Posted on 06/12/2004 12:09:41 PM PDT by Libertarian Jim
Does anyone know who the elderly woman was at Reagan's service in California? The one that had to be helped up to the casket and appeared to be blind? I've heard speculation it was Jane Wyman or Delores Hope, but I doubt those. Anyone?
I think I know the one that you're talking about, but I can't say that I've ever seen her before. Sorry.
I was wondering who that was as well.
Not sure but I did hear there were several widows there. Perhaps Annenberg, or Bloomingdale? Reagan outlive many men whose wives outlived them.
I saw her she looked an awful lot like Jane Wyman, but if it was her the Mike would have accompained her I guess.
FYI, I fairly certain it wasn't Wyman or Hope. I know what both look like, and I don't think this was one of them. Wyman would have been with the family. Hope would have been one of the first to view the body after the family.
Wish I could help you further.
Some narrator on one of the channels was asking who she was. They didn't know.
His borther Neil passed away some years back could that have been his widow.
Regarding Neil Reagan, I recall him being asked by a reporter on election night 1980 what he was going to do now that his brother Ronald was President-elect.
"I'm going to get lost," was his reply.
And he did.
That would be my guess too. Her name is Bess Reagan and she lives in Rancho Santa Fe (North San Diego County), CA if I recall correctly.
What about his first wife? Is she still alive?
How close were Ron and Neil?
Does anyone have a link to the guestlist for the California service? I thought I recognized a few oldtime actresses, and would like to see if I'm right.
I think the lady you're referring to was Doris Hope. Looked like her to me.
Wayne Newton was one of the last of the celebs
to pay his respects. I think they filed by in
order of the rows they'd been seated in. Not
by their status.
I do not know Neil made several quotes that seemed to say they had issues, but on the other had it coudl very well be that Neil was a private person who just did not wish to be bothered by the press. Neil made few political appereances, but when he did he looked to be supportive of his brother.
Doris = Delores Hope.
I am still curious how Chachie in Charge got an invite.
I believe Jane Wyman was invited by the family. With her kids there, she would have been located with them. Delores probably wouldn't have received special treatment, but she would have had closer companionship than this other lady seemed to have.
I pretty much agree with your seating related viewing rotation comments.
I had the opportunity to meet with and talk with Wayne Newton at a USO show overseas a couple of years back. An incredible suporter of the military and if I am not mistaken is still the head of the USO shows. Also a very nice man, and treated all who worked on the show with great dignity...from the stagehands to the other showpeople. Has long been one of the leading conservatives left in Hollywood, and I believe a long-time friend of the Reagans.
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