Saturday, January 23, 2021
Mrs. Bulthuis, I remember meeting you in your house in Paterson, in 1966. You and Mr. Bulthuis welcomed me to your home...it was during a break between classes when Debbie and I were freshmen at Montclair State College. You made me feel right at home, asked me many questions, and showed a genuine interest in getting to know me. That warmth and friendliness were expressions of the love and caring I recognized and appreciated all the years since our first meeting. I saw you as a calm, strong, loving mom, at the center of your family, who taught and passed on your values of love, fairness, and decency, by your own example. That is what I think of when I think of you, as I picture you in your kitchen preparing supper, humming.
May you rest in peace.
Ita Odra Leach
