My Aunt Tinsy passed this week. I don’t usually use euphemisms when someone dies, but for her the word seems appropriate. She was 98 years old, my dad’s last surviving sibling. She passed peacefully from this life to eternal life with her Savior and many loved ones.
Edna Earl Alderson Allmond had a beautiful name, I always thought. But I heard the story that she was a pretty hefty baby and my grandfather loved giving out nicknames. So, she was Tinsy all her life.
Within months after Uncle Roy died, Aunt Tinsy moved to Dallas to be near her daughter and grandchildren. I couldn’t believe it! She had lived in a small town for years. She had never learned to drive. Would she be okay?
But in the retirement community Aunt Tinsy blossomed! For the next 10 years she enjoyed the social life — bingo, canasta, parties, friendship and love from friends she made at Meadowstone Place. Once, when I was asking about her new apartment complex, she told me, “Everyone who lives here is old. Some of them comb their hair and some don’t.”
I attended Aunt Tinsy’s 98th birthday party in January. It was a wonderful time with friends and family. She kept us all entertained with her conversation (about current events) and her quick wit.
She was at home in her apartment, her daughter holding her hand, when she gave a sigh and fell asleep in the arms of Jesus.
A life well lived.
The only euphemism for died that I like is “passed.” How lucky all of you were to get together in January. For her, the best is yet to be, and for the rest of you, the memories will become a “best” one of these days. xoxo
Your post was so sweet. I loved her comment about some comb their and some don’t. I hope our Aunt Gladys is fortunate to slip away one of the days without much to do like your aunt.
“Passed” is completely appropriate and fitting to describe your aunt’s death. And she did have a beautiful name.
“Passed” is the only euphemism I’ll use, too. Wish I had known Aunt Tinsy. Glad you got to visit her while you could. xoxo