Sunday, April 15, 2012
My name is Joan Bawden Reilly from Lima. My parents were married for 66 yrs. My dad was Ray, the barber for 81 years. My mother was Grace, who worked at Rittenhouse for 32 yrs. Two of her sisters were Florence Clarke and
Mabel Tooley. Mr. Laemlein used to come to the barbershop and to fix things at our house.
About 10 yrs ago, my husband Bob of 47 yrs, originally from Honeoye Falls, wanted to build a ranch on Papermill Street. That is how I became Wanda's neighbor.
Bob would say "Where are you running to?" and I would answer " Going down to see Mrs. Laemlein. After about an hour or two I would return.
Wanda would say "Come in Joanne". I never said that my name was really Joanie. Besides I kind of liked the name Joanne.
Sometimes I would take her some homemade soup and see if she thought it was ok to serve to my card party group. She said she always used alittle salt to bring out the flavor.
We would chat about everything - always about food as the tv would be on low with a cooking show. She asked me if I wanted her to turn it off but we always ended up watching the show. We talked about the children,grandchildren,her sister Mary and her brothers,Joe Reilly, who the neighbors are, who the former neighbors were,the weather, health,her dancing at the roost, husbands, and anything that came to mind. We solved all sorts of things.
Wanda had such wisdom.Her mind was sharp.
I was so excited for Wanda to go to Pinehurst as my parents and Aunt Mabel had lived there and liked it. She was alittle concerned about using an electric stove as she liked to make her oatmeal on the stove.
I didn't know her
5 children but she was happiest chatting about them and her memories. I will think fondly of Wanda and when I drive by I will glance at her tv room and remember our many warm and enjoyable visits.
