She made a fabulous Pineapple Cream Cake.
She always whispered as she did housework. “Shew shew shew shew shew”
When she visited us in Hillsborough, she rose before the sun and we’d find her sipping strong coffee at the kitchen table in a velour robe.
She LOVED Entemann’s Raspberry Coffee cake and always made sure to have a box waiting for us when we arrived for a visit.
She had the best candy dish on the East Coast, stocked with raspberry hard candies with a unique gel in the middle. Later in life, the candy turned to M&Ms and I could never keep my hand out.
She loved old movies, especially The Sound Of Music, West Side Story and Carousel.
Her dog,Tigger, was a hoot. Especially when he did the “rumba.”
This is my Aunt Pat’s seeing eye dog, Bu –
She enjoyed walking and would take a stroll around the lake in her neighborhood everyday well into her 80s.
She had the most unique Christmas tree ornaments – including cupcakes with candles that bubbled with air and a tree full of tinsel.
She always created the best sandwich buffets – crusty rolls, deli meats and cheeses, pickles, and always potato chips.
Her purse weighed 10 pounds and contained such grandmotherly things as a rain bonnet, multiple red lipsticks, a photo album of the grandchildren, tissues and peppermints.
One time when I was little and we had a full house she was designated to spend the night in my room. I lined the middle of the bed with stuffed animals so we each had our own spaces. Years later, she loved to tell me the story.
She had read every Lavyrle Spencer book and got me hooked on cheesy romance novels when I was in high school. I read them all too, and borrowed many of them from her collection.
She never wore pants, only “slacks.”
And she loved when our family all gathered together for the holidays at Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse…
After the funeral (which was tear-filled and lovely) we all gathered for lunch. I enjoyed some wine –
A trip to the famous salad bar –
And split this delicious coconut shrimp + orange mashed sweet potatoes with my cousin Crystal –
(Yes, that’s melted butter, and it was good!)
x2
I declined a full dessert (I was stuffed!) but shared a few bites of my mom’s cheesecake
I am SO very glad I was able to come on this trip. Just 5 hours of time with my family made all the traveling worth every minute. And the memories shared of Gram were enough to fill a lifetime.
Suzanne says
aw, Kath – what a lovely tribute to your grandmother. What wonderful memories you and your family will have.
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs says
What a beautiful tribute! She sounds like a lovely woman. I’m glad the day went ok! Have a good evening, you deserve it : )
Andrea says
Beautiful post Kath! Gram would be proud!
[email protected] says
Glad you go to go. She sounds like a wonderful Grandmother.
Lisa @bakebikeblog says
What a beuutiful and sweet post. She sounds like an amazing lady – with so much love and happiness to share 🙂
Ashley says
What beautiful memories you have of your grandmother. There are so many similarities to my mom’s mom, especially with the purse and candy. I’m so glad you got to go to the funeral and be with your family. Take care girl!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
Beautiful, Kath! So glad you remember those times.
Dima says
What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother. I’m so glad you had the chance to go!
Mara @ What's for Dinner? says
I’m sorry to hear about your Gram… I lost mine 3 years ago, and it never gets any easier. I pay tribute in food pretty often.
[email protected] Two Lives, One Lifestyle says
I’ve been reading but sporadic in commenting lately as I finish school….just wanted to say I’m glad you were able to spend the time with your family through this. I was tearing up reading- your grandma sounds a lot like my grandma (who passed away last year). I will be thinking of both today.
Rose says
I am so sorry to just now hear of the loss of your Gram. What a beautiful tribute you payed her on your blog. She sounds like a fantastic woman, and you have certainly benefited from having her in your life. My prayers and good thoughts go out to you and your family, Kath.
Ameena says
What a sweet tribute to your grandmother. I’m sure she would appreciate it very much.
Diana says
Beautiful tribute, you really seem like you’re celebrating her life. I love that.
Hugs, Kath.
laine @ beets, butter and mountaintops says
Kath, when my Nana died, I got off the phone with my mom and wrote down all the things I remembered about her in that moment – just like you did. How beautiful and how wonderful you got to be with your family.
Cate says
Your Gram sounds a lot like mine. Same essentials in the purse, and she only wore “slacks” as well. It’s all the supposed little things we miss, which is why this post is a perfect expression.
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin says
What a touching post. I love all these stories! I’m glad you were able to make it to her funeral to spend some time with your fam.
Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) says
What a wonderful tribute to your grandmother, Kath! I’m glad you were able to spend time with your family. I definitely teared up during this one!
Sarah R says
A truly touching post Kath. So nice that you were able to make it.
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
Memories like that are so wonderful even if you only had a short time to be with your family.
I still remember things like that about my grandma and she’s been gone almost 2 years.
Lee says
She sounds like a wonderful person.
Kamaile says
Grandmothers are beautiful and priceless. I’m glad you made the trip. Thank you for sharing.
MME says
That was a beautiful post – we lost my gram last november and the mentions of entenmann’s coffee cake and slacks brought me right back ….
Jenny says
Your grandma sounds like an amazing woman – I can see where you get it from!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Beautiful, beautiful post— I think your Gram and my Nanny would make wonderful friends 🙂
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
Wow, she sounds like one AMAZING woman!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
Gram seems like a great lady. I loved your tribute to her. May she rest in peace.
Flourchild says
What a beautiful and touching post! Your Grandmother must have been proud of you!
Kelley says
That was really beautiful. You painted a nice picture of a woman I would have liked to know.
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
You will never regret making this trip Kath. It’s so important to honor a loved one who passed away and spend time with friends and family when it happens. Looks like a beautiful day, and this is such a beautiful post!
Jenn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
What a lovely service and sweet memories– thanks for sharing. We should all be fortunate enough to have our loved ones bid us adieu with such love and togetherness. 🙂
Jenn
theemptynutjar says
Its so wonderful that you were able to know and have time with such a wonderful lady. Always appreciate the time you had. Hope you are able to enjoy your time with family during this time.
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
i cried as i read this…your Gram sounds like she was a truly amazing woman. i’m so glad you were able to go and have closure and spend time with your family!
Camille says
I’m so glad you were able to make it out there. Sharing memories is the saddest/most helpful part of losing someone.
My grandma loved Enteman’s Raspberry Cake too! 🙂 Thanks for the happy memory
lisa says
Loved to read through your memories. A lot of them reminded me of my grandmother and great-grandmother, as we used to visit them often in Queens, New York. We always had deli style meals together, and would share Entemann’s cakes too.
Kendall @ Whisk Her Away says
I’m so sorry about your loss, but glad you got to see your family. Grandmothers are special people.
Terrie says
What a lovely tribute. Your Gram sounds like a neat lady.
Meg says
Beautiful, kath. May she rest in peace.
Lauren says
What a beautiful post Kath! I am sure your grandma would be so proud. 😉
Daniel says
That’s an excellent tribute to your grandmother, very well-spoken. I found it very beautiful, like many other readers. Reminds me of the sweet poem my Grandpa wrote for my Grandma at her funeral. It’s also good to hear you had a very nice get-together with the family. God bless you, your grandma, and your family.
runnerforever says
I am so glad you were able to go. What an elegant post.
Rose-Anne says
Grandmas are the best, aren’t they? I miss mine a lot. The time we have with them is a blessing, and it’s never enough. This post makes me want to bake a cheesecake in honor of my mom’s mom, who introduced me to the magic of New York cheesecakes.
Safe travels, Kath!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Oh Kath, you made me cry! I am so close to my little granny. We almost lost her 5 years ago and I thought my world was going to end. I have so many memories of her and I am frighteningly like her. I am so glad you got to spend time with your family. It always makes life a little better when you can have your loved ones close.
Danielle (Coffee Run) says
This was a sweet tribute 🙂
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter says
That was a beautiful tribute to your grandmother 🙂
Jenn (eating bender) says
Beautiful tribute. Thinking of you, Kath. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer says
This was simply beautiful. My thoughts are with you and your family. God bless.
Claire says
What great words about your grandmother. I love hearing about family on blogs and you did it so beautifully. So glad to hear you are having a lovely time with your family remembering her.
Wei-Wei says
What a beautiful post – you painted a wonderful portrait of your grandmother. God bless you and your family… Celebrate her fantastic life and know that she’s in heaven now. She must be mighty proud of you! 🙂
Wei-Wei
Ashley J says
Very beautiful memorial. It made me think of my own grandmother. 🙂
Shannon (The Daily Balance) says
beautiful post, sounds like an incredible woman!
Teacherwoman says
I am, too, glad that you were able to attend her funeral. Great post. I love the pictures.
Krissy (Single Serving) says
That was such a lovely post Kath. I lost my last grandparent (my dad’s mom) this winter. Even when you know that someone lived a very full life (my grandmother was almost 98) it’s still difficult.
But you’ll always have those wonderful memories.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Kathi says
Kath-
What wonderful memories you shared! It sounds like she was the perfect Grandma in every way. I’m so glad you were able to make the trip.
KatieTX says
Thanks for reminding me how lucky I am for still having both my grandmas and that I got to know both my great grandmothers before they passed. Definitely made me cry…
KVH says
So sorry to hear about your Gram. I lost my grandfather suddenly at Christmas and know how hard it can be. Thinking and praying for you and your family…
Gena says
What a lovely tribute, Kath. This is beautiful. I’m so sorry for your loss, and will keep Gram in my prayers.
Jil @ Peace, Love & Munchies says
Aww, such good memories.
Anne P says
Beautiful, moving tribute. I’m sure she would be proud 🙂 xoxo
Lisa @ Early Morning Run says
what a beautiful tribute.
Amanda says
This is such a beautiful post and will be so nice to look back on. It’s wonderful that your whole family was able to make the trip to honor your grandmother. Safe travels home!
Marisa (Loser for Life) says
That was beautiful, Kath. You are lucky to have had such a wonderful grandmother and lovely memories 🙂
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) says
That’s great you have all of these special memories to keep forever.
Bizzle says
What lovely memories. Thanks for sharing! It makes me miss my Nene with the red lipstick, crinkled tissue, and more peppermints than anyone should be able to eat!
Bethany (Not Unless I'm Being Chased) says
Kath, I’m so sorry for your loss. I echo everyone else’s comments when I say this was a beautiful way to remember your grandmother. I know what you mean about all the travel being worth the time spent with family. That’s exactly how I felt when my grandmother passed away in December. It helped me realize her memories were most alive when we were all together.
sarah says
i’m sorry, kath! i was blessed with 5 sets of grandparents + another “adopted” grandpa when i was a kid and am down to 1 1/2 of the sets now (none of which i am as close to as the ones i’ve lost), and it’s always so hard to lose them. we’ll always have the memories of them though and it helps us smile through the tears.
Mastering Public Health says
Wow, everyone looks so happy. I’m glad you could make the best of it. Beautiful memories.
Sarah for Real says
That was a beautiful tribute to your grandmother. I’m so sorry for your loss.
You’ve got me all teary remembering my own grandmothers.
Anne says
Bless your family. So nice of you to make the trip to be there.
She sounds like she led a full life and was absolutely wonderful. 😀
[email protected]://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
I’m so sorry for your loss and so glad that you were able to make it to the ceremony to say your good byes and be with your family. I’m glad you have such wonderful memories to fill your heart.
Jen says
The tribute was nice, but the pictures of people mourning by the casket were not. I know this is a blog about your life, but some things should be private. The pictures and smiles at a funeral seem inappropriate to me.
Kath says
It was a day of happy memories. We all mourn differently, so please respect how my family chose to.
Jess says
It’s those memories that will make you smile when you remember your grandmother. Hold onto them. I’m sorry for your loss.
Heather says
Stunningly beautiful tribute to your grandmother, Kath. And to #70 above (Jen), death is a very real part of life. I applaud Kath’s inclusion of every aspect of today’s memorial–casket, mourning and all. Further, smiling at a funeral is perhaps the sweetest tribute someone can pay a loved one.
Eileen says
I’m so glad you were able to go … your grandma sounds like a lovely lady.
Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches says
Lovely post, Kath. You’ve really captured her spirit for us. She seem truly amazing!
karla says
delurking to tell you how wonderful and touching your post is…my grandma “grammie” is my best friend…she refers to all pants as “slacks” too. 🙂
glad you were able to make it to the funeral and share memories with your family.
Kel says
My thoughts go out to you and your family. I am sure she would approve of the memories!
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write says
I call my grandmother Gram too. It’s good you were able to go. My thoughts are with your family.
thepinkpeppercorn says
A very endearing post Kath. Even Bu looks pretty sad. It is nice that you were able to be together with your family at this time, and also to have a chance to enjoy some time together, however difficult it may be. Be well!
Casey says
This post makes me want to cry! I guess in a good way – my grandpa passed away in September and it brings so much back. Thanks for sharing.
Amanda @ The Hungry Wanderers says
Your gram sounds like someone I would have loved to meet 🙂 I”m glad you guys got to have good weather for the funeral and that you were able to make it up with your family
Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life says
Kath, what a lovely post. It is clearly obvious that you and your gram were close, and I love how you paid attention to the details that are so often overlooked in everyday life. I wish you and your family the best.
M says
These pictures of a day honouring your grandmother are something you can treasure.
Being there is immeasurable.You will feel so blessed to have been there with your family and that will provide much comfort to you in the sad moments.
Blessings to you and yours.
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
glad you were able to be there. what a beautiful post. i also love raspberry entenmann’s cake, introduced to me by my piano teacher who lived to be 100.
Lara (Thinspired) says
Kath, I’m so sorry to read of the loss of your grandmother. This is such a lovely tribute to her. You have a beautiful family. xox
Erin says
Great memories Kath. Sounds like your Grandma was an awesome lady 🙂
M says
PS Re post # 70
Smiling while one reminisces and shares their deep love and joyful memories is never inappropriate-it is simply a gesture of love and thanks.
Photos graveside is a different matter,but I do believe everyone grieves differently and it is not up to us as strangers to pass judgement on a family at such a time.It is a personal time and each family has the right to choose how to commemorate their love one and the loss.
Perhaps family pics held great importance to the grandmother.Perhaps they wanted to try and capture the love and bond for her they felt at this day.Perhaps they wanted loved ones to feel the experience who could not make it.
I myself would not share such pics on a public forum myself, however it is Kath’s life and her grandmother and I applaud her for being true to herself in her path of life.I admire her.
This is your life Kath and you do whatever you like (and perhaps even enjoy a deli sandwich and chips sometime soon).
Trysha says
I’m so sorry for your loss, Kath.
greenbean says
What a beautiful tribute, Kath. Grandmothers are just some of the best people in the world.
Hannah says
Lovely memories, Kath. Thank you for sharing them with us – glad the trip was worth it and strengthening for you.
Marina says
It was wonderful reading about your amazing grandma. I am sorry for your loss
Lena says
sorry about your gram, but this was a beautifully written tribute 🙂
skinny latte says
I lost my grandmother late last year Kath – I know how sad it is to lose someone so precious to you. Cherish the lovely memories you have. This is a lovely tribute to her and I’m sure she would be so proud! 🙂
M says
What a beautiful and moving tribute.
Kristy says
I find it extremely odd that you would take photo’s at the funeral, especially of the casket. I would be offended if someone started taking photo’s at a funeral I attended.
Im just in shock!
Kath says
These were taken after most everyone had cleared out except for my immediate family. And of course we took the family photos to remember the day forever. We rarely all get together as a family. And I’ll also add I don’t think I would have taken any photos at a funeral except that I was with my own family and it was my grandmother.
Lauren says
It made me uncomfortable to see photos of a casket on such a public forum.
I believe that there are some moments that should not be displayed publicly for many strangers to observe. My father died suddenly last year and I would never want to view photographs to recall the horribleness of his funeral. I don’t think I will be reading your blog consistently from now on.
iagree says
I agree with Lauren. Seriously inappropriate.
Aunt Ellen says
On behalf of my neice and the family. I thank her for the tasteful tribute she gave to a great women. We believe is celebrating life and mourn the loss of life in a gentle way. Her grandmother would not want us to do this any other way. Unfortunately, our time together, as an immediate family, was too short and we then needed to attend to the many guest who came to pay tribute. This was the only small time frame we had. My heart is with you and your families on your losses and respect your feelings. Everyone has a different views on how a love ones passing tribute should be and I respect yours.
Karen says
I am so sorry for your loss. I also have fond memories of Charlie Brown’s (I used to go with my Grandparents) in Matawan, New Jersery.
Meghann says
What a lovely tribute to your gram. You had me teary eyed this morning.
Justin says
So sorry to hear about your Gram, Kath. It looked like a beautiful funeral. I hope she’s resting peacefully now. Great post. We’ll keep you in our thoughts.
rustique says
This post is gorgeous. May she rest in peace.
Heather says
Beautiful tribute to your Grandmother. God bless your family as you continue to remember her greatness.
Sami says
Kath- This is going to sound ridiculous, but your post made me tear up. My great grandma has a LOT of things in common with your grandma! She always whispered when she cleaned, ALWAYS had the BEST candy dishes (hers were filled with those pink pepperminty chalky candies & gummy candies like red hot dollars), and she ALWAYS had the best sandwich set up too. Same as yours! Deli meats, crusty rolls, cheese, and pickles 🙂 It makes me miss her so much! It’ll be two years this December since she’s been gone and I still miss her like it was yesterday. She had a “chair” in her living room that we would prop ourselves up on and she did the itsy bitsy spider on our backs until we fell asleep! Talk about a magic touch. Okay, so I just rambled, but I couldn’t help it.
Thanks for the post and helping me relive memories that I’ve missed and haven’t thought about for awhile 🙂 Maybe our grandmas are friends in heaven?! 🙂
Allison K says
What a beautiful, sweet post. Prayers and wishes to your family.
Kelley says
Aww…Kath, you’re a sweetheart. What lovely memories of your grandmother. I’m sure she was so very proud of you!
jessica g says
i very much enjoyed this post kath. our grandmothers were very similar and i often think of mine. I’m sorry for your loss, but thank you for your public reminiscence of your grandmother. it allowed me a short trip down my own memory lane.
Amy says
This is my new favorite post of yours. I keep reading it over and over..
Kath says
Thank you all for all of your sweet comments! What makes me happiest is that many of you were able to pause and remember your own grandmas 🙂
Bree says
Your memories are so sweet! I love the slacks vs. pants 🙂 Sorry again for your loss, sounds like she was an amazing woman.
Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl says
This is such a beautiful tribute to your grandmother, Kath! My grandma was my best friend – always. There’s nothing – and I do mean nothing – in this world like a grandma’s love, in my opinion. I have many, many fond memories of my grandma and she played a HUGE part in molding me in to who I am today.
Thank you so much for sharing this time with us. Every time I find a post of yours I think is my favorite, you out-do yourself! And this is my new favorite post: so full of beauty, cherished memories, and your heart. 😀
Hugs,
Michele
Dynamics says
Your words are brilliant. I feel like I know your grama. You were so lucky to have a grama like that. How is Bu doing? He has to be suffering the most. I hope someone in the family that he knows takes great care of him.
cathy says
What a lovely tribute to your grandmother. Very dear memories. So sorry for you loss.
wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
Beautiful post. Missing my Gram right about now, too, for various reasons.
Thanks for reminding me to remember things about her instead of just missing her. Such a big difference.
April says
What a lovely tribute to your Gram. I’ll bet she’s smiling down just knowing you feel this way. I’m sorry for your loss.
judy says
what a sweet and thoughtful tribute katherine. i am so happy that i was able to meet your grandmother. your post has allowed us all to reminisce on our own grandparents and what a pleasure that is. it has left me with fuzzy and warm feelings. thank you! i hope vivian is at peace now.
Becca says
Thinking of you and your family!
Kelli says
This was such a sweet post about your grandmother. I’m very close with mine and this made me appreciate even more what we can and do learn from our elders. I’m so happy you were able to attend and what a great way to celebrate her by going out to lunch with everyone. : )
Margaret says
So sorry for your loss, Kath. Thank you for sharing such simple precious memories. I know she would be proud of you. ?
Margaret says
I don’t know why but it turned my heart into a question mark…
Tiffany says
I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was an amazing woman.
Mom says
I want to add my thanks to everyone for your kind words. It was a sad but lovely day, and I was glad that Kath was able to capture it for us.
Shawna @ Balancing Me says
Wonderful post, Kath! I’m sorry for your loss. You can tell your grandmother was loved greatly by all!
Alicia says
I am so sorry for your loss Kath. What a beautiful post, I’m sure she was proud of you and all of the family. She was very special. Such a great tribute!
Corinne says
Aw Kath, this was such a beautiful and heart felt tribute to your grandmother’s life. Your words and comments definitely brought back amazing memories of my Pop Pop 🙂 Thank you for sharing such touching memories.
Dad says
Kath,
This was a wonderful post and brought back memories that I hadn’t thought about for a long time. I wish you could have shared some of these thoughts at the funeral service but I’m not sure you knew beforehand that you’d have a chance to do so. I’m going to share this post with our First Cousins Email List so that those that couldn’t attend can share in Gram’s memory.
Dad
lesley says
I am moved and marveling that the core of the Walders lives on in yet another relative I know little of. I am your Dad’s cousin. His Uncle Bud’s oldest. He forwarded your blog to me. I plan to pass this forward to my three children who also have a fondness for food and a deep appreciation of what a loving family can be. Cheers, Lesley