~In Memory of Our Precious Mother~
Our Mother, Ann Marie Robinson was born on July 30, 1920, in St. Louis, MO. She went to be with our Lord on December 14, 2003, in Newport Beach, CA. She was the second born to Letha and Harry Milster. There were big families back then, nine children in all, seven girls, and two boys, in that order. Her father died when she was only 12 years old. Her mother was left with nine hungry mouths to feed and no relief in sight. Remember, this was during the great depression.
Mother had to leave home shortly thereafter and work hard keeping other people's houses and other people's children. She missed her family and would always bring presents home to her siblings and also brought food for their often empty table. They lived in the country atop a hill, below ran a train along side the Black River. The kids would excitely run down when they heard the whistle blow. The train engineer would drop coal purposely so they could gather it up to heat their humble home. Mother always felt the men had compassion for them, knowing they must be cold and seeing them barefoot. A sweet smile would cross her face when she recalled their kindness.
Mother met our father, Clarence while working as a waitress. He came in for a warm meal and three months later he was marrying the love of his life on August 12, 1939, Mother had just turned 19 years of age. It was the start of a "sentimental journey." She also loved the song by that same title. She loved to sing and sang often to her children when they were young and after they were grown and had families of their own.
In July 1943, they left St. Louis for their California dream. It was during WWII, so their train bound for Los Angeles, was loaded with soldiers. They arrived with only a few small suitcases. Later a large wooden box that my father had made was shipped to California containing all their earthly belongings. Their first baby, Olivia, was only nine months old. Mother loved to tell the story about her and Daddy waking up after a nap they'd taken, because of the exhausting trip from St. Louis; and seeing Olivia standing for the first time inside her crib, she had pulled herself up and was smiling at them. Yes, they were going to realize their dreams here in California.
They found a cute rental house in Redondo Beach. No matter where they lived my mother always made home feel so special and warm. They'd walked everywhere and often picnicked at the beach. They later moved to Dana Strand Village in Wilmington. Their second daughter, Victoria, was born in 1950 and their only son, Patrick a short 11 months later. That same year their California dream became complete when they bought their first home on the corner of 214th and Figueroa.
Their third daughter, Carmen was born in 1956. When Carmen was 2 1/2 years old, her little sister, Becky was born as a belated Christmas present. Three months to the day after Becky was born, Carmen's life was unexpectedly cut short by a rare liver disease she'd had since birth. It was a tragedy that shook the Robinson household as Carmen had only gone to see our family doctor and did not return with Mama and Daddy 27 hours later. We all cried nonstop for a week. It was the first time we ever saw Daddy cry and it was very hard for us to see. Mother and Daddy never did forget "their little angel."
Sadly, Daddy lost his battle with Leukemia on March 17, 1989. Mother never left his side during that six-month battle, she lovingly took care of him from the very beginning to the last. Sadly it was just five short month from their 50th Golden Anniversary. He had talked of wanting to celebrate it and wanted to dance with his forever love.
Mother was an excellent cook and specialized in comfort food. She made the best homemade everything: biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, cakes, pies, and cookies. Holidays boasted of her delicious turkey, gravy and cornbread stuffing with unique legendary recipes. Her children and grandchildren especially looked forward to her annual iced Christmas cookies and heavenly fluffy melt-in-you mouth divinity. She was proud to be responsible for having started, a total to date of five children, 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Mother was the kind of person who could make something beautiful out of absolutely nothing. She was very artistically gifted. She could sew without patterns. She made her own out of newspaper, when necessary. She had a wonderful imagination for original creation. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she decked out the house with decorations galore, bring out the old-time favorites as well as adding new one each year. She loved embellishing our home and we enjoyed it so much, complete with Christmas music everyday leading up to our Savior's birth. Her greatest joy, we feel, was making things look pretty and she took great pride in her work.
Mother lived in the Torrance (now called Carson) until 1998. Mother didn't seem quite the same after losing the love of her life. She made a hasty move to Las Vegas and we became very worried for her. We were not fully aware, but our precious mother had Alzheimer's unofficially at the time and the move to Las Vegas accelerated its progression. Her vulnerability surfaced such that she returned to California to be with her children and was officially diagnosed in December 2000.
This was a special time for us because a new reality became apparent that our time with her was limited. In October 2001 after a severe stroke, mother required more care than we could provide and we placed her with some wonderful caregivers at a residential care home: Meadowlark Gardens in Huntington Beach. Mother was truly loved by her caregivers. They called her "mother" sang songs with her and to her and treated her with the utmost love and care.
Mother fractured her hip the evening of December 4, 2003. Her hip was repaired surgically and then she developed pneumonia. Several seizures further compromised her health and she became non responsive. Her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends held a constant vigil at Hoag Hospital, saying our goodbyes, singing her favorite songs to her, reading scriptures, petting and holding her hands that had loved us all so much throughout our lives and kissing her beauftiful forehead, until her passing on the morning of December 14, 2003. Mother was truly our angel, our beautiful Mother that we miss more than words can say.
Love and miss you sweet mother. Olivia
Children:
Olivia Ann~ b 11/06/42
Victoria Jo~ b 06/17/50
Patrick James~ b 05/23/51
Carmen Marie~ b 07/20/56~d 03/26/59
Rebecca Elaine~ b 12/26/58
P.S. My mother loved poetry, she would often recite them from memory. I have some in her own hand for keepsakes. One of her favorite poets was Helen Steiner Rice. I bought a book of her poems to read. When I read them I feel especially close to her in spirit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUw125JMVFI
Sentimental Journey
I'm gonna take a Sentimental Journey,
Gonna set my heart at ease.
Gonna make a Sentimental Journey,
to renew old memories.
I got my bags, I got my reservations,
Spent each dime I could afford.
Like a child in wild anticipation,
Long to hear that, "All aboard!"
Seven...that's the time we leave at seven.
I'll be waitin' up at heaven,
Countin' every mile of railroad track, that takes me back.
I never knew my heart could be so yearny.
Why did I decide to roam?
I'm gonna take that Sentimental Journey,
Sentimental Journey home.
Sentimental Journey.
~*~Things that were happening in July 1920~*~
July 1 - Germany declares its neutrality in the war between Poland and Soviet Russia
July 2 - Polish-Soviet War: Red Army continues offensive into Poland.
July 10 - Arthur Meighen becomes Canada's ninth prime minister.
July 12 - Bolshevist Russia recognizes independent Lithuania.
July 13 - London County Council bars foreigners from council jobs.
July 14 - France declares that Faisal I of Syria is deposed and occupies Damascus and Aleppo
July 17 - Republic of Mirdite proclaimed near Albanian-Serbian border with Yugoslav support
July 22 - Polish-Soviet War: Poland sues for peace with Bolshevist Russia.
July 23 - The French defeat the Syrian army in the Battle of Maysalun.
July 25 - First transatlantic two-way radio broadcast?
July 26 - Pancho Villa takes over Sabina and contacts de la Huerta to offer his conditional surrender. He signs his surrender in July 28
July 29 - The United States Bureau of Reclamation begins construction of the Link River Dam as part of the Klamath Reclamation Project
~*~*~*~*
I would like to say a Very Special "THANK YOU" to Shae and Ronny for sponsoring my Mom and Dad's Memorial Pages, God Bless You. To everyone that visits and leaves flowers and notes here on my mother's site...thank you, it means so much to me. Love, Olivia
Our Mother, Ann Marie Robinson was born on July 30, 1920, in St. Louis, MO. She went to be with our Lord on December 14, 2003, in Newport Beach, CA. She was the second born to Letha and Harry Milster. There were big families back then, nine children in all, seven girls, and two boys, in that order. Her father died when she was only 12 years old. Her mother was left with nine hungry mouths to feed and no relief in sight. Remember, this was during the great depression.
Mother had to leave home shortly thereafter and work hard keeping other people's houses and other people's children. She missed her family and would always bring presents home to her siblings and also brought food for their often empty table. They lived in the country atop a hill, below ran a train along side the Black River. The kids would excitely run down when they heard the whistle blow. The train engineer would drop coal purposely so they could gather it up to heat their humble home. Mother always felt the men had compassion for them, knowing they must be cold and seeing them barefoot. A sweet smile would cross her face when she recalled their kindness.
Mother met our father, Clarence while working as a waitress. He came in for a warm meal and three months later he was marrying the love of his life on August 12, 1939, Mother had just turned 19 years of age. It was the start of a "sentimental journey." She also loved the song by that same title. She loved to sing and sang often to her children when they were young and after they were grown and had families of their own.
In July 1943, they left St. Louis for their California dream. It was during WWII, so their train bound for Los Angeles, was loaded with soldiers. They arrived with only a few small suitcases. Later a large wooden box that my father had made was shipped to California containing all their earthly belongings. Their first baby, Olivia, was only nine months old. Mother loved to tell the story about her and Daddy waking up after a nap they'd taken, because of the exhausting trip from St. Louis; and seeing Olivia standing for the first time inside her crib, she had pulled herself up and was smiling at them. Yes, they were going to realize their dreams here in California.
They found a cute rental house in Redondo Beach. No matter where they lived my mother always made home feel so special and warm. They'd walked everywhere and often picnicked at the beach. They later moved to Dana Strand Village in Wilmington. Their second daughter, Victoria, was born in 1950 and their only son, Patrick a short 11 months later. That same year their California dream became complete when they bought their first home on the corner of 214th and Figueroa.
Their third daughter, Carmen was born in 1956. When Carmen was 2 1/2 years old, her little sister, Becky was born as a belated Christmas present. Three months to the day after Becky was born, Carmen's life was unexpectedly cut short by a rare liver disease she'd had since birth. It was a tragedy that shook the Robinson household as Carmen had only gone to see our family doctor and did not return with Mama and Daddy 27 hours later. We all cried nonstop for a week. It was the first time we ever saw Daddy cry and it was very hard for us to see. Mother and Daddy never did forget "their little angel."
Sadly, Daddy lost his battle with Leukemia on March 17, 1989. Mother never left his side during that six-month battle, she lovingly took care of him from the very beginning to the last. Sadly it was just five short month from their 50th Golden Anniversary. He had talked of wanting to celebrate it and wanted to dance with his forever love.
Mother was an excellent cook and specialized in comfort food. She made the best homemade everything: biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, cakes, pies, and cookies. Holidays boasted of her delicious turkey, gravy and cornbread stuffing with unique legendary recipes. Her children and grandchildren especially looked forward to her annual iced Christmas cookies and heavenly fluffy melt-in-you mouth divinity. She was proud to be responsible for having started, a total to date of five children, 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Mother was the kind of person who could make something beautiful out of absolutely nothing. She was very artistically gifted. She could sew without patterns. She made her own out of newspaper, when necessary. She had a wonderful imagination for original creation. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she decked out the house with decorations galore, bring out the old-time favorites as well as adding new one each year. She loved embellishing our home and we enjoyed it so much, complete with Christmas music everyday leading up to our Savior's birth. Her greatest joy, we feel, was making things look pretty and she took great pride in her work.
Mother lived in the Torrance (now called Carson) until 1998. Mother didn't seem quite the same after losing the love of her life. She made a hasty move to Las Vegas and we became very worried for her. We were not fully aware, but our precious mother had Alzheimer's unofficially at the time and the move to Las Vegas accelerated its progression. Her vulnerability surfaced such that she returned to California to be with her children and was officially diagnosed in December 2000.
This was a special time for us because a new reality became apparent that our time with her was limited. In October 2001 after a severe stroke, mother required more care than we could provide and we placed her with some wonderful caregivers at a residential care home: Meadowlark Gardens in Huntington Beach. Mother was truly loved by her caregivers. They called her "mother" sang songs with her and to her and treated her with the utmost love and care.
Mother fractured her hip the evening of December 4, 2003. Her hip was repaired surgically and then she developed pneumonia. Several seizures further compromised her health and she became non responsive. Her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends held a constant vigil at Hoag Hospital, saying our goodbyes, singing her favorite songs to her, reading scriptures, petting and holding her hands that had loved us all so much throughout our lives and kissing her beauftiful forehead, until her passing on the morning of December 14, 2003. Mother was truly our angel, our beautiful Mother that we miss more than words can say.
Love and miss you sweet mother. Olivia
Children:
Olivia Ann~ b 11/06/42
Victoria Jo~ b 06/17/50
Patrick James~ b 05/23/51
Carmen Marie~ b 07/20/56~d 03/26/59
Rebecca Elaine~ b 12/26/58
P.S. My mother loved poetry, she would often recite them from memory. I have some in her own hand for keepsakes. One of her favorite poets was Helen Steiner Rice. I bought a book of her poems to read. When I read them I feel especially close to her in spirit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUw125JMVFI
Sentimental Journey
I'm gonna take a Sentimental Journey,
Gonna set my heart at ease.
Gonna make a Sentimental Journey,
to renew old memories.
I got my bags, I got my reservations,
Spent each dime I could afford.
Like a child in wild anticipation,
Long to hear that, "All aboard!"
Seven...that's the time we leave at seven.
I'll be waitin' up at heaven,
Countin' every mile of railroad track, that takes me back.
I never knew my heart could be so yearny.
Why did I decide to roam?
I'm gonna take that Sentimental Journey,
Sentimental Journey home.
Sentimental Journey.
~*~Things that were happening in July 1920~*~
July 1 - Germany declares its neutrality in the war between Poland and Soviet Russia
July 2 - Polish-Soviet War: Red Army continues offensive into Poland.
July 10 - Arthur Meighen becomes Canada's ninth prime minister.
July 12 - Bolshevist Russia recognizes independent Lithuania.
July 13 - London County Council bars foreigners from council jobs.
July 14 - France declares that Faisal I of Syria is deposed and occupies Damascus and Aleppo
July 17 - Republic of Mirdite proclaimed near Albanian-Serbian border with Yugoslav support
July 22 - Polish-Soviet War: Poland sues for peace with Bolshevist Russia.
July 23 - The French defeat the Syrian army in the Battle of Maysalun.
July 25 - First transatlantic two-way radio broadcast?
July 26 - Pancho Villa takes over Sabina and contacts de la Huerta to offer his conditional surrender. He signs his surrender in July 28
July 29 - The United States Bureau of Reclamation begins construction of the Link River Dam as part of the Klamath Reclamation Project
~*~*~*~*
I would like to say a Very Special "THANK YOU" to Shae and Ronny for sponsoring my Mom and Dad's Memorial Pages, God Bless You. To everyone that visits and leaves flowers and notes here on my mother's site...thank you, it means so much to me. Love, Olivia
~In Memory of Our Precious Mother~
Our Mother, Ann Marie Robinson was born on July 30, 1920, in St. Louis, MO. She went to be with our Lord on December 14, 2003, in Newport Beach, CA. She was the second born to Letha and Harry Milster. There were big families back then, nine children in all, seven girls, and two boys, in that order. Her father died when she was only 12 years old. Her mother was left with nine hungry mouths to feed and no relief in sight. Remember, this was during the great depression.
Mother had to leave home shortly thereafter and work hard keeping other people's houses and other people's children. She missed her family and would always bring presents home to her siblings and also brought food for their often empty table. They lived in the country atop a hill, below ran a train along side the Black River. The kids would excitely run down when they heard the whistle blow. The train engineer would drop coal purposely so they could gather it up to heat their humble home. Mother always felt the men had compassion for them, knowing they must be cold and seeing them barefoot. A sweet smile would cross her face when she recalled their kindness.
Mother met our father, Clarence while working as a waitress. He came in for a warm meal and three months later he was marrying the love of his life on August 12, 1939, Mother had just turned 19 years of age. It was the start of a "sentimental journey." She also loved the song by that same title. She loved to sing and sang often to her children when they were young and after they were grown and had families of their own.
In July 1943, they left St. Louis for their California dream. It was during WWII, so their train bound for Los Angeles, was loaded with soldiers. They arrived with only a few small suitcases. Later a large wooden box that my father had made was shipped to California containing all their earthly belongings. Their first baby, Olivia, was only nine months old. Mother loved to tell the story about her and Daddy waking up after a nap they'd taken, because of the exhausting trip from St. Louis; and seeing Olivia standing for the first time inside her crib, she had pulled herself up and was smiling at them. Yes, they were going to realize their dreams here in California.
They found a cute rental house in Redondo Beach. No matter where they lived my mother always made home feel so special and warm. They'd walked everywhere and often picnicked at the beach. They later moved to Dana Strand Village in Wilmington. Their second daughter, Victoria, was born in 1950 and their only son, Patrick a short 11 months later. That same year their California dream became complete when they bought their first home on the corner of 214th and Figueroa.
Their third daughter, Carmen was born in 1956. When Carmen was 2 1/2 years old, her little sister, Becky was born as a belated Christmas present. Three months to the day after Becky was born, Carmen's life was unexpectedly cut short by a rare liver disease she'd had since birth. It was a tragedy that shook the Robinson household as Carmen had only gone to see our family doctor and did not return with Mama and Daddy 27 hours later. We all cried nonstop for a week. It was the first time we ever saw Daddy cry and it was very hard for us to see. Mother and Daddy never did forget "their little angel."
Sadly, Daddy lost his battle with Leukemia on March 17, 1989. Mother never left his side during that six-month battle, she lovingly took care of him from the very beginning to the last. Sadly it was just five short month from their 50th Golden Anniversary. He had talked of wanting to celebrate it and wanted to dance with his forever love.
Mother was an excellent cook and specialized in comfort food. She made the best homemade everything: biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, cakes, pies, and cookies. Holidays boasted of her delicious turkey, gravy and cornbread stuffing with unique legendary recipes. Her children and grandchildren especially looked forward to her annual iced Christmas cookies and heavenly fluffy melt-in-you mouth divinity. She was proud to be responsible for having started, a total to date of five children, 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Mother was the kind of person who could make something beautiful out of absolutely nothing. She was very artistically gifted. She could sew without patterns. She made her own out of newspaper, when necessary. She had a wonderful imagination for original creation. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she decked out the house with decorations galore, bring out the old-time favorites as well as adding new one each year. She loved embellishing our home and we enjoyed it so much, complete with Christmas music everyday leading up to our Savior's birth. Her greatest joy, we feel, was making things look pretty and she took great pride in her work.
Mother lived in the Torrance (now called Carson) until 1998. Mother didn't seem quite the same after losing the love of her life. She made a hasty move to Las Vegas and we became very worried for her. We were not fully aware, but our precious mother had Alzheimer's unofficially at the time and the move to Las Vegas accelerated its progression. Her vulnerability surfaced such that she returned to California to be with her children and was officially diagnosed in December 2000.
This was a special time for us because a new reality became apparent that our time with her was limited. In October 2001 after a severe stroke, mother required more care than we could provide and we placed her with some wonderful caregivers at a residential care home: Meadowlark Gardens in Huntington Beach. Mother was truly loved by her caregivers. They called her "mother" sang songs with her and to her and treated her with the utmost love and care.
Mother fractured her hip the evening of December 4, 2003. Her hip was repaired surgically and then she developed pneumonia. Several seizures further compromised her health and she became non responsive. Her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends held a constant vigil at Hoag Hospital, saying our goodbyes, singing her favorite songs to her, reading scriptures, petting and holding her hands that had loved us all so much throughout our lives and kissing her beauftiful forehead, until her passing on the morning of December 14, 2003. Mother was truly our angel, our beautiful Mother that we miss more than words can say.
Love and miss you sweet mother. Olivia
Children:
Olivia Ann~ b 11/06/42
Victoria Jo~ b 06/17/50
Patrick James~ b 05/23/51
Carmen Marie~ b 07/20/56~d 03/26/59
Rebecca Elaine~ b 12/26/58
P.S. My mother loved poetry, she would often recite them from memory. I have some in her own hand for keepsakes. One of her favorite poets was Helen Steiner Rice. I bought a book of her poems to read. When I read them I feel especially close to her in spirit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUw125JMVFI
Sentimental Journey
I'm gonna take a Sentimental Journey,
Gonna set my heart at ease.
Gonna make a Sentimental Journey,
to renew old memories.
I got my bags, I got my reservations,
Spent each dime I could afford.
Like a child in wild anticipation,
Long to hear that, "All aboard!"
Seven...that's the time we leave at seven.
I'll be waitin' up at heaven,
Countin' every mile of railroad track, that takes me back.
I never knew my heart could be so yearny.
Why did I decide to roam?
I'm gonna take that Sentimental Journey,
Sentimental Journey home.
Sentimental Journey.
~*~Things that were happening in July 1920~*~
July 1 - Germany declares its neutrality in the war between Poland and Soviet Russia
July 2 - Polish-Soviet War: Red Army continues offensive into Poland.
July 10 - Arthur Meighen becomes Canada's ninth prime minister.
July 12 - Bolshevist Russia recognizes independent Lithuania.
July 13 - London County Council bars foreigners from council jobs.
July 14 - France declares that Faisal I of Syria is deposed and occupies Damascus and Aleppo
July 17 - Republic of Mirdite proclaimed near Albanian-Serbian border with Yugoslav support
July 22 - Polish-Soviet War: Poland sues for peace with Bolshevist Russia.
July 23 - The French defeat the Syrian army in the Battle of Maysalun.
July 25 - First transatlantic two-way radio broadcast?
July 26 - Pancho Villa takes over Sabina and contacts de la Huerta to offer his conditional surrender. He signs his surrender in July 28
July 29 - The United States Bureau of Reclamation begins construction of the Link River Dam as part of the Klamath Reclamation Project
~*~*~*~*
I would like to say a Very Special "THANK YOU" to Shae and Ronny for sponsoring my Mom and Dad's Memorial Pages, God Bless You. To everyone that visits and leaves flowers and notes here on my mother's site...thank you, it means so much to me. Love, Olivia
Our Mother, Ann Marie Robinson was born on July 30, 1920, in St. Louis, MO. She went to be with our Lord on December 14, 2003, in Newport Beach, CA. She was the second born to Letha and Harry Milster. There were big families back then, nine children in all, seven girls, and two boys, in that order. Her father died when she was only 12 years old. Her mother was left with nine hungry mouths to feed and no relief in sight. Remember, this was during the great depression.
Mother had to leave home shortly thereafter and work hard keeping other people's houses and other people's children. She missed her family and would always bring presents home to her siblings and also brought food for their often empty table. They lived in the country atop a hill, below ran a train along side the Black River. The kids would excitely run down when they heard the whistle blow. The train engineer would drop coal purposely so they could gather it up to heat their humble home. Mother always felt the men had compassion for them, knowing they must be cold and seeing them barefoot. A sweet smile would cross her face when she recalled their kindness.
Mother met our father, Clarence while working as a waitress. He came in for a warm meal and three months later he was marrying the love of his life on August 12, 1939, Mother had just turned 19 years of age. It was the start of a "sentimental journey." She also loved the song by that same title. She loved to sing and sang often to her children when they were young and after they were grown and had families of their own.
In July 1943, they left St. Louis for their California dream. It was during WWII, so their train bound for Los Angeles, was loaded with soldiers. They arrived with only a few small suitcases. Later a large wooden box that my father had made was shipped to California containing all their earthly belongings. Their first baby, Olivia, was only nine months old. Mother loved to tell the story about her and Daddy waking up after a nap they'd taken, because of the exhausting trip from St. Louis; and seeing Olivia standing for the first time inside her crib, she had pulled herself up and was smiling at them. Yes, they were going to realize their dreams here in California.
They found a cute rental house in Redondo Beach. No matter where they lived my mother always made home feel so special and warm. They'd walked everywhere and often picnicked at the beach. They later moved to Dana Strand Village in Wilmington. Their second daughter, Victoria, was born in 1950 and their only son, Patrick a short 11 months later. That same year their California dream became complete when they bought their first home on the corner of 214th and Figueroa.
Their third daughter, Carmen was born in 1956. When Carmen was 2 1/2 years old, her little sister, Becky was born as a belated Christmas present. Three months to the day after Becky was born, Carmen's life was unexpectedly cut short by a rare liver disease she'd had since birth. It was a tragedy that shook the Robinson household as Carmen had only gone to see our family doctor and did not return with Mama and Daddy 27 hours later. We all cried nonstop for a week. It was the first time we ever saw Daddy cry and it was very hard for us to see. Mother and Daddy never did forget "their little angel."
Sadly, Daddy lost his battle with Leukemia on March 17, 1989. Mother never left his side during that six-month battle, she lovingly took care of him from the very beginning to the last. Sadly it was just five short month from their 50th Golden Anniversary. He had talked of wanting to celebrate it and wanted to dance with his forever love.
Mother was an excellent cook and specialized in comfort food. She made the best homemade everything: biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, cakes, pies, and cookies. Holidays boasted of her delicious turkey, gravy and cornbread stuffing with unique legendary recipes. Her children and grandchildren especially looked forward to her annual iced Christmas cookies and heavenly fluffy melt-in-you mouth divinity. She was proud to be responsible for having started, a total to date of five children, 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Mother was the kind of person who could make something beautiful out of absolutely nothing. She was very artistically gifted. She could sew without patterns. She made her own out of newspaper, when necessary. She had a wonderful imagination for original creation. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she decked out the house with decorations galore, bring out the old-time favorites as well as adding new one each year. She loved embellishing our home and we enjoyed it so much, complete with Christmas music everyday leading up to our Savior's birth. Her greatest joy, we feel, was making things look pretty and she took great pride in her work.
Mother lived in the Torrance (now called Carson) until 1998. Mother didn't seem quite the same after losing the love of her life. She made a hasty move to Las Vegas and we became very worried for her. We were not fully aware, but our precious mother had Alzheimer's unofficially at the time and the move to Las Vegas accelerated its progression. Her vulnerability surfaced such that she returned to California to be with her children and was officially diagnosed in December 2000.
This was a special time for us because a new reality became apparent that our time with her was limited. In October 2001 after a severe stroke, mother required more care than we could provide and we placed her with some wonderful caregivers at a residential care home: Meadowlark Gardens in Huntington Beach. Mother was truly loved by her caregivers. They called her "mother" sang songs with her and to her and treated her with the utmost love and care.
Mother fractured her hip the evening of December 4, 2003. Her hip was repaired surgically and then she developed pneumonia. Several seizures further compromised her health and she became non responsive. Her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends held a constant vigil at Hoag Hospital, saying our goodbyes, singing her favorite songs to her, reading scriptures, petting and holding her hands that had loved us all so much throughout our lives and kissing her beauftiful forehead, until her passing on the morning of December 14, 2003. Mother was truly our angel, our beautiful Mother that we miss more than words can say.
Love and miss you sweet mother. Olivia
Children:
Olivia Ann~ b 11/06/42
Victoria Jo~ b 06/17/50
Patrick James~ b 05/23/51
Carmen Marie~ b 07/20/56~d 03/26/59
Rebecca Elaine~ b 12/26/58
P.S. My mother loved poetry, she would often recite them from memory. I have some in her own hand for keepsakes. One of her favorite poets was Helen Steiner Rice. I bought a book of her poems to read. When I read them I feel especially close to her in spirit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUw125JMVFI
Sentimental Journey
I'm gonna take a Sentimental Journey,
Gonna set my heart at ease.
Gonna make a Sentimental Journey,
to renew old memories.
I got my bags, I got my reservations,
Spent each dime I could afford.
Like a child in wild anticipation,
Long to hear that, "All aboard!"
Seven...that's the time we leave at seven.
I'll be waitin' up at heaven,
Countin' every mile of railroad track, that takes me back.
I never knew my heart could be so yearny.
Why did I decide to roam?
I'm gonna take that Sentimental Journey,
Sentimental Journey home.
Sentimental Journey.
~*~Things that were happening in July 1920~*~
July 1 - Germany declares its neutrality in the war between Poland and Soviet Russia
July 2 - Polish-Soviet War: Red Army continues offensive into Poland.
July 10 - Arthur Meighen becomes Canada's ninth prime minister.
July 12 - Bolshevist Russia recognizes independent Lithuania.
July 13 - London County Council bars foreigners from council jobs.
July 14 - France declares that Faisal I of Syria is deposed and occupies Damascus and Aleppo
July 17 - Republic of Mirdite proclaimed near Albanian-Serbian border with Yugoslav support
July 22 - Polish-Soviet War: Poland sues for peace with Bolshevist Russia.
July 23 - The French defeat the Syrian army in the Battle of Maysalun.
July 25 - First transatlantic two-way radio broadcast?
July 26 - Pancho Villa takes over Sabina and contacts de la Huerta to offer his conditional surrender. He signs his surrender in July 28
July 29 - The United States Bureau of Reclamation begins construction of the Link River Dam as part of the Klamath Reclamation Project
~*~*~*~*
I would like to say a Very Special "THANK YOU" to Shae and Ronny for sponsoring my Mom and Dad's Memorial Pages, God Bless You. To everyone that visits and leaves flowers and notes here on my mother's site...thank you, it means so much to me. Love, Olivia
