A Tribute to my Great Aunt June

Back on November 23, 2016, my Great Aunt June turned 90.

I wrote a tribute speech to her, which I shared with everyone gathered at my family's Thanksgiving Day dinner.

I post it here now in honor of her milestone:

Aunt June, as you mark 90 years, I have so much reason to celebrate.

I think upon the many times we’ve spent visiting together.  It’s nice to be able to pop right over to 539 S. Humphrey Avenue, especially on days with weather nice enough to bike over, to the one house where I have relatives right in Oak Park.  We have had many delightful conversations on a variety of subjects.  Your passion for education and your strong intellect shine forth so brightly even in your retirement years, and it’s made for some good conversation, including everything in the canon of English literature to current events.

In fact, I recall an instance when we attended Uncle Bernie’s graduation for his master’s degree.  The ceremony’s speaker, Colonel Jill Morgenthaler, talked about courage, and towards the end of her speech, she started quoting from the story about the Argo, and I remember vividly how your face lit up as you recited the words along with her.

And you show a great sense of care in the hospitality you offer me when I come by, like in offering me a treat to eat.  You have shown that same sense of care with your pets, especially as I think of our beloved Butterfly, and our Blake, too.  You’re also so eager to contribute something special to celebratory occasions, like when we gather as a family for a holiday meal, and for your pleasant gifts on those occasions.  I am always delighted when you get something together for me for my birthday, year after year.  You also enjoy “nice” foods, like fine candies and other delicacies.

It’s been wonderful visiting with you elsewhere as well.  I think back upon those delightful summer days when I would meet you at Rehm Pool and visit with you and your wonderful friends.  And I think about that day when I took you to Presence, where I had the pleasure of meeting Flora, and we had a fantastic visit with my Grandma Vel.  And I think upon all those other times when I encounter you somewhere like at Fair Share or the library.

And who could forget the Getaway, and the great times of vacationing our family had there.  You did a fabulous job maintaining that place to be that excellent vacation spot that it was.

Indeed, I have good things to recall as you celebrate 90 years on your birthday this year, and I’m so grateful I’ve a part in 25 of them.

Here’s to you, Aunt June.  Joy be with you and God Bless.

Paul

My Great Aunt June at a dinner celebrating her Birthday of 90 years.
Thanks to my Uncle Bernie for letting me use the camera on his phone for this picture.