Janice Dean: My in-laws died from COVID in 2020. This week we were able to publicly celebrate their lives

True New Yorkers, Mickey and Dee lived in a four story walk up in Flatbush, Brooklyn for over 50 years. They would have celebrated their diamond anniversary marking 60 years of marriage had their lives not been cut short.

My wish is that all the families who were not able to grieve properly due to the pandemic will one day have the same moment together to honor those we lost in such a tragic way. I am grateful to New York Fire Department Engine 323 in Brooklyn for organizing the beautiful memorial service at their firehouse where my father-in-law Mickey worked for 23 years. Many of you know the story of how my husband’s parents died tragically in spring 2020 after getting COVID in their separate elder care facilities.