Kearsley's grandmother, who we always called Nonnie, passed away today. She was a theatrical, quick-witted, graceful and loving grandmother. She had a keen design sense and appreciated beauty wherever she found it. She lived a privileged life, but it was not free from tragedy or hardship. Even through these hard times, she remained vivacious and loved life.
In the past years, she suffered from dementia and physical decline. We were so grateful that we got to spend some very special time with her this past summer at her 95th birthday. She was in great spirits and loved having her entire family with her. Nonnie's children both made it out to see her in her final days. We will miss her deeply. She was a wonderful grandmother. It has been an honor to have her as a role model of how to be a strong, confident, and kind woman.
Nonnie was born August 7th, 1917
She was the only child of her parents, Albert and Alice Fox. They were an adventurous family who traveled quite a bit around the US.
Nonnie on a tricycle.
Looking quite beautiful in her college years. She attended Wells College in New York.
Nonnie married Kearsley's grandfather (who we call Chief) in the years leading up to World War II.
After they were married they had two children, Judy and Peter. Chief had to leave his wife and his two young children to become a Naval officer in World War II. He found himself at the D-day invasion where his ship was sunk. Later, he was on another ship that was sunk in the Pacific theater. He was involved in several other intense situations as well. One of them earning him a Bronze Star. When he returned, he was scarred by those experiences.
While he was gone, Nonnie stayed with her parents and took care of the children and helped injured vets in the hospital.
Chief returned from the war to his two children and his wife. Tragically, Judy died at age 6, not long after his return, of a sudden severe illness.
Kearsley's mother (aka Lulu) was born not long after her death. Here is Nonnie with Peter and Lulu.
A lovely family.
Chief and Nonnie at Lulu's wedding.
Nonnie loved dressing up and made some excellent costumes.
Nonnie with her first granddaughter, Kearsley.
Nonnie and Chief with Coco, Marimar and Kearsley in Colorado.
Nonnie and Chief at their 50th wedding anniversary with both their children and their families.
Nonnie and Chief were great travelers and love seeing different parts of the world. Sadly, Chief died of a stroke in 1993.
Several years after his death, Nonnie met a new companion, Edwin. Although they lived in different states, they spent a great deal of time together traveling and visiting each other for many years until health issues made it too difficult to continue.
In 2009, Nonnie meets Maya for the first time.
This past summer we gather her entire family together to celebrate her 95th birthday. She got to meet Dexter and Coco's daughter, Vivian.
Here we all are at this very happy occasion.
Nonnie holding her youngest great granddaughter, Vivian, at her party. We like remembering her like this, filled with joy and loving life. We love you, Nonnie.
