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Rob Bragg posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, March 30, 2024
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Growing up, in addition to our parents, Aunt Libby was one of the constants in our life, along with Mama and Papa, Uncle Miller and Aunt Eileen, Uncle John and Aunt Ann, and Terry, Nancy, Sherry and Shannon. We saw most of them every Sunday at Mama and Papa’s house, and every Thanksgiving and “Leftovers Friday” at Uncle Miller and Aunt Eileen’s, and every Christmas at Mama and Papa’s, and usually a couple of get togethers in the Summer and for other special occasions. I always looked forward to these events because these were my favorite people growing up.
And any visit with Mama and Papa always included Aunt Libby since she lived in the apartment in their basement with Uncle Bob. It would have been stranger not to see her on any given Sunday. And occasionally we would get to go down to Aunt Libby and Uncle Bob’s apartment to visit. I always loved that, too, because I thought of Aunt Libby as the “hippy” in the family. Their apartment always had more vibrant colors, and Aunt Libby had fun things to look at … a tabletop fiber optic mushroom lamp that pulsed with different colors, a rocking wave machine, interesting collectibles and frog figurines, and of course her miniature dachshund Angel, who was very cute and playful, and her talking parakeets Groucho and then Chico (who would also scold her dogs when they were naughty!).
I think because Aunt Libby didn’t have kids of her own, all of us nieces and nephews were kind of also her kids by default, and I know she loved us, even though I suspect she thought I was a little too rambunctious at times and a bit of a trouble-maker, probably because I was always hiding in the house, jumping around, playing hide and seek with Sherry and Shannon, wrestling with Joe, or just doing something to make noise which I’m sure sounded much louder downstairs.
In later years, as we all grew older, Aunt Libby was kind of the family historian, she always shared the most stories from their childhood, reminiscing was a favorite pastime of hers, although usually about their hardships, which I still loved to listen to because I think it’s what made them all so close. And she ended every story with “didn’t we, Joe,” looking at my dad for confirmation. And he would always smile and nod in agreement. I know my dad, Uncle Miller and Uncle John were probably very protective of their little sister Libby growing up and it showed in her reverence towards them.
I find Aunt Libby’s passing especially sad since she was the last surviving member of their immediate family, and with her passing they are all gone now, and so many memories have come back to me of growing up with all of them as the “constants” in my life. Constants that grounded me and shaped my views of the world and how families should love and care for one another. These are memories that I’ll always cherish from a great childhood. I miss and love you all, and I’m glad you’re all finally together again, with no pain, only the love that you shared in life.
God bless and rest well.
Robby
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Sherri Bragg posted a condolence
Friday, March 29, 2024
It was nice to see everyone again. Aunt Libby always talked about her favorite song, Georgia On my Mind. She was 14 and working at a burger joint called Hart's Delight. It was like Arnolds on Happy Days. They had car hops and inside booths with a jukebox that had the current hits of the day, like Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Everly Brothers and of course Elvis. One tune in particular the kids kept playing was a certain song, Georgia on my mind by Ray Charles. This song always brings back happy memories for Aunt Libby. She enjoyed working there, sometimes the job became frustrating, but that's with every job. Every summer, the Harts an senior couple that owned the place would have a huge bonfire by the lake. Mrs. Hart asked Aunt Libby who she was going to the bonfire w.d with. Aunt Libby said she wasn't going because she was only 14, and her parents would not allowed her to go. Mrs. Hart told her she would talk to her parents and not worry. She was going with Jim Hassett! Jim Hassett was Dad's best friend. This was also the first date Aunt Libby went on. Mr. Hart had a tractor with a flatbed with hay on it. The kids rode on the hay down to the beach. There was a bonfire to roast hotdogs weenies and marshmellows. Everyone had a great tim There was a transistor radio that played... guess what... Georgia on My Mind! Jim was a complete gentleman and the summer was over and time for her to go back to school. And that's the story behind Georgia on my mind,
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Robert and Jodie Bragg and Family purchased flowers
Monday, March 25, 2024
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Robert and Jodie Bragg and Family
purchased the Red Florist's Choice for the family of Elizabeth Siems.
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Shannon Barber posted a condolence
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Being the only girl and the youngest after three brothers also meant Aunt Libby received a fair share of teasing and practical jokes: mainly from our Dad (aka Uncle John). We were told one story when one joke went a little far. One time when she was ten she got out of bed to use the restroom, Dad decided to sneak in a small vacuum cleaner in her bed and fix it up as if someone is bed to scare her. Unfortunately (for Dad) she a noise and proceeded to jump into bed getting banged up by the vacuum cleaner. Their father (Pa Pa) was not amused.
Another time at the breakfast table she had gotten up to grab more napkins when Dad slightly moved her chair. She almost missed completely sitting down; luckily not knocking anything off the table. I think Dad got an earful from Mammaw on that one. LOL! She still loved her brothers very much:-) We will miss her humor.
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Shannon Barber posted a condolence
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Aunt Libby not only loved to sew but also enjoyed the company of canaries, canines, and various animals adopted by her parents.
One time during a visit when she was living with Mam maw (her mother) they had Chico the canary and Chi-chi the chihuahua. My sister and I were offered some extra dishware to take home.
Chi-chi believing the box containing treats jumped on top to when we all heard "CHI-CHI! GET DOWN! MOMMA IS GOING TO GET YOU!" The poor dog almost broke a leg running from the living room. At firs we all jumped until we realized Aunt Libby had taught Chico several phrases in which Chico could almost mimic her voice. We all laughed ourselves silly. Chi-chi recovered but doubted she learned her lesson. We will miss her very much.
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SherriBragg Posted Mar 30, 2024 at 11:58 AM
Chichi also TP the trailer! She managed to get hold of the beginning of the toilet paper and run through the trailer dragging the tissue behind her! It must have been one of those Charmin 1000 sheet rolls. That's why she was able to TP almost the whole place. That would have been a great commercial for Charmin! LOL!
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TW Reboulet posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
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I was sorry to hear about Aunt Libby. She was very honest and kind and smart and understanding. She asked about me and my cat and she was funny and happy (when I could talk to her) on the phone.
(for) Maria-Rachel
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The family of Elizabeth Elaine Siems uploaded a photo
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
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A Memorial Tree was planted for Elizabeth Siems
Thursday, February 8, 2024
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