This week my family witnessed the end of another era. My mother, Sophia Gordon Levene, passed away at the age of 101 in Anaheim, Calif.

She was the oldest of the three Gordon girls who lived on North Fifth Avenue and she was the last to die.

She graduated from the old Chattel High School and was known for her musical ability and her graciousness. I doubt there are any people who will still remember her, but they will remember her sister, Edna Gordon Ross, who taught in Long Branch for many years.

Most of our family settled in California, but we always kept our ties to Long Branch. I have many fond memories of my childhood there. I can still remember Morris’ saltwater taffy and the Alps ice cream.

Going to the beach always makes me nostalgic. As long as my mother was able, we would talk about Long Branch and the places and people we knew there. I keep my subscription to the Atlanticville just to keep the memories alive and occasionally read a familiar name.

One of my dreams has always been that Long Branch would not be renewed, but would be restored to the picturesque seaside town it once was. After all, America’s first seashore resort should become America’s finest seashore resort.

Please say a prayer for Sophia as she makes her journey out of this world.

Ruth Lois Levene Hirsch

Anaheim, Calif.