One of eleven children, my aunt grew up on a farm in New Hampshire.  Without much opportunity in that small town, she left at age 16 to live with her aunt in Salem, Mass.  Her career dream was always to become a beautician.  By working in the doctors dining room at Salem Hospital, she was able to put herself through Wilfred Beauty Academy in Boston. 

She met my uncle in 1942, the year he left for WWII.  Their agreement was that she date others and if their attraction was still there when he returned, they'd marry.  The attraction was definitely still there and carried on for 57 years of marriage. 

Aunt Marie was my mom's sister and we had a connection that only grew stronger over the years.  Even as a young child, I admired her.  I know now she taught me the definition of style, class and femininity.  My aunt loved beauty and it showed.  Both in the care of her own looks and also the beauty she surrounded herself with....her taste in clothes, her impeccably decorated home, her flower and vegetable garden, music of all kinds, and the beauty of the world.

My aunt was a people person and loved to socialize.  She became well known for her elegant dinner parties where Waterford crystal and Wedgewood china graced her table.  And she loved to cook.  Her popovers were the best I've ever had and holidays at her home were made more memorable because of the love she put into all the preparation.

My aunt had a good life.  Probably a great life by many people's standards.  Her and my uncle traveled the world....literally.  From Bangkok to Brussels.  And when they'd return from a trip, they'd have us over for dinner and to show us all the slides they took.  I sat there mesmerized as Fiji, Tahiti, the Caribbean, Casablanca, all of Europe, Hong Kong, the Holy Land and a million other places flashed by on a screen.  I know now that's when my passion for travel began.  She planted that seed in me, encouraging me to see the world because it opened a whole new perspective on life.  I once asked her where her favorite place in the entire world was.  She never hesitated....it was Paris and all of the Holy Land.

When she was in her 40's, she decided she'd like to go to modeling school....and so, she did.  She attended John Robert Powers in Boston and for awhile she did runway modeling for various fund raisers and events.  She'd owned her own beauty shop downstairs in her home for almost 40 years and during that time she also volunteered at the information desk at Salem Hospital for 20 years.  She was a very strong believer that one must give back in life. 

My aunt was an avid reader and an expert in needlework.  Knitting, crocheting and cross stitch.  Many of the cocktail dresses you see her wearing in the video, she made.  Her work was stunning and elegant.  For her funeral, I chose a beautiful silver dress that she'd knitted for her 25th wedding anniversary.  My aunt loved life.  She loved nature and took great joy in planting flowers and a small garden with tomatoes and other vegetables.  The blueberries and raspberries from her bushes went into the most delicious pies.

Another thing my aunt loved was dancing.  She once told me that when she was in her teens and 20's she'd "rather dance than eat."  Her and my uncle were wonderful dancers and almost every Saturday evening found them at a dinner dance at the K of C or other organization.  And music....just another thing that her and I had in common.  She loved all kinds of music....and strange enough, neither one of us can carry a tune. 

My aunt was the oldest of three girls in the family. In one of the photos in the video, you'll see the three sisters.....all now gone.  My mom was Alma and is in the center.  Another thing my aunt loved was her French heritage.  She'd often switch from English into French halfway through a sentence. 

There are a million things I'll remember about my aunt and that will remind me of her, but one of the top ones will be her love for The Thorn Birds....both the book and the movie.  When the book came out in 1977, it was her copy that I read.  And I was just as enchanted with the story as she was.  My aunt was always in love with love and a true romantic, so it was no surprise that she'd viewed the movie version at least 15 times.  And about 4 of those times was during the past three years when she lived with us.  I had no idea that the soundtrack was available, but last week I went to Amazon and was delighted to discover that the original soundtrack from the movie by Henry Mancini was indeed able to be purchased.  Which I did immediately.  Therefore, throughout the video that's the music I chose to play.....theme from The Thorn Birds.  I hope you'll enjoy it.

Click the video link on my sidebar to watch the slideshow I had a lot of fun putting together last week.  It sure made her feel even closer.....but I have no doubt she'll never leave my side.  When Uncle Barney passed away, 3 years ago Nov. 17, she kissed him goodbye and said, "I'll see you in heaven."  And I also have no doubt, she's there now with that one great love of her life.

See you tomorrow.......