Family grateful for proper burial

To the editor:

In response to the Associated Press story, "Woman left in makeshift grave on N.O. sidewalk laid to rest": On behalf of Frances Briones-Gonzales, (my Aunt Vera Smith's sister), the family is grateful to Chuck Seaman, who made it possible for my Aunt Vera's remains to be brought home to Santa Rosa, Texas, for a decent burial. She was hit by a car and killed after Hurricane Katrina. She lay on a sidewalk for days. Her husband and friends were unable to move her body as ordered by the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Thank God Aunt Vera's friends had the decency to cover her body and somewhat bury her.

To all of my Aunt Vera's friends who helped bury her, although my family may never meet you, thank you. It's good to see that there are caring, compassionate people in our world, people like Mr. Seaman and my Aunt Vera's friends who helped bury her on the sidewalk. God bless you all.

ZULEMA (SUE) RUBIO, Sterling, Colo.