August 16 has always been a special occasion in my family, as it was my mother's birthday. Although she is no longer with us, today marks the 100th anniversary of her birth. She didn't quite make 100, but she nearly achieved 96.
Mom was special. She was conceived in the Territory of Arizona, but born in the State. Both the State of Arizona and mom became 100 years old this year.
She was born in Bisbee, Arizona as a copper miner's daughter. Her early life was hardscrabble, but on graduating from high school at age 16, she had studied hard enough to earn a scholarship to Tulane University, where she studied for a year. She then returned to Arizona and got a teaching degree at Arizona State, working to pay for her education.
In 1934, after graduating, she started doing social work for the Federal government, and roomed in a small house my paternal grandparents rented to her. It was there that she met my dad; the upshot is that they fell in love and were married in 1936. I came along in 1939. Mom continued her studies, and earned her Master's degree in education in 1945, which was almost unheard of for a woman at that time.
She taught Spanish for years in Phoenix; a natural for her, as she was raised on the border and was completely bilingual.
She became matriarch of the family, and was always generous and supportive for me, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.
Today, we had a graveside ceremony in honor of the 100th anniversary of her birth. I had asked each in our family to write down reminiscences, which I compiled into a 14-page booklet. These were read at the gravesite, where we placed flowers. They say no one is dead if they are remembered. I think my mom is still, on that basis, very much alive.
John
Mom was special. She was conceived in the Territory of Arizona, but born in the State. Both the State of Arizona and mom became 100 years old this year.
She was born in Bisbee, Arizona as a copper miner's daughter. Her early life was hardscrabble, but on graduating from high school at age 16, she had studied hard enough to earn a scholarship to Tulane University, where she studied for a year. She then returned to Arizona and got a teaching degree at Arizona State, working to pay for her education.
In 1934, after graduating, she started doing social work for the Federal government, and roomed in a small house my paternal grandparents rented to her. It was there that she met my dad; the upshot is that they fell in love and were married in 1936. I came along in 1939. Mom continued her studies, and earned her Master's degree in education in 1945, which was almost unheard of for a woman at that time.
She taught Spanish for years in Phoenix; a natural for her, as she was raised on the border and was completely bilingual.
She became matriarch of the family, and was always generous and supportive for me, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.
Today, we had a graveside ceremony in honor of the 100th anniversary of her birth. I had asked each in our family to write down reminiscences, which I compiled into a 14-page booklet. These were read at the gravesite, where we placed flowers. They say no one is dead if they are remembered. I think my mom is still, on that basis, very much alive.
John
