Week 9: Gone Too Soon (52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – 2023 Version)

The theme for Week 9 is "Gone Too Soon." How much time is enough? Just a little bit more...  This week is a good time to write about someone who you'd like to have a little (or a lot) more time with. Click here to check out all the themes for 2023.

I think of my grandparents. My maternal grandfather died before I was born, his wife died when I was in 3rd Grade so I was about nine years old. I have fond memories of her. Would I like to have more time with her yes. However, I think of my paternal grandparents who I really don’t have any memories of.

They were John “Jack” Lawrence Crinion and his wife Isabelle McDonald. I was a mere four years old when they died. John died on March 23, 1967 at the age of 67 and his wife Isabelle died from a broken heart, mere weeks later on May 8, 1967 at the age of 73. Grandma was seven years older than grandpa. They had three children, Mary Alyce Crinion Vujnovich (1921-1996); John “Jack” Lawrence Crinion (Jr) (1924-1996) and my dad, Robert Matthew Crinion (1928-2011).

I have only one memory of my grandfather and it was at his funeral. I can still picture the funeral home room, with the casket in the front of the room and the room is filled with chairs. The chairs were empty, so I am guessing this memory is before visiting hours started. I remember that I needed to be on my best behavior and to be quiet because my dad was very sad. I can see my dad in the room, not his face but his body, and I think he is guiding me to a chair to sit and be good. I wish I had a few more years with my grandpa, so I could actually have a memory of the man. My older siblings said he was lots of fun. My mother married my dad as a widow with six children. Therefore, this was their step grandfather and he made a point to tell them that he was their grandfather. My grandpa would come over on Saturday morning and take the kids out of the house, so my parents could sleep in and enjoy some quiet time. My grandpa rode a motorcycle and took his grandkids on rides around the neighborhood. I wish I knew this fun grandpa. 

I have two memories of my grandmother. I remember an elderly lady sitting in the kitchen of my Aunt Mary’s home. I was a little scared of this lady. My mom was sitting across of the table while my Aunt was standing near the sink, stove or counter, I just can’t remember. I was told to leave the room, by whom I am not sure. I just knew that children were supposed to leave adults alone and find something to entertain ourselves, quietly.

My other memory, might be the same day, I don’t know. I remember my grandma sitting on the couch in the living room. I want to say she was choking and my dad carried her to the car. My grandmother used a wheelchair and he put the wheelchair in the car too. I remember being confused and my father was not going to be answering any questions. I don’t have any more memories; I don’t know if I went to my grandmother’s funeral.

Therefore, I wish a had a few more years with my paternal grandparents, so I could tell my children stories of my grandparents. 

Have fun and remember to Just do Genealogy!