Today, those of us still in our “earth suits” lost a wonderful presence. Marge Maloney, mother of four, “Memo to many, the iconic Aunt to a whole group of young Haakinson women, and friend to anyone who knew their sports and could play a good game of cards. She will be so missed.
Ever since I could remember, I (along with my cousin Tracy) have been told, “Oh you’re just like your Aunt Marge. ” I didn’t think this was too bad. She was fiesty, sharp as a tack, accepting of people’s differences and the life of the party. If that was the life I was suppose to lead, then I had a pretty good role model.
Aunt Marge outlived all five of her younger brothers, a husband, and a son. Today is my father’s birthday and I just have an idea that she heard there was a party going on, and she wasn’t going to miss out. So she left that old tired “earth suit” and headed up to heaven, (we’re assuming that they all ended up there), to add a little spice to the festivities. So boys, you had better stand up straight and wash behind your ears, because your big sister is back in town.
March madness is just around the corner and Aunt Marge now has the best seat in the house. If her wildcats can’t make it, (they haven’t been the same since Lute left), maybe Tracy’s Jayhawks or my Zags can give her some thrills. I just know that she’ll be laughing at me whenever the TV networks won’t show the game I want to watch.
Everyone will have a different reason to miss this wonderful lady. For my children, she was always able to remind them of their Grandpa through her speech and actions. For me, she was always the midwest link to remembering my Haakinson roots. And for many others it will be her wit, her confidence, and her ability to share her love.
So for now, I will toast you, Aunt Marge, with a Bloody Mary, and a dab of Shalimar behind both ears.
February 25, 2010 at 9:20 pm |
Thank you so much Penny for your blog on Aunt Marge, I cried when I heard of her passing, but then I remembered her Birthday party in Reno, and how great she looked, and I also got to see and spend time with people I haven’t seen in years, including Randy.. And don’t you know they had a grand party for her as she passed through the gates..Our dads were great men, but what a truely great gal she was.. God bless you, I love you.. going to pass this on to my sisters…Love you..B
February 26, 2010 at 12:37 am |
Aunt Marge taught me how to knit, use clippies to set hair in pincurls and how to give my shots in my stomach!!! I will never forget the time Tracy and I spent with her and Randy at Gramma H’s in Sioux City!
February 28, 2010 at 5:08 am |
I only got to spend a few times with Aunt Marge that I can remember, but everytime I did, I felt blessed by her presence. When I heard of her passing I thought of the people up in heaven greeting her. I know Grandpa is running the show up there and I think he was thinking of the workload coming up with March Madness and he knew he was going to need Marge’s help. Randy already had the welcoming committee working on her party weeks ago, so as you can imagine, he looked as though he was ready to burst, holding her favoite drink, with his Disney shirt on and open arms to welcome is mom. Aunt Marge, I know you have a lot of work to do up there to get all those boys in line, but don’t forget to watch over us Haakinson women, because our workload just increased…we have to fulfill your legacy! Give Gramps and Randy a hug for me! Love you Marge. PS I know you love your wildcats, but if you could help out my Zags go further in the tournament, I would greatly appreciate it!