Joan’s family is large and close. Her father Herm and his sister Sylvia Ichel (nee Dreskin), both blessed memories, have families that visit and correspond often. Andy Ichel, Joan’s cousin, and his wife Bronia worked abroad for many years, giving us the opportunity to visit them in the Netherlands during our river boat trip that we shared with thousands of tulips in Keukenhof.
Andy and Bronia have returned to the states and live much closer to us in Naples FL. We were fortunate to visit them in December 2019. Andy and Bronia prepared a wonderful lunch based on salmon, Joan’s favorite.
Andy leads an informal music group that gets together to play the guitar, banjo and harmonica. We joined Bronia for a few minutes of one of their rehearsals. They clearly enjoy their music, as we did.
It is nice to see a group enjoy their talents and friendship as these neighbors do.
Bronia is an accomplished visual artist. Her vibrant art excites the eye and her exuberance is uplifting. We visited her studio, a few minutes from their home, and enjoyed the exhibit she was preparing for an upcoming show. She shares her studio with another artist who is exhibiting large glazed bowls and plates.
