My grandmother died this morning at around 5am. Thank you all for your kind words the other day. She lived a long and full life. 102 years old is amazing. And she kept her mind and wit the whole time. She lived for her family. She had three daughters; Joan (who died unexpectedly in 2003), Lee, and my mother Dianne. Six grandchildren (one deceased) and 13 great-grandchildren. She lived right next door to me as I grew up. She babysat us, walked us to school, and took care of us while we were sick. Her favorite cure for all that ails was a shot of peppermint schnapps and the best homemade chocolate chip cookies and schneckernoodles (a german pastry like a cinnamon raisin bun). We had family dinners every Monday night. Goulash and spaetzel (forgive my spelling), Sauerbraten, sauerkraut, blauerkraut, porkchops, the most wonderful German potato salad that I have tried so hard to replicate and just can't get right.

I lived with her for several years in my 20's before I moved to NY and got married. I hate/d being so far away from my close knit family. I miss them. My Nana was so funny and sweet. Everyone who met her fell in love with her and gushed about how adorable she was. I will miss her so much. Goodbye Nana.




Matilda
October 24, 1905 - January 24, 2008

(picture taken Easter 2007)