They met in South Bend, Indiana.
Andrea was a student at St. Mary’s College.
Matthew attended the University of Notre Dame.
It was love at first sight – they were meant for one another – and eventually they wed.
Matthew and Andrea Remke moved to Kentucky to start a family – and a future.
“Matthew eventually took over the reins from his dad (Bill) and served as President of Remke Markets,” Andrea said. “Matthew was always a generous person. He always gave of his time and talent – and money to others. He believed in sharing what you had.”
Matthew passed four years ago at the too-young age of 41 “He had been sick for several years,” Andrea said. “Yet, it did come as a surprise. Doesn’t it always?”
And Andrea – now a widow at 45 – and her four children returned here Sunday (July 11th) for the dedication of the Matthew Remke Home for The Point/Arc.
“We moved to Phoenix last year,” Andrea said, holding back the tears, “it was just too painful to remain here.”
The Matthew Remke Home – located at 8481 Moonstone Court in Florence, Ky. – formerly The Moonstone Home, was the brainchild of Bill Remke – Matthew’s dad.
“Bill made a sizeable gift,” said Judi Gerding, President of The Point/Arc at the Sunday dedication, “and wanted The Moonstone to be named after Matthew.”
Bill said Matthew was quite passionate about The Point/Arc.
“He (Matthew) was heavily involved with three organizations,” Bill Remke said at the dedication. “They were Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, The Cincinnati Chapter of the Kidney Foundation and The Point/Arc.”
In fact, Matthew organized a golf tournament through Remke Markets and The Point/Arc several years ago. That tournament, which benefits several charities as well as The Point/Arc is still active today.
“Matthew was very much concerned about spreading the word of the mission of The Point/Arc,” Bill said.
The Point/Arc was founded in 1972 by a group of parents fighting for the educational rights of their children, who were diagnosed with an intellectual and developmental (I/DD) disability. The mission – to help people with disabilities achieve their highest potential educationally, socially, residentially and vocationally. More than this, The Point/Arc has been an organization that identifies gaps in services and provides care and support to fill these gaps – even government funding sources are not available.
The Remke Home – like the other residential homes owned and operated by The Point/Arc – will be staffed 24/7 – seven days a week, 365-days-a-year for those with an intellectual and developmental (I/DD) disability.
The Point/Arc is the only residential service non-profit facility in Northern Kentucky.
Andrea and Matthew Remke met in South Bend, Indiana – but their love remains forever-after in the Bluegrass of Kentucky –in the Remke Home on Moonstone Court.
“I pray,” said Bill Remke, “that this home becomes Matthew’s legacy.”
It already has.
From The Point/ARC of Northern Kentucky