My Aunt Marlene has always had a beautiful smile. It beams in the photograph my father took before the Winter Cotillion at the University of Illinois – when the two oldest Schnepper boys took their best girls out for a formal night on the town. My parents had just been married and Gordon was dating Marlene Eyer – a pretty girl with twinkling eyes and a mischievous smile.
Aunt Marlene was a nurse by training and practiced her profession in a variety of settings. I think it must have been extra comforting to get some TLC from a nurse who had that radiant smile beaming at you.
After my grandparents, Aunt Marlene assumed the responsibility of coordinating the every other year Schnepper family reunions. One year it poured rain – a real gully washer. But it didn’t affect the turnout since most of us had come from out of town specifically to attend this event. Was it cancelled when the crowd of more than fifty couldn’t spread out in the large yard? Nope! Aunt Marlene and Uncle Gordon opened up their home and we all swarmed in. Eating and drinking. Visiting. Laughing. We took family pictures in the living room. I’m sure that sofa was never the same after being piled on by all the separate tribes who made up the reunion. Through it all, Aunt Marlene was the picture of serenity. Smiling.
Later she passed reunion coordination on to me, sharing all her mailing lists and recommendations. She and Uncle Gordon still hosted, but at the winery where there was room to set up without destroying her furniture.
When illness slowly robbed Aunt Marlene of her words, she still found effective ways to communicate with those pretty eyes and that wonderful smile. Even though words were harder to come by, her spirit was undiminished. She was willing to go on adventures like flying to New Jersey for a son’s housewarming party and always seemed happy to be in the midst of the chaos of family gatherings.
We’re never prepared to lose the people we love, even when they continue to steadily creep closer to leaving us. Earlier this week, after sharing time with all five of her children and with her loving husband at her side, my Aunt Marlene left us. I’m sure that she is smiling that beautiful smile as she looks down on us today. Thank you for showing us how much you loved us by sharing that smile for so long.
Sorry you lost a beautiful person. Glad you had her as long as you did. You always express feelings so well.
Absolutely beautiful. So very articulate. Love you. Thank you for the great tribute
Your gift with words has me feeling as if I knew Aunt Marlene all along and even attended the family reunion. Our condolences and prayers for comfort to you and all the family. I miss her smile now too.
What a great tribute. A smile is such a simple thing we can offer that makes the world such a brighter place. May God bring you and your family comfort, dear friend.
Sorry to hear about losing a loved one. Seems that is happening to many of my friends and neighbors with much more frequency these days. A sweet tribute in writing…you have such a way with words. Hugs!
Well I didn’t know Kim’s Aunt Marlene and how I wish I had.
Every family should have an Aunt Marlene, one who is beautiful inside and out and who touches hearts in a way that lingers forever. One who goes the extra mile year after year, and is the spark that brings generations together year after year. She knew families need those traditions, the laughter and shared experiences. She knew it would make a difference in the family’s future, in ways too subtle to measure.
Rest in peace Aunt Marlene. Your family knows you were the glue that made all the difference.
Love and closeness is not something that was missing from the Schnepper family. You were so fortunate to be able to have that from your aunt. Her warmth has definitely passed onto you and your sisters. Hugs to you all.
Thanks Kim for putting this in words. A beautiful tribute to our Aunt!
Kim, I am so sad to hear of Marlene’s passing. What a beautiful eulogy in your words! You have a wonderful gift. I know these words are comforting to Gordon and the rest of the family.❤️
Carol Sue
PS: I hate spell check
Oh, Kim. Imagine how so sorry to hear of your families loss of your Aunt Marlene. It’s always difficult to lose someone close to you but, somehow, it’s more so when it’s someone like your Aunt.
There are those who walk among us to whom a great gift was give … that of bringing joy to the others.
Hugs, Marsali
A lovely tribute to Aunt Marlene. Thanks Kim! Love you
I’m so thankful you have such wonderful family memories. I sure enjoy sharing them through your precious writing!
Dear Kim,
Marlene’s smile reminded me of her love of family. I was happy to read your notes about her extraordinary efforts to remind us of her gracious hospitality. I loved the times I was
able to join you.
Dixie
Kim, this is beautiful and certainly captures a very special aunt! Thanks! I love you!