Though we say that objects are inanimate, that they are lifeless, it could be argued objects that belonged to someone now passed take on memories for others. If life could be described as a collection of memories, then perhaps objects aren’t quite as ‘objective’ as once thought.
But memories are often bittersweet. Like an old photo that is corroded at the edges, there is the sweetness of the time, of remembering the joy, but also, the sadness that comes from knowing it is a memory, and only that. That age and time and tragedy have taken the precious hope that keeps humans moving forward.
For instance, a locket. A locket that is currently in the hands of Sudbury resident, Brigitte Gemus. One that contains a photo of her young friend and that friend’s brother. Though she has no memory of how it came to be in her possession, only that perhaps her childhood friend gave it to her and possibly without Gemus’ knowledge, she does know that this locket needs to go home. It needs to bring back memories, though bittersweet, for her friend’s family.
Her childhood friend’s name was Constance Lamothe. She was born in the same year as Gemus, 1966. She had a brother named Gerry, and attended École St. Jean on Bancroft Drive (now closed.) Constance lived on Bancroft Drive as well.
It’s also where she died.
Lamothe was only ten or 11, said Gemus, and died in some kind of tragic accident in front of the Lamothe family home. Gemus doesn’t remember many details, as she too was a child.
“That day, the day the accident happened, I wanted so badly to go over there to see her,” Gemus told Sudbury.com. “I wanted to go take my bike and drive over to her place. My mom said ‘no, no, no, you are not going.’ And then shortly after that, we heard some sirens.”
She remembers her teacher taking the whole class to the funeral, giving them an opportunity to grieve. She remembers Lamothe’s mother crying at the loss of her child.
Now a mother and grandmother herself, Gemus believes that while there will be painful memories stirred, it is important to return the locket to the family that lost their precious daughter and sister. The thing is, she’s not sure how to find them.
Gemus decided to reach out to Sudbury.com to find help returning the locket. Additionally, you’ll notice the byline on this article is ‘Lamothe.’ Sadly, no relation, but this callout could be the next best thing.
So if you recognize the name Constance Lamothe, a girl who lived on Bancroft Drive and went to École St. Jean, but died tragically in an accident in the late 1970s, please send a message to [email protected].
Help sudbury.com and her childhood friend ensure that Constance’s locket finds its way home.
