In Memory of Aunt Mary

 

My Aunt Mary was my mom's older sister.

Aunt Mary had seven children, was a nurse, and such a sweet person (just like all my mother's sisters are.) I always loved staying at her home when I was a girl.

Aunt Mary, who lived in the "city" as we use to say, had seven children, six girls and a son.

During the summer I would spend a month or more at her home. Hanging out with her three youngest daughters: Shelley, Shelia and Thea, as the others were older. It was a girl's feast for me, who had four brothers and no sisters. Aunt Mary gave us free rein: We would sleep in until two in the afternoon, then put lemon juice in our hair and lay on the roof top, closer to the sun, for a tan and blonde hair. Aunt Mary would take us to the Salvation Army to find old 1930s silk nightgowns and bed-jackets, that we would wear while going to the drive-in movies. She never seemed bothered by the mischief we were up too, such as riding our bicycles to newly constructed sub-divisions, where we would sneak into the backyards to skinny-dip in the new pools of the new homes without owners...

My Aunt Mary was sweet, she had an easy laugh, her children adored her and she loved loving them. The joy it was for me to be at her home.

Last November, when I went home to see my family, I went to visit Aunt Mary. She was very frail, her daughter Sheila had recently died... When I walked into her room she began to cry, with tender sadness she said more than asked, "When will I ever stop crying?" I hugged her and said, "Probably never."

Oh death, you are the expected guest we hope will never arrive. But you manage to come in and surprise nevertheless.

I will miss you dear Aunt Mary and when I do, which will be often, I will remember you with such love and happiness.

xxx

 

Comments

[Karen]

xoxo to you Corey

[pc Brown]

What a lovely tribute. I would imagine all who knew her felt as much affection towards her. You have my heart. Hugs as you remember her.

[becky up a hill]

I knew your visit to your aunt was your good-bye. Deeply sorry.

[Karen Fromm]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Corey. What wonderful memories you have and are blest....Prayers for your family. K

[Diogenes]

Dear Corey, I am so very sorry for your family's loss. Your memories are a lovely tribute to your dear Aunt Mary.

[Marilyn]

What sweet memories of your dear aunt. She will definitely be missed by many. We are very fortunate to have had special aunties in our lives. I love your comment toward the end of the unexpectedness of death. So perfectly stated.

[Kipper]

My sympathies to you and your family on Aunt Mary's passing.

[Kathie]

I'm so sorry for your and your family's loss. It must be especially hard for your mom and for Mary's children. Amid your immense sorrow, though, you must surely be glad you got to see your aunt again last November, because that memory will need to last a lifetime. Hugs.

[Kathie]

The death of her daughter Sheila must have been a terrible blow for Mary, too. How she must have grieved.

[Ann]

Sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you as you are not with your family at this time...except in thoughts, prayers and virtual hugs.

[Star]

You and your family have my deepest sympathy. You are blessed to have so many happy memories.

[Diane Belforte Lewis]

My deepest sympathies Corey

[RebeccaNYC]

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Corey. xoxoxoxo

[Irene Thomas]

My condolences to you and your family, Corey.

[Lana Kloch]

thanks for sharing aunt mary... so glad you had a chance to visit her while here.. love the stories you shared while growing up.. sending up prayers for you and your family

[carol]

I am so sorry for your and your family's loss, Corey. Thank you for sharing your memories of your sweet aunt. You are in my heart and prayers.

[Leslie in Oregon]

Thank you for sharing the lovely Aunt Mary memories. She sounds like a wonderful person. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on her passing.

[Our French Oasis]

Beautiful words and memories and my heartfelt condolences to you.

[Taste of France]

Oh, it's so hard to lose the ones we love. Your visit to bid her goodbye must have meant a lot.
She sounds like she was a wonderful person.

[sarah webb]

i am sorry for your loss and your family's loss...such wonderful memories!!! keep them close to your heart always**

[Teresa Cesario]

I so loved reading about your Aunt Mary, Corey. Thank you for posting. Glory to Glory.

[Jennifer McCracken]

Corey, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Aunt Mary sounds like a very special person. It's wonderful you have such sweet memories of her.

[Jacklynn Lantry]

I am very sorry for your loss and very happy that you have a treasure trove of joyful memories. What a rich family!

[Pearl]

A moment of pause for a full life well lived. Condolences Corey.

[Becky F]

So sorry to hear about your aunt.
What a beautiful person.

[Franco]

I am so sorry for your loss. What a legacy! What a wonderful lady she must have been. Virtual hugs to you! Xoxo

[Chico Sue]

What a sweet parting gift you have given your Aunt Mary to ensure that you and she and her family will never be apart, because you are eternally united with loving memories. Hugs of healing are sent your way.

[Kristin]

What a beautiful story of your aunt...thank you for this peek into your lovely world growing up with her energy surrounding you. May you find peace in holding the memories close as you will weep at the loss of one so dear. Prayers for you and your family as you walk this deeply sad time.

[Lil]

Makes me think of my dear Aunt Lorraine. What lovely people are aunts were, kind and generous and loving. Beautiful examples for us. I'm sorry for your loss.

[Barbara Blizzard]

How lucky you are to have such memories to hold dear - may they bring you comfort.

[Teddee Grace]

I'm so sorry for your loss. She looks like such a fun person...and what a wonderful way to be remembered! We should all try being more fun for those around us, especially in this day and age when everything else is so absolutely insane. It may be one of the few things we can control right now.

[Linda P.]

What a lovely tribute to your Aunt Mary. As I read, I remembered my aunts, too, and how important they were in my upbringing, although I seldom saw them. I know you will miss her greatly.

[Darles]

I'm so sorry. You have many wonderful memories, but it is still so hard.

[charland]

So sad for you, dear Corey. I am sure this loss is difficult. Holding you in my heart.

[Rebecca from the pacific northwest]

Such sweet and tender memories. RIP Aunt Mary.
You have stopped crying now, and your tears have all been wiped away.
(Condolences to Corey and the Amaro clan.)

[Rebecca from the pacific northwest]

Such sweet and tender memories. RIP Aunt Mary.
You have stopped crying now, and your tears have all been wiped away.
(Condolences to Corey and the Amaro clan.)

[Lorna]

My deepest sympathies to you and your family Corey.

[Ali]

Corey...I never knew aunts or uncles or cousins when I grew up. We moved to Canada when I was quite young. When I hear/read about family loses....I grieve for them and myself.

Ali

[Vicki]

My deepest sympathies. My mother was one of seven children. Three girls and four boys born between 1925 and 1935. My mother (83) , Aunt Susie (87) , and Uncle Sonny (81) are the only ones left. I hold on to those memories tightly. We are all gathered around my grandmother's table as a big happy family every Sunday. I know your pain and sadness.
Please take comfort with those wonderful memories.

[Jan D-M]

So very sorry to hear, Corey.

[Momof5]

So beautiful Corey! I'm sorry for your loss.

[Mardog]

Sorry to read of your Aunt Mary. I met her a few times and she was the essence of sweetness xo.

[monika]

Dearest Corey, I am so sorry for your loss! You have introduced us to your beautiful Aunt Mary over the years, and so I feel almost as if I knew her. Sending you love and hugs <3