Tuesday, April 25, 2023
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I think it was about 1970 when ChiChi moved into the apartment building where I lived with my parents and sister. I was 13/14 years old. She and my mother grew close, and I found her great fun to be around. She showed us photos of herself with Elvis Presley (she was hired as a bodyguard during a trip to NY), and pictures of her in the world of wrestling. She would often visit Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, at the rocks which divided bay 3 and bay 4, where a large group of friends gathered every year. It was like a family. We'd often visit even in the Autumn, making bonfires and roasting potatoes and corn on the cob.
I remember the day I came home and she was with my mother on the sofa. She was glowing and had a sweet smile on her face. My mother encouraged her to "tell me" and she said she was going to have a baby. I don't recall if she and Herbie were married yet or not, but they were living together in her apartment, two floors down from ours. It was a one-bedroom, and they converted that bedroom into the baby's room. What a sweet, pretty baby was Romy! Both ChiChi and Herbie were doting parents, and I only remember Romy into toddler age. After that, I guess everyone lost touch. I never saw the family again.
I have been living on Long Island since 1981, and never went back to Brooklyn, as the Brooklyn I remember from the "old days" is gone, but I recall our time there fondly, and I even remember our mutual address in Flatbush! I'd Google my friend once in awhile, and today, I found her obituary. I was glad to read that she and Herbie had remained together although I was saddened to hear of his passing. I'm pleased to know that Romy got married, and I hope she is happy. It's a shame that dementia made such an impact on ChiChi in her later life. I believe I shall make a charitable donation in her name. If I can find Romy, I'll send her the receipt.
I send love to her friends and family members.
- TJC (Theresa)
