Farewell Dear Friend

Dear Little 'Tootie' has been with us a very long and pleasant time. Her heart of gold was contagious, not once did I hear her complain, even when she was ill, and always, she found the good in each and every one of us. She left us a few days ago, at the wise age of 90, just shy of her next birthday.

Most recently as my grandson, her great grandson of 6 yrs. visited, she smiled the entire time. She was always so delighted with company and particularly, the youngsters, as she called them. As she gave Sy permission to take a mint from the candy bowl, she told him how proud she was of his good manners. She smiled, saying, "You like that bird on top of that bowl, don't you." He said, "Yes, I do, Grandma Tootie, it's beautiful." She laughed and said, "Well, then, that can be yours someday." That bowl now will hold mints for his table as it was given to him. Isn't it funny how the littlest gesture holds the fondest memory. He will never forget her because of her genuine kindness.

Tootie was a comedian...at least to myself who shared vertigo. She would stumble a bit one direction or the other each time she rose from the chair because of the imbalance the vertigo caused and Every Time, she said the same thing, "Oops, there we go, tipsy without the party!" You couldn't help but laugh.

Grandma 'Tootie's' love of her family was always first, and then her gardens, flowers and her little dog, Tara. She will continue to be treasured in our memories. I will remember her each time I sew on her sewing machine or cook something in her little pressure cooker. She taught me how to make the best saultz, I pray I can only begin to own up to her perfection of it., as well as her onion bread. The graceful bird figurines that she always displayed on her stairs will be displayed in our home. These are only material things from our material world, yet, somehow, they seem important today.

Little 'Tootie' , I will miss our visits, the laughter and the tears. You are loved.