She was the first born of father's siblings and outlived her two sisters and my father; her 100th birthday was celebrated last July. It saddens me to think that a generation of Augsburgers has passed. Like father, she was born in Switzerland. She trained as a nurse in Marseille and she married Paul a pastor.
Together they ministered to congregations in the Caméroun, Paris, Lyon, Marseille, l’île de la Réunion, Anduze, Valence, and Grenoble before retiring in the Gard. They had 3 children, all born in the Caméroun who now reside in the South of France.
We were thrilled that she and dad's sister Edith came once to the United States for a visit and passed through Washington DC where wife Shirley and I were living so we could show them the capitol city of the United States.
She was deeply religious and loved her church and family. It was hard to see her slow down and memory fade the past few years. She never lost her smile and despite not seeming to recognize visitors always had a smile ready to share.
In her special way, she showed us that she was concerned about our souls, probably rightfully so, as she would repeatedly asked; "are you Adventist (she was a devout Seventh-day Adventist)" and then she would ask "did you know my husband Paul"?
Tante Germaine was one of the sweetest people I have ever had the privilege to know and we will all miss her.
Rest in peace tante Germaine. We love you very much.
What a wonderful picture Michel...soo very sad!!
ReplyDeleteJust a reminder that life is way too short!!!
Cherry
It sounds like she had a wonderful life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a varied and long life your Aunt lived!My condolences on your loss,it is always sad when a generation passes on.
ReplyDeleteMichel, sincere condolences to you and all the family.
ReplyDeleteBarbara and Robert
Very touching memories, and nice photo. My sympathies to you and your family.
ReplyDelete-Danit
Sorry to hear of your loss. We are now the older generation. However, I still have one aunt left on my dad's side. Like your aunt she is the oldest and her two sisters and brother have preceded her in death. She still has 6 years to go to reach 100 but other than poor eyesight is doing well. My love to you and Shirley, Vivien Oxley
ReplyDeleteI'm terribly sorry for the passing of your Tata. This was a lovely tribute for her :)
ReplyDeleteTendresse particul!ère pour cette photo. Nous sommes de tout cœur avec vous.
ReplyDeleteCatherine et toute la famille Mathy
Cherry - Thank you so much. She was very much like my father who you knew. Treasure the time you have with your wonderful parents.
ReplyDeleteMeredith - She would have told you that she had the best life. I don't think I ever heard her complain about anything.
Tales - Thank you. I have gotten more inquisitive about our family and history as I have gotten older and its tough to see the generation pass on.
Barbara - We thank you so much.
Danit - Thanks. I really like the picture too.
Vivien - Thank you. I hate to think that we are now the older generation. We have to live life to the fullest.
Sara - Thank you.
Catherine - Merci beaucoup. Je suis tres content que j'ai peut rencontrer ta grandmere apres beaucoup d'annee au Foyer du Romarin.
sorry for your loss. Sounds like she must have had a lot of interesting stories. 100+ years, wow.
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry for your loss. I can tell by the way you wrote about your Tante that she was a very special person and you cared for her deeply. How wonderful that she was able to be on this planet for 100 years! I'm sure she was a blessing to everyone she knew.
ReplyDeleteAshley
My sincerest condolences...lovely tribute. In looking at the photo of you two it is indeed evident that her eyes were full of life. She had seen it all...
ReplyDeleteMegan - She was a remarkable woman, very strong willed, maybe part of the reason for her long life.
ReplyDeleteAshley - Thanks Ashley - She was a major force behind keeping us all connected as a family even though separated at times by thousands of miles.
Labergebasque - Thank you so much. Interesting you mention her eyes as that is one thing we all remember were her brilliant blue eyes.