Judy Waterman, responding to the "Not Too Late To Learn Column" in the Oct. 4 edition of SRQ Daily

[Diana Hamilton's column] was the first time I had heard anything about Kimmy Yerkes since the end of last year and it was sent yesterday by someone else who knew her in Sarasota. I moved back to San Diego last year, but I knew Kimmy, not only in Sarasota, but also, Key West, where I lived for 10 years, where we became good friends. I too am an artist/photographer.  Kimmy and I exchanged some snail mail until I sent a card/letter the end of December last year, and I heard nothing after that. My other friend had not seen Kimmy either. And then, I received the news article from my friend, SRQ Daily, only yesterday. I was devastated. I found the obit, but I know nothing else other than that. I am going to call the Resurection House and I have an email in to a Gretchen that was listed in the obit to find out more info.

The description of Kimmy by Diana was right on and I am glad to know who bought her the bus pass. I helped as much as I could, but Kimmy never asked for anything.  Occasionally, I would pick Kimmy and John up where there boat was with 3 or more huge bags of dirty clothes to wash at my house. She always smiled... I only saw her cry once, in Key West, but I got her laughing again. She was a ray of sunshine. She will always have a place in my heart. I will miss her.

Judy Waterman, responding to the "Not Too Late To Learn Column" in the Oct. 4 edition of SRQ Daily