Grandma
Lynnellen
(pregnant with Drew), Jo Ann, Grandma, and Uncle Bobby
Thanksgiving
Day 1986
GRANDMA
Grandma. That's the only name I can use as I talk about my
grandmother, Fannie
Schneider. Grandma liked being called by
that name too, and actually asked my friends to call her Grandma
too.
I feel like I had a special
privilege as a grand-daughter to get to know Grandma because in
1978 when I graduated from Colorado College, I moved in with
Grandma. At first I moved into one of her extra bedrooms, but
soon discovered that I was more comfortable sharing a room with
Grandma. She invited me to sleep in the extra twin bed that was
in her bedroom. Like two young girls, we became good friends;
sometimes I felt like we were college roommates, not grandmother
and grand-daughter. We shared some great times together that
year--we went shopping together, ate meals together, went to
movies together, and took walks together. I was able to drive her
to visit certain friends and relatives she couldn't see that
often too. I learned a lot about not only Grandma's family, but
also my grandfather's family that year.
That year was an important one in
my life, since while staying at Grandma's house, I met the man I
would marry, Dan Farris. Most of our courtship took place at Grandma's house,
and Dan soon was calling her "Grandma" too! Dan and I
became engaged while sitting in Dan's car, right in front of
Grandma's house! Grandma was the first one to hear the good news
and responded with, "Mazel Tov!" We celebrated by
picking up Grandma's sister, Molly, and all going out to eat at
the Katella Deli, Grandma's
favorite restaurant. That was Dan's first
time eating at a Jewish deli, and we probably took Grandma to
that deli at least 50 more times in future years. She always
ordered the same thing: a bowl of matzah ball soup and a corned
beef sandwich. She only ate half of the sandwich and took the
other half home to eat later (or to give to her son, Bobby, who visited
quite often.)
Grandma really liked young people.
She had many boarders through the years live in the large house
on Granada Avenue. One of her favorite boarders was my best
friend, Marion Ennis Curtis. Marion called her "Grandma" too. It was
really great for Dan and I when we visited Belmont Shore, since
we could always visit Grandma and Marion at the same time. Marion
took part in some of our family celebrations too. I always
thought it was so wonderful that Grandma had so many friends,
both young and old.
I miss my Grandma. I miss hearing
the stories of her childhood in New York. I miss hearing her
sing. I miss hearing about her life with my Grandpa, Max. I
miss hearing about her life as a young teacher and young mother.
I miss hearing about what went on at the Jewish Community Center
and what she was served at the luncheon at the temple. I miss
hearing about Grandma's friends. I miss hearing about her sisters
and brothers, Grandpa, Uncle Bobby, and my dad. Although I miss
these things, I am left with wonderful memories of a very busy
and happy lady.
I am so glad that she was able to
meet her great-grandson, my son, Joel, in her last days. I hope to
be able to tell Joel stories about Grandma too.
I know Grandma really loved her
husband, two sons, three grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
I am so glad that her first great-grandchild, Drew was able to
get to know Grandma well. The house on Granada Avenue will never
be the same, but new memories have occured there: since my
sister, Lynnellen, and her three children have been living there. I am so
glad Grandma led such a long and wonderful life. I feel
privileged to be the grand-daughter of such a unique individual.
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