June. I hope you are having fun with Grandma and Grandpa Osterberg, Grandpa and Grandma Osborn, Uncle Benny, Aunt Margie, Uncle Bob and all of our other family members who have passed away.

~ 

Wendy Osborn,

Colorado Springs, Colorado

To all The Prestler Children,
May you always be aware that your Mom & Dad are watching over and protecting you all. They were always so much fun and spending time growing up across the park from each other. It holds many special memories and good time.
Gwen Carlson (Ackerman)

My sincere condolences to the Prestler family, you are in my thoughts.

~ 

Bernie Hessemer,

Colordo Springs, Colorado

Bobby, Dennis, Mary Jo and other siblings I did not know, I am very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Take care of yourselves. 

~ 

Doug Miller,

Horton, Michigan

My condolences to the Prestler family and big hugs to Mary Jo and Bobby. She created a beautiful legacy of family and friends.

~ 

Gail Weatherwax,

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Mary Jo, I am saddened to learn of your Mom's passing. It is a very difficult part of life, and I know what a struggle you and your sibs have been through.
Thank you so much for crashing the LC class party earlier this month, I truly enjoyed our short visit.
Take care, and love to your family.

~ 

Marjee,

Clare, Michigan

November 01, 2012
I remember June while growing up and she was always very friendly and loving. I'm 
very sorry . Ron Eva

So sorry to hear of your mom's passing, Marilyn and the rest of the Prestler family. I went to school with you, Marilyn.

~ 

Patti Rutan (Boody),

Horton, Michigan