Elizabeth Filliat
I had always admired and loved Aunt "Kat" and Uncle Paul as I was growing up and visited their home in Atlanta, and later their home in Linville, NC. I always felt loved and within a welcoming, stable environment in their presence. I am grateful that my daughter, Annette, was able to experience their unique gifts and warmth, also.
After Uncle Paul had died, I became especially close to Aunt "Kat." I had bonded with Aunt "Kat" after she had sensed my pain when I had missed being at Uncle Paul's side by only a minute or two when he had died in their Linville home. She could tell that I wanted to hug him even though he had passed, but I was torn in not knowing whether I should do that or not. Without hesitation, Aunt "Kat" he took my hand and placed it on Uncle Paul's arm, and I could feel that his body was still warm, so that that touch and the tears and words that followed, meant everything to me. I could still feel Uncle Paul's spirit in that room and I have no doubt that he heard my words of love for him.
Kathleen Hartley Board was a kind, intelligent, talented lady with a wicked sense of humor and a spirit filled with grace. I will never forget her. She played the piano beautifully for me several times when I visited her in her retirement community home. She entertained my daughter, Annette, her grandson Kevin, her son Bill, and myself with her ready wit at lunch in the restaurant at Salemtowne Retirement Community where she lived the final years of her life.
Instead of flowers, my daughter, Annette Filliat, her husband Keith Tyson, and myself, Elizabeth "Bootsie" Hartley Filliat, will be making a donation to the Salemtowne Retirement Community in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, tomorrow, in my dear Aunt Kat's memory and honor, and with our abiding love for her.
