She was born in Detroit in 1904, and she had 9 brothers and sisters. Sisters, mostly, and she was the youngest sister. She always said that no one was glad to see her arrive, as more brothers were really what everyone wanted. So she felt she had to stick up for herself early in life.
Which she did, I guess. She incurred my Grandfather’s disapproval when she took herself off to College and earned a degree in Music. I guess he had apoplexy when she got herself a drivers license, and proceeded to buy herself a Ford Model T (Henry Ford was his friend). He really lost it when she took my Grandmother for a ride in the new machine.
She was a music teacher in the Detroit School System, becoming a master teacher by the time I was a little girl.
She married my Dad after knowing him since High School. Their courtship seemed to have its ups and downs, as far as I can tell. At one point, Mom broke their engagement because, as she put it, “he was too possessive and jealous!” She really meant it, too, because she took herself off to Europe for 6 months with a girlfriend, arranging some teaching ventures.
Having said all that, I can only say that they were one of the most devoted couples I’ve ever had the privilege to be around. My sister Nan, and I, completed the family picture.
Mom’s had her share, and more, of life’s bumpy times. She had a malignant melanoma removed from her face about 55 years ago, being given 6 months to live. So much for prognostications. When the Dr. told her this news, she responded by ordering him out of the room. Typical, huh. She never changed—she has always been positive, optimistic, full of life, and quitting just wasn’t in her repertoire.
Lest she be perceived as a bossy type (which she was), I really want to add a note about just how gentle and caring she was. I’ve never met another person with the capacity for kindness that was hers. And she shared this trait unstintingly. All this in a gregarious, fun-loving, elegant lady. What a combination. Bright, too.
Through the years, she enjoyed her 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. And the feeling was mutual! Her great-grandchildren continued on the family activity of “keeping Grandma posted.” They wrote her letters, drew her pictures, played music for her, sent her stuff. She loved it all, talking to them on her special sound-enhanced phone, and as usual, telling them what to do.
By now, though, you probably have an idea about her independent spirit. So is it any surprise that, after living in Michigan for 95 years, she up and moved to California? So here we are, saying goodbye to her after 7 years of living here, having a fine time together, through ups and downs. We miss her, but I find myself consoled by the memory of her unwavering vitality and vigorous, kindly interest in the world around her. Bye, Mom. Enjoy.
Thanks, Mom. Well said; well done.
Joe