Nenen was 94 years old. She had a good life and died rather peacefully, yet it is still so hard to know that she is gone. She was a very special person to me in a way that is difficult to describe to those outside my immediate family, or those who did not know her. Technically she was my Great Great Aunt through marriage, which might give the impression of a distant relationship, but really it could not have been closer. She lived with my Grandmother Doris my whole life, and she was 100% another Grandmother figure in my life in the closest way possible.
Nenen was real - no beating around the bush. She told the truth and nothing but the truth. Sometimes the truth was she didn't like the gift you got her, or she already had the exact same thing and you would instantly be aware of this fact. But similarly, when it came to something, or in particular, if you were someone that she liked - in the most genuine, honest and enthusiastic way, she would not only make sure you knew it, but she would make it known to everyone else she came in contact with just exactly how great you were. Being loved by Nenen was a wonderful thing, and she had no trouble or hesitation in expressing it.
She loved to pamper everyone she loved: for me it was homemade cookies and cinnamon rolls every day after school; sleeping over and being greeted in the morning with a big smile and "what would you like for breakfast?" in her French accent - just like a restaurant, we could order anything we liked; being sick really wasn't so bad when being tended for by Nenen; delicious dinners every Sunday that were perfectly prepared with a large variety of food, and several pies and desserts to make sure everyone got to have their favorite - no detail was spared.
I am so lucky to have a lifetime of wonderful memories with Nenen. I look forward to telling my daughter Maëlle how much Nenen adored her. I am told by many people that in the last few years she talked of Maëlle often and fondly.
Nenen's smile lit up the room, and I will greatly miss her unmistakable and sincere chuckle.
Rest in Peace Nenen xxoxoxoxx
