My mother had a younger brother who passed away after Thanksgiving, 2012. Uncle Al was the coolest uncle possible: warm, witty, smart, thoughful. He married my Aunt Linda in 1963 and had three daughters: Geraldine, 1966, Elizabeth, 1968, and Jenniffer (1972). Geraldine was named after Al's mother--Gladys (Gittel). Al married young (right after college graduation). They were always very frank about the fact that they married so that Al wouldn't be drafted, that they planned Geraldine when one baby kept you out, and Elizabeth when it looked like you might need two. Jenniffer was a surprise. Geraldine was the first person in my family who was younger than me. I was fascinated. I wanted to go over and visit all the time. I would stare at her in her Pampers (first person in the family not to wear cloth) and the ease of Pampers over diapers. I would play with her, make faces, comb her hair, sing to her. I loved having someone around who was younger and whom I could be a model of relatedness.
In 1973 or 1974, Aunt Linda's father, who owned a furniture refinishing business, moved to Florida. Shortly thereafter, my uncle and his family decamped there as well. Uncle Al became a partner and a furniture refinisher. He had a contract with the Art Deco District and redid the furniture in the hotel lobbies on Collins Avenue. Decades later, Ikea and the cheap furniture business destroyed his model. Dispose of and buy new.
At any rate, I thought Geraldine the model of grace, of big-sisterliness, of beauty. She was also extremely bright and did well in school. She became a CPA accountant, bought a house, and was the matriarch of the family--everyone went to Geraldine's for the holidays. When her younger sisters married, she became an aunt with a capital A. She was always their biggest fan. Whatever teams they were involved in, she was there, cheering them on.
Last Thursday, Geraldine, her sister Jenniffer, and one of Jenniffer's sons went to the Marlins game. After the game, Geraldine collapsed. They rushed her to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Some sort of sudden cardiac collapse.
Needless to say, I know my Aunt is devastated. To lose your husband of 50 years, then, 12 years later, your oldest daughter. I fear for her.
I too am gutted. My baby cousin. Gone.
I only wish the best for all of them.