My attempt at transcribing Gus's farewell note found by her grandson Danny (Uncle Pete's son) in a storage locker in Washington DC in October 2024.

— Frank da Cruz, November 2024.

To my sons.

It gives me a funny feeling to write farewells. But who knows that it isn't a beautiful beginning instead of the end? Weep not for me, you whom I have loved so dearly. Life like death is a mystery. In trying to solve it, I have made some drastic but unassailable(?) mistakes. But never in my heart have I actually sought to hurt or wrong anyone. To you Francis & Peter I owe the greatest happiness and the greatest privilege ever accorded to a woman. That of being your unworthy but very happy and proud mother.

(something missing here?)

hold fast to the good things god has given me. Honesty, respect & love toward my fellow beings, hard work, a sense of humor & ability to see the gold through the blue. Try to cultivate a less impetuous disposition if you can. In these days where death is waiting at every crossing

(something missing here?)

that it was (really?) to make a few comments to you children in case. These things my mother taught me. And I will pass the words on to you, children -- Love is the greatest ruling power in the world & has always been. Never be bitter if you loose it.

I'm not sure if this is the complete letter. She doesn't mention that she is ending her life because she had terminal cancer and wanted to spare us from what would be her prolonged suffering.