News Of Neighbors

By Rachel Boxdorfer

February–March 2020

Historical February–March 2020 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.

My first News of Neighbors is not what I had hoped for to begin the year 2020 and so I am going to begin with a plea for your help in the future.

When you hear of good news about your neighbors, or you have good news about yourself or your family, do me a favor and share it with me.

We all appreciate good news and we enjoy sharing in each other’s accomplishments and joyous life moments. So keep me in mind when you know of a promotion, a birth, a wedding, an anniversary, a graduation…you get the idea, so that I can share it here. That being said, part of this column has also been to notify you of the passing of neighbors, both currently and those who lived here in the past, all of whom we still treasure as friends and neighbors.

My hope is that when we share the sad news here it will also bring back some good memories of those people too, the life they lived, and of this wonderful community that we call home.

We are truly blessed to live in a neighborhood where people know one another, help and care for one another, socialize with each other, visit and support each other. Skinker DeBaliviere has a long history filled with colorful, extraordinary people, so let’s remember some of them today as we say good-bye to them. Our first memorial is Jane Teresa Hart, born on October 27, 1926. Jane Hart passed away on December 17, 2019 at the age of 93. Jane was the wife of the late Honorable Michael Hart and the mother of eight children and a proud and loving grandmother of 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grand children. Jane was a member of the St. Roch parish for over 60 years and a former resident of Parkview.

Her family was a big part of St. Roch and longtime residents will remember many years of Hart basketball at St. Roch and in St. Louis as well. Jane was recognized with a Century Award from Rosati Kain in 2014 for her service to others. And certainly many will remember that she always seemed to have a big beautiful smile on her face. Our condolences go out to the entire Hart family, including her son Norb who is still a resident of Skinker DeBaliviere. Longtime neighbors and residents who grew up in my generation certainly remember the Nerviani family from the 6100 block of Kingsbury. Unfortunately I have shared sad news of the passing of several of the Nerviani “kids” in the past few years (yes, I realize we are no longer kids but for those of us who grew up in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s we still connect with that idea). Marybeth (Nerviani) Flynn, aka “Babe” or “Babe O” passed away on December 19th at the all too young age of 55. Marybeth/ Babe is survived by her three children, her sisters Teresa Roberson, and Bobbie Lodes, as well as her former husband, Dan Flynn who also grew up in the neighborhood on the 6100 block of McPherson. Friends and family celebrated her life at Seamus McDaniel’s in Dogtown on December 29th.

Following what sounded like a typically wonderful weekend with friends and family, Parkview resident Albert Webster passed away suddenly and very unexpectedly on Sunday, January 5, 2020 from a pulmonary embolism. Albert was 56 and is survived by his wife Kristina “Riz”, and their children Karl, Lily, and Eric. Albert was described in his obituary and by so many people as a big guy with a big heart. Truer words could not be spoken.

His life was celebrated at Bethel Lutheran Church on January 9th. Albert was a friend of mine and I am going to take a moment to share some thoughts here because well, he was a fantastic neighbor and I believe, even if you did not know him, your world, or at least a small part of it in our community, also just suffered a loss.

I first met Albert at a new neighbors party in 2007.

The meeting came after my son Christian met Albert’s son Eric at the party.

The two boys were only eight years old at the time and in their meeting the topic of Cub Scouts came up. Eric shared with me the fact that his dad, who I had not yet met, had been a Cub Scout leader. At my encouragement the boys quickly arranged an introduction at the party and by the time we left that gathering I not only had a new friend, I had a co-den leader for the St. Roch Cub Scouts. That was Albert.

If there was a need and he could help, he did it. And he did it well! Albert didn’t only volunteer for things, he did so with a passion.

He did it in a nurturing, caring, patient, respectful, and loving manner.

He did it with enthusiasm. Albert dove in to life as a St. Roch parent and it was not limited to his time as a den leader.

He volunteered for lots of things, including running the St. Roch gym during basketball season, a job that needs patience, organization, and understanding. Albert took it further, submitting updates to the school newsletter recapping weekend games with great descriptions; it was a joy to read and brought the excitement of grade school basketball with the same narrative and excitement that might normally be used in high school or college sports. Those write ups were enjoyed by parents and students alike. Albert was handy around the house and in helping friends with projects as well.

He worked for years as a stage manager and traveled a lot.

But that didn’t stop him from being involved with his friends, family, church, school, and more. So I guess my takeaway from this heartbreaking loss which I am still trying to process as we do with all loss, is maybe we can all try to be a little more like Albert. Don’t reject the opportunity to help or volunteer because you are busy, because you work and you have family obligations, try to find a way to do it instead. And do it with care and joy.

My guess is that your life will be richer for it, and so will the organization, person(s), and community you help. Any maybe you can think of Albert.

I think that might be a nice way to remember him.

To all of his friends and family, we are sorry for your loss. And I feel certain we owe you a thank you for sharing Albert’s time and talents with all of us. And unfortunately, as I complete this article, I am tasked with one more sad announcement. Frank Watson, of the 6100 block of Kingsbury died in the wee hours of the morning on January 15th at Barnes Hospital of a massive heart attack.

He is survived by his wife Deborah Aldrich Watson and two sons, Jonathan and Matthew.

I apologize for the sad news shared today, but hopefully it encourages us all to enjoy each day, do our part, and live a better life.

Each day is certainly a gift and none of us have a guarantee on how long we get to be here.

In the meantime, consider sending me some good news as well.

On that note, Happy New Year, enjoy your day, and be safe. Do you have news to share?

Please send your submissions via email with the subject line News of Neighbors to rachelb@sdtimes.org or drop off a note to the attention of Rachel Boxdorfer at the Skinker DeBaliviere office. Be sure to mark it “News of Neighbors”.

We love to hear about neighbors accomplishments, awards, travels, weddings, anniversaries, births, and more!