Wilhelmine Kohl came to the US in 1951 at the New York harbor six years after WWII ended with only a nickel and a suitcase. The only words she could say were "bacon and eggs". So for the rest of the week that's all she ate.
After her move to New York City, she moved to California with that same suitcase. She ended up working at a card club in Seal Beach as a cocktail waitress; she was only 32 or 33 at that time. Here is where she met Benjamin Wesley Hollingsworth, a high-ranking lieutenant Navy man. In 1953, they were married and moved to Long Beach, California until his death.
Mimi then moved to Belgium to take care of her mother and sister until they each passed; then she came back to the United States...her real home. She became a citizen in 1957.
Mimi lived in a place called Destinations, she felt safe there with people her own age. My parents were alive so I guess you could say they were the "Three Musketeers".
Mimi loved gambling, but only $20.00 at a time. We'd take her and my dad, Bill, to Green Valley Ranch for the crab leg buffet and a glass of wine; she was in her glory! Then off to gamble. Sundays, my husband, Jim, would take her to St. Thomas More to church, we would pick her up and take her to lunch; and then a Mai Tai for Mimi made her very happy!
Mimi passed away in her sleep on October 30, 2018.
We sure will miss you Mimi! Our car will feel empty without you and my Dad.
Love you both....
