random thoughts – Day 2,230 (Saturday) – saying goodbye

random thoughts – Day 2,230 (Saturday) – saying goodbye

Today Aunt Jennie was celebrated and laid to rest after a lovely funeral at St John the Evangelist Church that was crowded with family and friends. Aunt Jennie married her husband (Albert) and lived in Townsend for most of her 88 years. She and Uncle Albert were married for 55 years when he passed away in 2011.

Aunt Jennie was one of six children in Dad's family. With Uncle Albert she raised seven feisty children of their own. She was a grandmother to seven and great-grandmother to six. She was the glue that kept the family connected and the cookout she hosted each August in her backyard was a summer highlight attended by her kids, their kids and grandkids, and her many nieces and nephews.

Aunt Jennie was talented and practiced the art of calligraphy. Cards from her were easy to spot in the mail and always felt special. 

Remembering Aunt Jennie.

She enjoyed crocheting and made countless blankets for homeless communities, nursing homes, family members, and friends. During the funeral service, Fr. Sean Maher asked who had a blanket from Jennie and nearly every person in attendance raised their hand, including him. Mine is striped in shades of aqua and white. My sister’s is purple. Mom’s is in neutral creams and tans. A basket containing the project in green, gray, and white that Aunt Jennie was working on was at the front of the church and later in the parish hall for the gathering.

Aunt Jennie was feisty, quick-witted, and had a wicked sense of humor. My cousin Missy, my sister, and I each hope we can have half our Aunt’s fire and pep as we age and her sudden departure leaves a hole. May she rest in peace.