Losing a loved one brings up many emotions, not just during a pandemic. This week, we lost our 95 year-old Grandma Zelda. An incredible run with good health, a husband of 65 years and a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was the epitome of a ‘sweet little grandma’ - never said an ill word about anyone, never got angry, was gentle, content with all that she had. She never learned to drive - as Papa Ted brought home all that she needed. As my dad shared at her funeral… a simple life but not in a negative connotation.
Her delights were food (she made the best Matzoh ball soup), the White Sox, beagles, music, piano and loved to sing (a soprano, she recorded a song for Grandpa Ted when he was sent off to war and was an avid fan of 1930/40s actress/singer Deanna Durbin which turned into a friendship via letter correspondence for years). She loved her sugar and sweets - pouring 5+ spoonfuls of sugar into her heavy creamed coffee. When out to dinner she would ask if the bartender could make a “Pink Squirrel” - a 1905s creamy, pink, milkshake-type cocktail said to be invented in Milwaukee (where she grew up as an only child).
And her joy was being with family. She was a part of countless birthday, Mother’s Day, Hanukkah celebrations and over the past few years, my kids - her great-grandchildren- and I would visit her. Oh how she loved seeing them. She adored Jayden (pretty sure he reminded them of her three boys of her own). And redhead Sydney made her squeal.
You see, she was put in assisted living weeks before COVID hit after living with my aunt and uncle for 8+ years. Yes, there were Zoom calls but she wasn’t able to see or touch family - I’m convinced that the lonely situation accelerated the decline. The last time seeing her was tough - while she recognized voices in the beginning- she was in pain. I’m sure other families are in this situation and it’s not fair. No one deserves not to be with loved ones towards the end.
She’s now next to Papa Ted and close to Aunt Judy. May we all hold our loved ones close and be grateful for all the simple things life offers.
If any are inclined, Memorial donations can be made to the Illinois Holocaust Museum.
