Happy Birthday to Corinne

22/12/2011 § 6 Comments

On this day in 1915, my grandmother Corinne Carey was born in Washington, D.C. Were she still alive, she would be turning 96 today. We used to commiserate on quite a few items: we both were/are Christmas babies (my birthday arrives in just a *few* days, in fact); we both were/are the eldest sister; we both were/are on the tall side; we both love/loved art. Little-known fact: I carry her name as my own middle name.

I do find it a bit funny that I have never forgotten her birthday, but can’t seem to ever remember my parents’ wedding anniversary, which happens to be sometime in December as well. (I suppose my mother finds this less funny.)

Important things I learned from my grandmother:

Red lipstick is never, ever, EVER wrong.
It is important to always smell pretty. Even if you end up wearing enough perfume to knock out your entire family.
Always have your hair done. By someone else. Twice a week.
It is acceptable parenting to get all gussied up with your sister and then put your children to bed, telling them that you and their aunt are just going sit on the porch and “chat.”
Drinking beer from the can can definitely be ladylike.
Let your husband have his hobbies. As long as he keeps them in the garage.

From Corinne, you should take bit of a devil-may-care attitude with a healthy dose of no-nonsense. A perfectly polished party girl who didn’t take no guff from nobody. She was a proud mother, a loving sister and a grandmother I miss dearly.

Happiest possible returns, Grandma.

Tagged: Birthdays, Family, Holidays

§ 6 Responses to Happy Birthday to Corinne

LeAnn says:

22/12/2011 at 8:41 pm

What a great tribute to your grandmother. You are her living legacy.

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- Mariah Kunkel says:
  
  23/12/2011 at 12:47 am
  
  Many thanks, LeAnn. I definitely hope so!
  
  Reply
Cindy Cook says:

22/12/2011 at 9:27 pm

You are the best, tall girl! Thank you for this wonderful post!

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- Mariah Kunkel says:
  
  23/12/2011 at 12:47 am
  
  My pleasure Cindy, and thank you so much!
  
  Reply
Kaelee says:

30/12/2011 at 9:58 pm

Thank you for such a lovely post. I have a grandmother who passed away a year ago, and I miss her dearly. She reminds me a little of your grandmother! xx

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- Mariah Kunkel says:
  
  31/12/2011 at 3:05 pm
  
  Hi Kaelee,
  
  I’m glad that both of us had such wonderful grandmothers =) We truly are blessed girls!
  
  Happy New Year!
  M.
  
  Reply