Judy's story, reported 30 Sep 2009

Here's the story of Ralph and Shirley Coff.

Ralph was the Hellerstein 5's cousin who their parents helped bring over from Europe while they still lived in Dillonvale. Without checking the family tree I think his mother was Celia's sister.

Ralph worked in another town and came on the train to visit every week-end. He always brought a dozen eggs. Aunt Beck was about 16 that year and had rheumatic fever or some illness where she had to be in bed. I think Ralph spent time with her when he came. I also think he was a bit older than she was. After a while he wanted to marry her (Not sure if she wanted to marry him.).

Kopel and Celia wouldn't let her get married (too young, still in school, he was a cousin, whatever) So Ralph stopped coming to visit and sent them a bill for all the eggs!

He still kept in touch with them somewhat. Ralph became a doctor and practiced in Brooklyn. Ed and I think his office was in his house. In the early years of our marriage we were in touch with them. I remember one time my mother came to visit and we went to Brooklyn to visit them. They had invited over all the local relatives for us to meet.

Ater that we saw them every year or so and sent New Year's cards. Ralph died and we heard from Shirley for a few years. Ralph and Shirley married when they were older and never had kids. Shirley was a school art teacher.

I remember my mother saying that she didn't think Ralph ever got over Beck. Mom thought Shirley looked like Beck and had similiar coloring and interests.