It is hard to condense into a few words the life that I shared with my sister Nan for 74 years. Her name was Rolande, named after our Dad. When she was young, a little boy in our neighborhood could not pronounce her name and so she became Nan. The nickname stuck with her all these years. We grew up in Walnut Creek California, and as children we shared so many activities. Going to catch tadpoles in the creek, flying kites in the spring time, playing baseball and building forts in the small field behind our house, riding bikes down Brockhurst Hill, dragging home every stray animal she could find, walking to the library and getting more books than we could carry, hot Summer nights sleeping outdoors and watching for falling stars. As teenagers, it was no longer considered cool to be hanging out with your little sister, but on occasion she would take me “cruising the creek” and buy me a Cherry Lime Ricky at Mel’s diner. Regardless of our age, she always had my back. Nan was one of the most generous people I have ever known. She was always busy at some project. She sewed dresses for Little Dresses for Africa, carefully picking out fabrics and designs that she felt the children would enjoy. She sewed over 400 little dresses for this charity! Even if she was just sitting on the couch her hands had to be busy knitting hats to donate. Our visits would usually include a visit to the fabric or antique store. She loved to make her surroundings beautiful by taking care of her garden. Nan and Tom were married 40 years and were a real team. She was always there by Tom’s side pitching in with renovation projects. So many projects! She had a kind and open heart and found something interesting about everyone she met. She loved animals and always had some furry critters sharing their home. Besides her role as big sister to me and to our younger sister Mary, she was a friend to many and proud Mom to Eva and JR (Ron). Nan, you were not only my sister but my best friend. We shared all our memories together, and I look forward to the day when we can share those memories again.May God keep you in His tender care.
