As today, June 7th is the birthday of my beloved Grandmother, I thought it would be a fitting day to introduce her to you. This is my paternal Grandmother, Catherine Mary Tyrrell Connolly, who was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1909. Sadly she passed away in 1991, but her memory forever lives in my heart. Here she is pictured holding my brother in 1962, when she was 53 years young. You can see her very thick, wavy hair in this photo, a trait I happily inherited from her.
My brother and I always called her Nanny Kitty. Kitty was her nickname, and she never went by the name of Catherine. We couldn't just call her "Nanny," as we were also blessed with our maternal grandmother, who was also a "Nanny." So to avoid any confusion, our grandmother's were referred to as Nanny Kitty and Nanny O'Leary. Here Nanny Kitty proudly wears a scripted "K" embroidered upon her chest.
I'm fortunate to have saved several greeting cards from my childhood. Here is one from Nanny Kitty, given to me in the early 1970's. I remember how every June, Nanny would complain half jokingly about "going broke" because of all the June bithdays. You see, my father, brother, and I, all had June birthdays. Plus she had two other grandsons that were June babies; not to mention all the communions and weddings during that month. Nanny would never be confused with a spendthrift, and we would get a kick out of her complaining, about spending so much money on June celebrations. I miss her dearly, and I look forward to sharing stories about her every Tuesday. If you were blessed to know your grandmother or grandmothers, what did you call them? I would love to know!
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My mother had that great grey hair too..Her crowning glory..thick thick..:) She looks very sweet..and loving..love the card too..I know some months can seem like going broke months:)I love her expression~
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful memories - my granny didn't want anything to do with pesky grandkids - and my grandmother was distant and never hugged me or my brothers one time. You are so very fortunate to have such fine memories. We now have three grandsons and spend so much time with them - they come over, or we take them someplace, or go to their house - we adore them and are with them whenever we can be - and LOTS of hugs and kisses!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to hearing my about Nanny Kitty.
Hi Maureen,
ReplyDeleteI loved hearing your story about your sweet Nanny and how pretty her K embroidered on her frock is.
Also how cute that you have the precious little birthday card from her.
I was blessed to have a dear Grandma and never knew my Dads Mother, as she passed when I was just a baby.
Have a happy week
Hugs
Carolyn
I called mine "Grandma"...both of them. I was just talking today with my Mom about them and some of my memories with them.
ReplyDeleteDeb
How wonderful, Maureen! So glad you'll be sharing stories about your Nanny Kitty each Tuesday...such lovely memories!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a lovely night, dear friend!
Julie
So nice to meet your Nanny Kitty! She looks like she was a lot of fun. I love your new garden too. We had our first one last year and I loved it. Be sure to pinch back your basil so it doesn't go to seed too soon. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet sentiment of your darling Grandmother! Love the picture of her and she sounds like a gem! Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Maryjane
Hi Maureen
ReplyDeleteThose are some lovely memories of your Nanny Kitty. Thanks for sharing
and also thank you for visiting over at my place and leaving such a lovely comment.
Wishing you a wonderful day
Tina
Such lovely memories Maureen! My Mammaw was my dad's mom in Mississipi and Grandmother was what we called my mom's mom. I don't have many physical memories but many memories of the heart. :) Tammu
ReplyDeleteTammy not Tammu :/
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling picture. You can tell from that smile that she was a wonderful grandmother. I noticed that amazing monogram on her shirt right off. : )
ReplyDeleteAdorable photo. Sweet story. I have no nickname for my grandmother, we simply called her "mormor" - which is a swedish word and means "my mothers mother" :)
ReplyDelete-Sanna
I love hearing your wonderful memories of your family.
ReplyDeleteMimi