Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Aunt Belle

September 9, 1915 - November 26, 2010



There was a funeral service in Cambridge today.

One I was unable to attend.

My Aunt Belle.

Mary Isabelle Wilkinson Mowbray.


A woman I loved.

A woman I'll miss.

A woman who nurtured my love for reading, and my love for books.

A woman who always told me how smart I was, how pretty I was, and made me believe I could do anything - achieve any goal.  She would always, always smile and throw open her arms when she saw me coming.  She was magic and kindness. And gentleness.

She was the last of my Wilkinson aunts and uncles.  A loving, hugging, laughing, fun loving family.  They left me with memories I'll hold dear in my heart forever.


Pop-Pop Wilkinson's 90th Birthday - July 18, 1965





12 comments:

Marilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredith said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.

Marilyn

Jill said...

Oh...Miss Kaye, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Aunt was a beautiful lady.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I'm so sorry, Kaye! She sounds like a truly amazing and inspiring lady.

Aubrey Hamilton said...

Kaye, I am so very very sorry. What a loss for you.

Mason Canyon said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. The photo of her is lovely. She sounds like an amazing woman who past on many of her fine qualities to you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Vicki Lane said...

One begins to feel so alone as the older generation passes.

My thoughts are with you, Kaye.

Patty said...

So sorry Kaye. Those "last of the generation" loses are very hard to take.

I am glad that she gave you the love of reading and the confidence to do whatever you want in life. It has stood you in good stead.

Lesa said...

I can see a resemblance, Kaye. I think it's that beautiful smile. I'm so sorry. It's always hard to lose loved ones, but particularly when they were such an important part of making us the people we are. Hugs, Kaye.

Rachel Brady said...

I'm sorry, Kaye. Your description of Aunt Belle is inspiring.

I'd like to be the person people look back and say "always threw open her arms for a hug." I'd especially love my kids to think that. Perfect way to capture her and remember the many ways she was so special.

Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Muses said...

Y'all are dear. Thank you.

Yesterday was a tough day - you know how they go.

I wanted badly to be in Cambridge for the service and be with my cousins.

Instead, one of the things I did was drive a little over an hour one way down the mountain in the fog and rain to go to the Social Security office. Then back up the mountain in the fog and the rain. Then I had a sandwich, a glass of milk, a little bitty pitty party and a 2 hour naps. LOL! I do love a nap.

Y'all. If you don't have a local Social Security Office, and if you don't have anything other than the normal retirement process to file - do yourselves a favor. do it on-line, or over the phone.

Feeling MUCH better today, in part because of all of you.

AND in the process of planning a Wilkinson family reunion in June with my cousins.

Vicki - you summed it up perfectly.

Brenda Buchanan said...

Hello there,

How wonderful that you had such a woman in your life to nurture and inspire you. Like other commenters, I'm sorry for your loss.

Brenda B. in Maine

Peg Brantley said...

My condolences, Kaye.

She was clearly well loved, and isn't that one of the most marvelous things about living?