My son-in-law's mother, Pauline, passed away last evening. Her health had been frail for some time but took a turn for the worse on New Year's Day. It is extremely sad for the family. She was a wonderful mother of five, grandmother of many, and great-grandmother of several. She was an avid quilter, cross-stitcher, grew bonsai and was interested in needle felting, and always ready to learn a new craft. She had recently started to learn how to knit socks. She was a very interesting lady.
Above is one of the quilts she was working on for one of the grandkids. (Picture taken December 2007). I have several of her beautiful, hand-knitted scarves.
For the last 18 years I spent many a holiday at her home which was the gathering place for family. Tables laid end to end from the kitchen to the living room, it was not unusual to have 35+ people at the dining table, linen tablecloth, real dishes and food fit for a king. I always felt welcomed. Everyone pitched in bringing a favorite dish and with cleanup afterwards. Lots of chatter and laughter especially with the ritual Christmas Yankee swap. Both she and her husband, Normand (who passed away April of 2006), were very gentle and loving people.
She took excellent care of my first grandchild the first year he was born and never expected anything in return. That is the kind of woman she was.
My daughter was fortunate indeed to marry into this family.
One of my last visits with her, I had occasion to spend time with her alone crafting. She wanted my help blocking a sweater.
She will be missed by so many!
sorry to hear about Pauline, sounds like a special lady. Sending healing thoughts your way.
ReplyDeleteI was so touched by your beautiful tribute to Pauline. Not only has she obviously touched so many people and been loved, now those of us who read your blog will know a little about her and will think of her.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about Pauline. My thoughts are with your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear of Paulines passing. Women like her are few and far between anymore. Your Christmas visits, sound wonderful and full of love.Pauline probably grew up with that tradition, as many of us have experienced.
ReplyDeleteA truely touching epitaph for a woman who clearly had a loving soul and a kind heart. Please accept my condolences.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear this, will keep your daughter's family in my prayers
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like a very special lady that will be missed by many.
ReplyDeleteThe quilt she is showing is quite beautiful.
Sorry to hear about the passing of Pauline. She sure sounds like a very special lady.
ReplyDeleteGosh -- I am sorry about your loss. She sounds like she was a lovely lady
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. From your post, I can tell she was a true blessing to all who met her.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute, both here on the blog and in your heart. She sounds like a very special lady indeed, I am so truly sorry for your loss. Keep her alive in all your hearts by continuing her love of family and special occassions.
ReplyDeleteHow very special you and so many in your family have these treasures she made from her heart, so filled with love.
Thank you for sharing the photo.
Leaving you a HUG
Sandy
Darn, you got me all teary eyed. what a wonderful woman she had been. How lucky your bloodline has been mixed with hers. Lucky grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of the loss for your whole family, she sounds like a very special lady. :(
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