Grandma Evelyn passed away suddenly, the day after Easter 2007. It was only a few short months after my mom, Evelyn's daughter Annette had died. It was as if burying her oldest daughter had just sapped her of will to go on, at least a bit.
Evelyn was a tough ol' bird. She worked hard her whole life and had a lot of pride at being able to swing a hammer or bake a pie; but without letting her slip show beneath the neat skirts with flat pumps that she always wore. She wore her feminity like a warrior's shield - her lipstick was always fresh, even while cheerfully knocking out walls to remodel the house. She was a tower of courage and strength in many ways, and yet always a classy lady with a lot of heart. We'll miss you Grandma!