Yesterday we said goodbye to a wonderful woman, mother, grandmother with a couple of greats attached and an Aunt. I am not sure if as children we called her Auntie Vee or Aunt Eve.
The last of her generation, having outlived all her siblings and a widow for sixteen years. Some things never changed; her laugh and her generosity.
It didn’t matter what problems presented themselves she was a person who lived in the moment. She wore tragedy like armor which seemed to make her stronger.
You were guaranteed two things each visit. Tea and laughter. My sis commented on one of our visits that since she had recently lost her taste for tea, the Tetley Company had to lay off staff. Weak and failing she managed her laugh. You know the kind, deep full hearted expression of hilarity that embraces everyone present and at first you laugh at the subject and then you laugh because it feels good.
Her generosity knew no limits. Admire something, she gave it to you. It happened to me in the sixties when I admired a pair of green earrings she was wearing, and I have seen it with others.
On November 1st my Aunt’s daughter suddenly died during surgery. November 30th my Aunt joined her.
I left the remaining cousins yesterday with an overwhelming feeling of sadness, knowing from experience what they now have to endure. My thoughts and prayers are with each of them.
R.I.P. Evelyn H.D. Willigar (March 19, 1927 – November 30, 2012)
bridgesburning 
And you didn’t tell me of your loss. I am so sorry to hear of it. But I have just realised it is from the time when we were both starting out on this blogging journey.
I am behind in reading posts but am saddened to hear about the loss of a cousin and a dear aunt within one month. Your aunt sounds like a wonderful person. You were blessed to have her in your life. My deepest sympahty to you and the family.
My mother passed Sept 17. Parents have lived with me last 10 years. She passed just 12 days prior to 67th wedding anniversary. I was her home hospice nurse last five weeks of her life. I got to know a completely different person during that time.
It is touching that you got that time with you Mother Carl. My youngest sister says that in the last weekks and months of my own Mom’s time that she and Mom became good friends and that she got to see her in a different light. I never had, or never took that opportunity but I often think of her and miss her. I was I was 34 when my Dad passed and 36 when my Mom went and I came to the conclusion that regardless of age, you still feel like an orphan. There are intimacies learned when you spend time as a hospice nurse that no one else will ever know..and how precious are those times. Thank you for commenting for you have stirred up so many wonderful memories!
I am so sorry to hear about all your family went through in November. It sounds like Aunt Eve could light up a room, make you feel so special with the richness of her laughter. I know you will miss her.
Thanks Georgette. She was a force to be reckoned with and I admired her greatly.
She loved life,She gave from her heart. I feel blessed having spent careing for her She is a great Lady
You dear dear Twisted were so dear to her and she was wise enough to let you know that every time you saw her. You gave her the best gifts, caring, bathing her comforting her. You were the best gift ever to her.
This is a wonderful tribute. And wow: “The last of her generation, having outlived all her siblings and a widow for sixteen years.” I can’t even imagine how strong you have to be to endure so much. Praying for peace for your and yours during this time.
Thanks so much Jackie!
How amazing that she left to be with her daughter and she left behind so much joy.
I agree that there is a certain comfort in knowing her daughter was probably waiting for her.
what a month of sadness and heartache for your family. Your aunt sounds like she added so much vitality and richness to the family. She will surely be missed by each of you. My condolences, dear friend.
Thanks Joss. I worry most about her family that is left. They have a very hard row to hoe for sure.
I’m so sorry for your loss Chris, I love what you said about her laughter and generosity. What gifts she seems to have left behind for you all to lovingly remember her.
She was a unique character that deserves to be in a story some day. I can’t put in print some of her escapades but they were wonderful!
You could tell us the stories without telling us it’s her! 😉
So sorry to hear about this loss.
Thanks so much Tori. She was one of a kind. 🙂
Its funny Barb, my Dad and Mom passed thirty years ago and it still seems in many ways like yesterday. I figure regardless of your age at the time, we all feel like orphans who have lost our anchor. Thank you for your condolences.
Your aunt sounds like she was a wonderful person, and greatly loved by her family. It’s sad losing someone we are close to, but even more so when they have had such an impact on your life, as your aunt seems to have done in her own family.
I am so sorry for your loss Chris; she will be sorely missed,
RIP Evelyn.
that is so sad..it is always sad to lose someone but then you have to think of where they have gone to and then you can rejoice.
I don’t want to go just yet but when the Good Lord calls I shall go happily so maybe your Aunt Eve felt the same…I do hope so.
However I am sorry for your loss, she sure sounds as if she was a person worth knowing xxxxx
I’m pretty happy with her going at such a good age and am especially glad because I am sure her daughter Susan waited for her. Her remaining sons and daughter are going through a pretty rough period naturally. She was Aces!