What a lovely woman! And I can definitely see the influence she had on your formative years to help contribute sculpting you into the human you are today.
My neighbour at my old house (before I moved away August last year) - was a great man, and I still stay in touch with him, and will continue to do so. That's not a funeral I look forward to attending one day.
It's so important to have connections with previous generations like that. Looking back, our friendship was one of the most valuable parts of my childhood. It's funny but most kids in the neighborhood were terrified of her because she was so stern on the surface.
I'm glad you're still in touch with your neighbor. I'm sure he enjoys it every bit as much as you. Yeah, it's tough to lose people like that. I've wished several times that I could spend another afternoon with Mrs. Werkhaven on the porch. I wish she could've seen my writing career take off.
Something like this in your head, I'm sure, except for the honoured memory of the dead.