November 18, 2011

Grandma Lucy was a wonderful woman and I was lucky to know her for 44 years.  I was first introduced to her and Grandpa John when I was the girl friend of John, their son.  We decided to drive from Milwaukee to Beloit for the weekend for me to be introduced.  I was nervous and, of course, wanted to pass inspection.  I was introduced to this wonderful woman who proudly showed me their house on Riverside Drive in Beloit which sat on a hill with a huge sweeping lawn.  It was beautiful but a lot of work with John chiming in to tell me exactly how much work that lawn was for the family.  It was a great weekend and soon I became a daughter-in-law.

I learned a lot from Grandma Lucy.  After we were married, we would go on vacations to northern Wisconsin where we would stay in cabins on one of the lakes.  Grandma Lucy thought nothing of making all the food.  She had so many shortcuts in food preparation such as having pie crust dough all ready and all one had to do was to scoop out a few cups, add some water, and make your pie.  She would do the same for biscuits. She was a good cook.  After Grandma John passed away, she continued cooking and would prepare a chicken on Sunday and then eat it the rest of the week.  I remember asking her once if she didn't get tired of eating the same.  Her response was, "Oh, no,I just put different vegetables in it or salad greens and it is a brand new dish."

She was a smart lady always doing her own taxes and kept meticulous household accounts.  She would proudly show us her little book in which she kept entries of every appliance she had bought, when it was purchased, and how much it cost.  She loved to read books and the more challenging the better.  She would keep a little notecard next to her and jot down the characters and how they related to one another so she wouldn't lose track of the story.  She made her own suits and dresses for work and once she starting to quilt her math and fine eye for detail really came forth.  She did all hand work and it was exquisite.

Yes, Grandma Lucy,was a lovely lady who lived a good life and may she rest in peace next to Grandpa John. Thank you, Grandma Lucy

   Like so many others, I'll always remember "Grandma Lucy" for her smile. More often than not, she was quiet and reserved, and I think she enjoyed giving the impression of being stern. But, then she would smile and it would give her away!

Eternal peace, Grandma Lucy.

Linda (Norman) Hovind

What I remember most about her was her great smile.   What a great smile she always had!  Just last week she looked at me while I was talking to her and she gave me a big smile at something I said, just as one of the helpers passed by, and the lady commented: "there's that Lucille smile".    I know she is in a better place now, but I'm going to miss our visits.

    
 
I too remember our trips to Grandma's.  Seeing her was always an infrequent special treat when we were growing up, because of the distance.  Usually arriving late Friday night.  Driveway light on, grandma coming out to the porch to greet us.  House always in perfect condition.  Chilled chocolate chip cookies/brownies and Seven-Up.  Rockford Files on TV, Uncle Bus or Uncle Mark.  AM radio news on at 7am! The red ball, blocks, Yahtzee, Old Maid, Canasta, Gin Rummy.  Trips to Stop 'n Go, Shopko, the movies, and Power Elementary.  She was always interested in the details of our lives, but I never knew much about hers, and wondered how she kept busy when we weren't there.   After college, I started calling her weekly, and it was neat to hear more about her normal days and her views on things.    She and I saw eye to eye on a lot of issues, so it was nice to have a grown-up conversation with her.  I loved to tease her, and she was a rascal herself.  She rarely called me, but wrote often - sometimes about nothing in particular, but just to say hello.
 
Moving her here in 2005 was probably hard for her, but it was great for me.  After all the years of being so far away, she could finally be a regular part of our lives.  Sunday dinners together most weeks.  Great-grandchildren's activities and sports.  Birthday dinners and just the occasional night out. Cider mills and up north at the cottage.  Was great to have her just up the road.  Was nice to make a special meal for her after having  receiving so much hospitality from her all those years growing up.  I am so grateful for those last years we had together on a regular basis.  She made every family get-together feel complete.  
 
She finally started to wear out, and I know it was difficult for her to realize that too.   She pushed on and tried her best, and when she couldn't do anything else, she just gave us a big smile!  I will miss her immensely but am thankful for her long life with us and final peace.

Your Favorite, Favorite Grandchild, Kris

A lot of my favorite memories of Grandma Lucy are very similar to ones that Kris and Kirsten listed and the foods she made, her sewing, the games/toys at her house, and the Holidays we spent with her.  I always liked listening to her talk about her life and remember asking a lot of questions about her when she was younger, Grandpa John, and what my dad was like growing up.  She lived a long interesting life, and experienced a lot and she saw so much history being made during her time here on Earth.
 
I've always been jealous of that Private Benjamin story with Kris and Kirsten.  Grandma would watch us when our parents would go away on vacations, and I never felt like I could get anything past her as she was too sharp.  Trying to do something I wasn't supposed to, or go somewhere I wasn't allowed, or staying up later.  No matter what I told her, she wouldn't fall for it.  I am sure it bothered me as a kid, but looking back it makes me smile.  She was a tough lady.     
 
I am grateful that I lived so close to her for the past year and was able to visit with her fairly often.  She wasn't in the best shape, but I always felt like she recognized me and enjoyed my company.  I would usually bring Aiden with me and he always made her smile as her eyes would brighten up when I held him in front of her and would update her on what new things he had done since our last visit.  I will dearly miss her.
                                
Your best and most favorite Grandkid, Johnny

Some of my favorite times with Grandma were when I was in college.  When I was feeling homesick or overwhelmed at school, I got on a bus and went to Grandma's house where I could enjoy a relaxing weekend away from the dorms. My holiday memories at Grandma's house were of Easter egg hunts out in her yard.  I remember finding eggs in that big tree that grew next to the garage.  At every holiday meal, she would put out a glass dish with pickles and olives.  It was hard not to eat all of the black olives before the meal even started.  Grandma used to think that my brothers and I were the pickiest eaters as children.  Once when she watched us while my parents were on vacation, she made chicken with a cornflake crust.  Johnny and I thought she was insane and refused to eat it.  She was so mad.  The funny thing is that I made a recipe just like that one a few weeks ago.  I love her and will miss her, but feel that she is at peace watching over all of us.  


                             Your most Favorite Grandchild, Laura

What I remember about Grandma Lucy the most was her strength. She always kept her house and her yard in the best condition. Even as she aged, I remember her still mowing her lawn, cleaning the gutters, and raking the leaves. And I always remember when I was younger getting to Grandma's house after the drive from Detroit and looking forward to a tray of sausage/cheese/crackers or a pizza. I don't know why I remember that so much but it always was something I looked forward to. And then I remember the Holidays at Grandma's....she would make a great dinner, make a beautiful table setting, have her xmas tree with all the presents beneath it. We  would  always get out the"blocks" and have a contest who could build the tallest tower. And how great was grandma with her crafts? She sewed baby clothes, Barbie clothes, knitted pillows, baby boots, sewed our matching red and white PJ's, and quilted blankets, the list is endless! I wish she would have taught me to do all that. And of above all else, I will always remember going to "Private Benjamin" with Grandma when I was like 9 years old! Kris and I always laugh about that one...Oh Grandma just wanted to make us happy! And she did! I think we are blessed to have her as long as we did. I think Grandma was ready to go, she was ready to see Grandpa John, she was tired, and I feel she passed peacefully and comfortable. I will miss her but love her and love that she is finally at peace and in the arms of the Lord.

                                              I Love you, Your Favorite Grandkid, Kirsten

What I remember most about her was her great smile.   What a great smile she always had!  Just last week she looked at me while I was talking to her and she gave me a big smile at something I said, just as one of the helpers passed by, and the lady commented: "there's that Lucille smile".    I know she is in a better place now, but I'm going to miss our visits.
 
I too remember our trips to Grandma's.  Seeing her was always an infrequent special treat when we were growing up, because of the distance.  Usually arriving late Friday night.  Driveway light on, grandma coming out to the porch to greet us.  House always in perfect condition.  Chilled chocolate chip cookies/brownies and Seven-Up.  Rockford Files on TV, Uncle Bus or Uncle Mark.  AM radio news on at 7am! The red ball, blocks, Yahtzee, Old Maid, Canasta, Gin Rummy.  Trips to Stop 'n Go, Shopko, the movies, and Power Elementary.  She was always interested in the details of our lives, but I never knew much about hers, and wondered how she kept busy when we weren't there.   After college, I started calling her weekly, and it was neat to hear more about her normal days and her views on things.    She and I saw eye to eye on a lot of issues, so it was nice to have a grown-up conversation with her.  I loved to tease her, and she was a rascal herself.  She rarely called me, but wrote often - sometimes about nothing in particular, but just to say hello.
 
Moving her here in 2005 was probably hard for her, but it was great for me.  After all the years of being so far away, she could finally be a regular part of our lives.  Sunday dinners together most weeks.  Great-grandchildren's activities and sports.  Birthday dinners and just the occasional night out. Cider mills and up north at the cottage.  Was great to have her just up the road.  Was nice to make a special meal for her after having  receiving so much hospitality from her all those years growing up.  I am so grateful for those last years we had together on a regular basis.  She made every family get-together feel complete.  
 
She finally started to wear out, and I know it was difficult for her to realize that too.   She pushed on and tried her best, and when she couldn't do anything else, she just gave us a big smile!  I will miss her immensely but am thankful for her long life with us and final peace.

All of My Love, Your Favorite Grandkid, Kris

I'd like to extend my gratitude to your family in giving me the opportunity to spend some memorable moments with Lucille. My deepest sympathy to each and everyone of you. May God Bless you!

OBITUARY

Lucille Gertrude Guetschow Maxworthy

December 13, 1917 – November 5, 2011

Harry J Will Funeral Homes

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