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Leslie Toussaint Watchinski posted a condolence
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Ann was my mother. She was my first friend and playmate, and she filled a
space in my world so large that I couldn't imagine going on without her.
She taught me to love books, and art and music.
And by explaining everything, from my body's ability to heal, to the efficient habits of ants, she taught me to appreciate the simple perfection of nature. From her I learned to love plants, and the beach. And how to make guacamole.
Food was important to us, and I continually recall her techniques for
baking, roasting or making pasta. Little things, like how to select a good
cantaloupe, or what not to do when cooking rice, come instinctively from
the bank of knowledge my mother provided.
(I was about to say "effortlessly provided," but I know that wasn't true. As a mother myself, I am learning every day just how much patience and
sacrifice the job demands.)
Perhaps most importantly, though, she encouraged me to be strong, and
to think for myself. She never blinked an eye when I refused to wear
dresses, or used my dolls for target practice.
I still remember the day I came home from first grade, angry and frustrated
because the faculty at my school wouldn't let me play dodge ball. They
had decided dodge ball was for boys. Girls must jump rope.
My mother flew into action. She called a meeting with the school principal,
and had the policy changed overnight. My heart swells with pride when I
recall how she championed me.
Ann, despite being a very traditional woman in the sense that she was a
housewife and mother, was quite radical in many ways. She had me just
six months shy of her 40th birthday, and she chose for my father a man
nearly 10 years her junior. She had a master's degree from Columbia
University, and drove a sports car that she bought and paid for with money
she earned herself.
While these things may be commonplace in today's world, they were not
always so, and my mom made sure I knew that. As a girl, I'd follow her
around while she was doing housework, but she'd shoo me away.
Saying : "No need to practice any of this, it'll just turn you into a maid.
Believe me, when it's time to clean your own bathroom, you'll figure it out."
She felt my time was better spent learning something useful, like
engineering. My mother was also full of sage advice when it came to life and fulfillment. During my twenties, whenever I bemoaned a run of bad romantic luck, she'd swiftly remind me that I should be thankful for the freedom being single afforded me.
She'd say : "Just remember, if you had a husband, you'd probably be tied
down at home with a screaming baby, and you certainly wouldn't be going
sailing every weekend."
Yet she surprised me when I was thinking about becoming a mother. I told
her about my fears, fully expecting her to talk me out of it. Instead, she
encouraged me to go for it. Not because she wanted grandchildren, but
because she said I made her life so much richer. She was amazed by the
love I inspired in her, and she wanted me to experience that for myself.
That conversation was significant. It was one of the last we had before the
dementia took over.
The past couple of years have been difficult. Mom had Alzheimer's, and it
was chipping away at her memory...and her personality.
Watching this woman who meant so much to me slide into a fog of
dementia was no picnic.
Holidays were particularly tough, because helping her wasn't easy. The
kitchen was her domain, and she had a strict "No Trespassing" policy. She
wouldn't ask for help, but she would let me take over, so long as I did it
discretely.
The year Andrew was born we cooked Thanksgiving dinner together, and
she surprised me yet again. I was frantically trying to get everything done
without her noticing, but I had forgotten the sliced almonds. Finding only
whole nuts, and despairing at how I would ever get them processed
before my green beans turned to mush, she calmly took them from me
and chopped them into the perfect sized pieces. I marvelled at how she
was still able to save the day.
It goes without saying that my mother was a powerful influence on me. In
most ways I've followed in her footsteps. I had a career, lived on my own
for many years, and married late. And when it was time to have my son, I
chose to stay home with him. Most importantly, though, I aspire to one day
have that sports car, or maybe it'll be a boat...I think *that* would really make her proud!
Goodbye, Mommy. You'll be missed.
A
Aunt Dessell, Maureen, Sheila, Michelle and families posted a condolence
Thursday, February 21, 2013
We were so sorry to hear about Ann. She was a lovely person and will be greatly missed. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
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Mike Andrew posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
I am saddened to hear of your recent loss and would like to express my sincere condolences to you and your family on the recent passing of your wife.
C
Chuck Bohn posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Joe, please accept our sincere condolences. Chuck and Teri Bohn
R
Robert Sarofeen posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Joe - Please accept my sincere condolences.
C
Chucky and Audrey posted a condolence
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Chucky and Audrey made a donation to PULMONARY FIBROSIS FOUNDATION
We are saddened to hear of the loss of your dear mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
K
KARL & SUSAN MILLER posted a condolence
Sunday, February 10, 2013
KARL & SUSAN MILLER made a donation to PULMONARY FIBROSIS FOUNDATION
A DONATION HAS BEEN PLACED IN MEMORY OF E. ANN TOUSSAINT WITH THE PULMONARY FIBROSIS FOUNDATION.
J
Jurg and Sarah Hochuli posted a condolence
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Jurg and Sarah Hochuli made a donation to PULMONARY FIBROSIS FOUNDATION
Our sincere condolences
Adams-Green Funeral Home & Crematory
721 Elden Street | Herndon, VA 20170
P: (703) 437-1764 or (703) 471-4090 | E: bill@adamsgreen.com
