HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEANNE!
Today is Friday the 13th! My only sister, Jeanne, was born 89 years ago today -also on a Friday. She was 20 months younger than I. We were close - almost like being twins.
Our Mother was visiting her parents when she went into labor. Jeanne was born in our grandparents’ home. I never got all the details as to whether a doctor was there, a mid-wife or no one.
Our Dad worked for the New York Central Railroad. Jeanne and I traveled quite a bit, free of charge - using his pass. We both were out of high school and living with our parents at 715 Oak street in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
We visited Niagara Falls. We also went from Detroit to Cleveland a few times to see Glenn Miller and his orchestra, and other “Swing” bands play at the Hippodrome theatre. Jeanne attended my graduation from Bombardiers’ School in Victorville, California, on October 31, 1942.
Jeanne went on to marry Bob Gibbens, and they had eight children. Bob was the brother of Stephen Gibbens, who along with his wife Maggie have been our best friends for over 63 years.
We visited Jeanne and Bob - numerous times - for many years - both in Michigan and in Florida. They, in turn, also reciprocated, by visiting us in Vallejo many times.
Jeanne died on September 24, 1998 at the hospital in Stuart Florida, at the age of 78. She never recovered from surgery for an abdominal hernia ten days previously.
Happy Birthday, Jeanne. I miss you a lot.
RCL - 2/13/09.