She basically raised 9 children herself, consisting of 5 under 5 and 4 at school while my grandfather worked long hours.
When she was alive as a family we would have dinner parties and gatherings. Everyone would get together at someone's house and all us cousins would play together while the adults socialised.
Referencing Dawn Treader's post about temperance involves this lady. She was a staunch Catholic but regularly she would come around to our house when I was growing up for dinner and she would enjoy a glass of Sherry or Carolans (a liqueuer). At family gatherings everyone would drink but no one got drunk if that makes sense. Drinking was a healthy thing used for socialising and it was never used in excess. It's probably why now at 54 years old I have 1 or 2 drinks on my days off to wind my brain down and that's about it. I do wish I had made more effort to ask her questions about her life when she was alive.
After she passed away in 1996 it's like no one gets together anymore, she was like the glue in the family - now everyone is scattered around New Zealand.
13 comments:
Beautiful memories!
It is sad but often one person holds a group or family together and it is hard for others to carry it on
So often families drift apart. My grandmother was like yours, the glue in the family. Your grandmother sounds wonderful.
I know what you mean about scattered families, but it must happen to every generation. My Nana was glue, after she passed it was my Dad but the family that collected around him moved down a generation and lots of his cousins had made their own (more distant to me) family groups.
She sounds like a nice and strong woman.
Your grandmother truly sounds like the heart of your family, and her quiet strength and warmth clearly left a lasting legacy across generations
...Catherine is a classic name that I enjoy.
memories are so precious. Have a great week ahead
It's lovely to know that you carry the name of a line of women in the family.
My mother was 3rd in a line of women named Edith. Unfortunately she didn't like the name and didn't give it to me, even as a middle name.
Nice and strong memories. Logical that the name Catharine plays an important role in your family.
She sounds like a fascinating woman and you've honored her with your post.
I like the name Edith, it's kind of old fashioned but unique, it's not a common name these days.
A beautiful photo and fond memories of your grandmother. Sadly, this is often the case after the loss of a family member.
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