Buzzings from a quilter who bumbles her way through life!

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Saying Goodbye to a Special Person


In Memorium



Irene Laden Duncan August 16, 1908 - February 25, 2015
Aged 106

I'm reprinting this post from 2011. I have edited it a little to be more current. It is a tribute to my grandmother who passed away yesterday at aged 106.

Me on the left, my grandmama in the middle, and my sister on the left. (She would probably not be pleased that I posted a photo in which she was not "fixed up".  This photo was taken in 2011.

My love of quilts began with this sweet lady, my grandmama.
My grandmother was born in 1908 as a twin. This is her on the left and her twin on the right. They were named Irene (my grandmother) and Pauline (my aunt). 
This is a picture of a photo that was sitting on her dresser.As a young woman, my grandmother's twin eloped. Their daddy, who was a little harsh, was so afraid she would also elope, he nailed her windows shut and locked her in at night. She eloped anyway when, after a church service, the sympathetic preacher called her in to talk to her and performed a marriage ceremony right then and there! She and my granddaddy left in the preacher's wagon!   Again, my grandmother is on the left and her twin on the right. (She was slim all her life!)

    Her "world famous" chocolate cake recipe  can be found here.
           

It is the fudgiest cake you will ever hope to find! Her story of this cake can be found at the link above.  

My grandmother had "spunk". She once chased a burglar out of the house with the broom to protect her babies! (She had three sons.) 
Her purse always smelled like juicy fruit gum and she always had embroidered handkerchiefs that she knotted into "hanky babies" during the sermon (to entertain my sister and I). She also showed us how to make carnations out of Kleenex tissues and a pipe cleaner. We made carnations until we sat in a pile of torn tissue edges!
Her popcorn was the best I've ever had. She made it in a big heavy pan and used butter instead of oil. The butter browned as the popcorn popped, so it had a wonderful flavor!
And this is a peak at the quilt that started my interest in quilting. It's a Little Dutch Girl quilt that my grandmother made. The little socks and ribbons at the back of her neck have been carefully colored in with something (I am guessing crayon) to make them match the dress. I used to pretend the sashing was a road. I would go "visit" each little girl on the quilt by driving along the road and turning into their block. I was a little shocked that her panties were showing as the wind lifted her dress. I wanted to grow up and make a quilt just like that! Sadly, I haven't done that yet, but if I can just live as long as my grandmother did, there is still time! 

Grandmama, We love you!

31 comments:

  1. I know how much you adored her...my Nan passed at 106 too...isnt that funny....we had talked about this a few times...what a wonderful life she had and what a lovely lady she was....She exits from this planet but certainly not from your hearts..

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  2. What a beautiful tribute to your grandma. I love to read about those who have influenced other's lives. Thank you for sharing and may you always hold those memories close to your heart.

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  3. Your grandmama sounds like a wonderful person and a terrific roll model. I'm very sorry for your loss. I will say a prayer in her honor.

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  4. I'm sorry to hear your news, Linda. She sounds like a wonderful lady. And what a great age to reach. The photo of you with your Grandmother and sister is lovely. I loved reading the story about eloping. Thanks for sharing her story with us. Sending you hugs, Christine xx

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  5. Sorry for your loss. Glad your grandmother had a nice, long, happy life.

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  6. I am sorry to hear about your grandmother and enjoyed reading about her life. It sounds like she was quite the woman and I can imagine all of the stories she told.

    Debbie

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  7. I'm so very sorry for your loss - what a beautiful lady she was. blessings, marlene

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  8. Those Grandmas...they are the best. How amazing that she lived to 106. The memories will only get better as the years pass. Thank you for the cake recipe - how nice that you're thinking of us at this most difficult time.

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  9. Your grandma sounds so cool! I love reading about her life. 106 is amazing. And sorry for your loss.

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  10. Blessings during this time - how she influenced you shows beyond boundaries. I love that you have this special quilt still and you do still have time to make one.

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  11. May your wonderful memories of her help you through these difficult times. It sounds like she had a long and beautiful life.

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  12. I'm so sorry, Linda. Her memory lives on in you.

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  13. I am so sorry for your loss. It was a beautiful tribute you made to her.

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  14. What a wonderful tribute to your grandmother! 106 is a fine age!

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  15. Oh, Linda, blessings to you at the loss of your dear grandmother. What a wonderful long life. A great tribute to her.

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  16. What a wonderful tribute...and fond memories. (((hugs)))

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  17. My mom's pocketbook always smelled like Juicy Fruit Gum, too. A warm, fuzzy feeling sweeps over me whenever I catch a whiff to this day. It's a small but wonderful memory that I hope brings you comfort and reminds you always of your many, many blessings. You are in my thoughts.

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  18. Precious Memories. Juicy Fruit, chocolate cake, quilts. So much like my own family memories. Be well and celebrate the loved one you were so blessed to know. Lane

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  19. Linda, This is a beautiful tribute to a lady who impacted many others it sounds like. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

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  20. What a wonderful story about your grandma. Thanks for sharing all the pictures and things that were special about her. Tell your sister she looks as beautiful as you! That cake makes me so hungry and I still have 1/2 hour until lunch. Would that we all live so long and well and be loved so much - she is now singing with the angels, I'm sure.

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  21. Oh I love the story about your grandmother and her twin. Thanks for sharing, and I am so sorry for your loss.

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  22. I am so sorry for your loss. Your grandmother sounds like an amazing woman!

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  23. What a great person your grandmother sounds like and to have lived so long, how wonderful. I am so sorry for your loss but seems like you have many wonderful memories to keep her alive in your heart.

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  24. Wonderful story and great memories you have of her. I am curious as to how long her twin sister lived?

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  25. What a lovely tribute! She was a wonderful woman, I can tell by your tribute.

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  26. What sweet memories of your Grandmother.

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  27. So sorry for your loss…..but thanks for sharing what sounds like a wonderful person. I really enjoyed reading your tribute to her!

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  28. Oh how I know you will miss her, but your quilting is sure a testament to her...and her love to create...Thinking of you all today and throughout this week...Hugs sweet friends...

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  29. It seemed like you just celebrated her birthday with us! How blessed you are to have had her! Prayers for healing!

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  30. Lovely memories you have of what sounds like an amazing woman! I'm glad you had her on this earth for so many years. May she rest in peace.

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  31. what lovely memories of your grandmother!

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