Merriam-Webster describes the word as, a woman who rules or dominates a family, group, or state
specifically: a mother who is head and ruler of her family and descendants. Their use of the word in a sentence brought me to tears because it could not be more accurate in my family. Our grandmother was the family's matriarch.
To me, she was the first babysitter I remember. Golfing three times a week. Hotdogs at "the club" and, movie dates on rainy days. She was the first person I truly ever wanted to make proud. She was a role model in everything she did whether she knew it or not.
To others she was mom. The chaperon, the chauffeur, the team mom, the shoulder to cry on, the advice you didn't want but needed, the rock in your life. Her smile and laugh lit up every room she entered. She made an impression the moment you met or saw her.
The fact that she got her degree in teaching never surprised anyone as she always wanted to have a positive impact on those she came in contact with. Her home was always open whether you were the youngest sibling or cousin. Having the best day or the worst. She was whatever you needed her to be. She was summers at the beach, holiday meals, miller-lite and always cake behind the paper towel roll.
Perhaps the most important thing that Marion passed on to so many people was the importance of community. Her family actively involved in swimming. She was very involved with the Greater Tampa Swim Association as well as the Academy of the Holy Names. She was an avid golfer and a President of the Emerald Greens Woman's Golf Association. Everywhere she went it felt as if a family followed.
Her fondest moments were surrounded by her community. Her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, cousins, family, and friends. I still remember to this day the tears that came to her eyes moments when we were all together. Whether it was birthday celebrations, weddings, or holiday gatherings the look in her eyes as a family from across the country came together made it all the more special.
As my family came together to celebrate the new year, and my uncle's 70th birthday on the sandy beaches of Indian Rocks, we celebrated both my grandmother and grandfather in the only way possible. As a community.
There were and still are tears, laughs, stories, and memories. About two people and moments that have shaped and continue to shape an entire family. And will for generations to come.
Marion, Mom, Grandma, GG
Gregor, Dad, Umpah
We love you, and are thinking about you every day. As we welcome in the new year, but never forget those who made not only the last decade but the journey of our lives memorable and brought us together to share it.
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