In Loving Memory

My Grandma Jean died this evening. She had been sick for quite some time, so it's actually a relief that she is no longer suffering. Such a joy to know that she's now with Jesus!

Grandma taught me manners, and she taught me to be a lady (which was a tough job on this tomboy!) She also tried - tried - to teach me that it's better to buy quality clothing and have it last for years, rather than cheaper clothing that falls apart in one season. I've never had her budget, so it's not been a lesson I live by!

Grandma was a ding-bat. I truly say that with great affection. She was goofy, and is probably one of the contributing causes of my own goofiness! She always reminded me of Edith Bunker, the Southern version.

One of the funniest memories all of us kids have of Grandma was when we were so young. We lived on the lake and had a dock from which we fished. Grandma and Grandad came to visit us one spring, and Grandma set up her lawn chair on the dock to fish. She didn't get the chair opened all the way so when she sat down, it pushed the back edge of the chair off the edge of the dock. She flipped over and went swimming in the shallow lake water. I just remember her laughing, and laughing. I would have died of embarrassment, but not Grandma. She laughed at herself, and caused us to laugh with her.

Grandma was spunky too. She learned to swim at the age of 75 - after being terrified of water all her life! It was great fun when she discovered she could not sink. She always popped to the top like a cork. Her swim instructors would try to hold her under to help her swim underwater but it was impossible. She would take us to the pool with her and show us how she popped in the water. Once she realized she couldn't sink, she loved to swim!

Grandma loved chocolate. One year everyone gave her chocolate for Christmas. Probably 5-10 lbs worth total. The goofy woman ate it all within a day or two. She eventually got so sick she had to go to the hospital. After that, all of her chocolate supply was rationed!

I lived with her and my grandad for a time when I first ventured out on my own. I discovered her love for Peanut Buster Parfaits from DQ. Her house was close to a little shopping mall with a Burlington Coat Factory and a Marshall's. We'd go shopping there, with her usually trying to teach me about the quality of clothes, and then we'd always make a stop at the DQ.

When she moved into an assisted living facility, we'd go visit and try to take her a treat occasionally. She quit eating PB Parfaits by then, said they were too hard to chew. But boy did she love getting milkshakes!

Grandma had a wonderful smile and a true gift of hospitality. She will definitely be missed, but her legacy will carry on with 3 daughters, 8 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

I love you Grandma!