Adult orphans: when parents die

JEANNE SAFER loved and revered her mother, and braced for impact as the seemingly indomitable woman's mind and heart began to fail seven years ago. But ready or not, the end came in December 2004. Esther Safer rallied long enough to exult to her daughter, "This is my day!" then died peacefully at 92.

By Melissa Healy

May 5, 2008