Mike and I are now grandparentless. Mike’s last surviving grandmother passed away last week. Lucinda Coy Anderson Dickey was 88 years old, and as beautiful at 88 as was is in her twenties. Last Thursday night she changed into her pajamas, sat down in her rocking chair to watch TV, and quietly slipped away. I don’t know about you, but I’m signing up for that way of exiting this world. Such a peaceful way to go!
Lucinda spent most of her 88 years living on the same quiet street in Millville Utah. In fact she passed away only 50 feet from where she was born. This is the house where she lived most of her married life. She raised all nine of her children in this tiny home, which didn’t even have a basement until her teenage children dug one out using shovels. Every time I step inside this little home, I marvel at how she raised her significantly large family in such a small space.
There is a frequently quoted, pioneer saying that goes like this- ”Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” Lucinda practiced this principle to the letter. She was extremely frugal, and her home and belongings reflect that. As we were going through her home we found all sorts of treasures from the past…..
Look at all the canning! There is bottled fruit on those shelves from the 70’s! Some jars were as old as me!
There wasn’t really much of value in her home, except perhaps sentimental, but Lucinda most certainly lived a valued life. Her funeral was attended by hundreds of friends, neighbors, and family. She had a profound effect on so many who’s lives she touched over the years. I get happy when I think about her reunion in heaven with her loved ones, especially her husband Arnold who she has been patiently waiting to see for thirty years.
My favorite thing about Lucinda was her laugh. She had the cutest little chuckle. I’ll miss hearing it. I’ll miss her white hair, the gift of chocolates she gave us each Christmas without fail, and her applesauce cookies. I’ll always be grateful to her for giving me the best father-in-law in the world and for her loving influence on Michael, myself, and my children. We’ll miss you Grandma.
(lovely photos – courtesy of my brother-in-law Lance)
10 comments:
They were fun pictures for sure...those bottles are just perfect for a shelf, don't you think? I think sentimental is one of the best kinds of values anyway.
I'm sorry for your loss, you guys. It's sad to be grandparentless. She sounds like an amazing woman.
Thanks, Jill, for that sweet tribute the Grandma!
That basement dug out by teenagers has me gripping the sills whenever I'm in her house, just in case there is a cave-in. But it's still standing, even with the throngs that have passed through in the last few days!
Ha ha. I didn't realize until the last couple days that it wasn't a bona fide basement. Thanks for this tribute... one of these days I'll be able to write my own.
Wow, what a good dose of prospective. I'm feeling a little claustrophobic having to share my basement with my mother-in-law. This post was a beautiful tribute to Lucinda. Mike has her nose. Hey, I wondered if anyone did a taste test to see if any of that food was still good?
i loved these photos and tributes. I just have one grandmother left...and I just don't even want to deal with a life without her. (even though she's 91 and it's inevitable)
So sorry for your loss.
Wow, what a beautiful tribute. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Are you guys going to fight over who gets all those awesome board games?!
That is so sweet to see all her hard work in the storage room. She sounds like a beautiful person. :)
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