Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Aunt Vera was my grandmother's (Dorothy Wille, d. 1976) best friend, and I cannot begin to guess from when. She remained a beloved figure, a true lady. Despite some hysteric-inducing haircuts when I was a teen (I, of course, required the impossible and insisted it be easy to maintain), her gentle and sweet manner protected her from my adolescent accusations of being forever ruined (I saved those for Gram and dad). I loved her dearly, as I know many did. I moved away decades ago, but every Christmas we (my dad, sister and I) would fret about what to send. She never appeared to lack for anything. So our reliable go-to was either a plant or flowers. I remember visiting her at some point when I was in Lockport; she spoke about some nephew/frien/service person, I don't remember, who regularly brought her flowers. Bless that person! She was clueless at board games, but always a courageous participant. We had annual picnics at her home, but never did figure out why she put the table in the garage. She was devout but never preachy (though we regularly spared her details). She was, even at an advanced age, thoughtful to my young children, gamely entertaining their toddler antics. I am at peace knowing that she love our family, and that we loved her back. Well done, dear Aunt Vera,