49 Comments
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David Goodman's avatar

Beautiful words. Wishing you (and the family) long life.

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Jack Kessler's avatar

Thank you, David.

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Chris Faux's avatar

A lovely piece of writing, and very moving.

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Jack Kessler's avatar

Thank you, Chris.

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Prof Colin Thain's avatar

An absolutely life affirming post Jack. I am so sorry for your loss - that is one grandma sized hole in your lives. It’s only tempered by knowledge that you witnessed a life well lived, 🙏🏼

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Jack Kessler's avatar

Thank you, Colin.

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Richard Andrews's avatar

So sorry for your loss Jack, but thank you for sharing the story of Johanna, (Visions of Johanna 🙂) and those beautiful photos. I’m sure she will always be warmly remembered. Thank goodness for this country’s sensible and compassionate approach to migrants in need. x

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Jack Kessler's avatar

Thank you, Richard.

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David's avatar

A beautiful memorial of a remarkable life. RIP Grandma Toby, and best wishes to her family.

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Jack Kessler's avatar

Thank you, David.

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Jean Gaffin's avatar

Thank you so much. A beautiful piece, so appropriate to me as I am thinking about my 96 year old brother-in-law nearing the end of his life who got out of Germany in the early thirties as his historian father understood the road Germany was taking.

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Jack Kessler's avatar

Thank you, Jean.

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John Woods's avatar

The Kindertransport was a wonderful idea and saved a generation. When the Nazi’s took over there was a trainload of children in the Vienna railway station who were told to get out of the train and go home.

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Kathy's avatar

Such a lovely eulogy...you have a way of writing that allows you to a moment with someone very special.

Wishing you long life and thank you.

Kathy Davison

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Jack Kessler's avatar

Thank you, Kathy.

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Graham Blashill's avatar

A very moving piece, and a timely reminder that hope and humanity powers us forwards, not hate and prejudice

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Jack Kessler's avatar

Thank you, Graham.

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Edward Seeking Serenity's avatar

What a beautiful lady, and an amazing family….. and an extraordinary legacy! And a warm, wonderful article, written with enormous love and from your heart ❤️….God bless you all!

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Jack Kessler's avatar

Thank you, Edward.

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Peter Mishcon's avatar

A very lovely post about Joanna - a very special grandmother and human being. Condolences to you and your family on the loss of a clearly very loveable and loving 'matriarch'.

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Jack Kessler's avatar

Thank you, Peter.

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Kevan Pegley's avatar

Looks like you hit a home run with this post. Deservedly so. A beautiful human story—ultimately uplifting, despite how it starts. I was struck by the similarity of the photo of your grandma sitting on the gate with one of my mum, taken, I think, around 1939. I can't upload it to this comment, but if you'd like to see it:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/z17h3nrd2x89k1pjzobvr/Pat-Pegley-c1939.jpg?rlkey=5pot1nhewsryne14u2qxv24ma&dl=0

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Jack Kessler's avatar

Thank you, Kevan. And for sharing that picture of your mum.

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Chris's avatar

My commiserations, Jack — may her memory be a blessing. What a well seized life.

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Jack Kessler's avatar

Thank you, Chris.

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Diane D's avatar

Jack- I am very sad to hear of Jo’s passing. Although a part of the family through marriage, both Jo and Willie welcomed both Bruce and I with open arms. Jo was, and will always be, a wonderful woman whose caring and compassion has been passed on through the generations of her family. We are more than fortunate to have known her.

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Jack Kessler's avatar

Thank you, Diane x

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Bruce Diamond's avatar

Jo was a very lovely giving person, a survivor, and obviously a very loving spouse, mother and grandmother. She will be missed.

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Jack Kessler's avatar

Thank you, Bruce x

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Peter Kemmett's avatar

There is a statue in Westbahnhof Wien that commemorates the Kindertransport, maybe when you use your Austrian passport to visit Vienna you will be able to see it.

A beautiful tribute.

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Jack Kessler's avatar

Thank you, Peter.

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