My Aunt Gladys

Aunt Gladys, me, and Grandma Cyn in 2005

My Grandma Cyn and I are very close. We have lots of good times together and we laugh a whole lot. Along with my Grandma Cyn who I call weekly, I also call weekly my other grandparents, and I call down in Florida to see how my friend Mary is doing, and I would also call my Aunt Gladys. Aunt Gladys is my Grandma Cyn's older sister.

 Many times when Grandma and I would talk about things, she would sometimes feel she was cheated out on certain things in life. After all her father died when she was a mere five years old. A few years later at 13 her mother died. When she was in her fifties she lost her husband, my grandfather. The one long term constant she always had in her life was my Aunt Gladys.

Both parents gone by the time she was 13, my grandmother was pretty much raised by her 19 year old sister and her husband, my Uncle "Lefty". SO her sister, who she shared everything with and was very close with became more of her mother. Pretty much most of their family deserted them when they were so young and then all past away by the time they were in their forties. Both women never believed they would make it past their forties.

Grandma Cyn and Aunt Gladys in the 1960s

Aunt Gladys and Grandma Cyn at my parent's wedding in 1982.

 Well both women have lived very long lives and have made beautiful families. My Aunt Gladys and Uncle Lefty had three wonderful boys who married wonderful women who were treated as daughters by my Aunt Gladys. My Grandma Cyn left her Jewish roots and married this loud Italian family and had three children who all had children of their own as well. Both grew these beautiful families when their family left these two young teenage girls all alone.

The legacies continued and as matriarchs taught their families love, compassion, values, and support. They gave tradition, laughter, and wonderful memories and they did this through demonstrating this with each other. They loved each other, talked constantly and always kept great presence with each other's lives.

I remember many times going over for Passover and going to my cousin's Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs, Aunt Gladys came to almost every Christmas we had over here, and I always wore my red ya-mica thinking it was so cool when I was younger. My Grandma would always talk about "her sister" and the stories and memories they shared. Not only in good times but in bad. When my grandfather died in the 80s, Aunt Gladys was there for her sister. When Uncle Lefty died unexpectedly, Grandma Cyn stayed with Aunt Gladys in Long Island until after shiva.

Grandma Cyn and Aunt Gladys in the 90s

Grandma Cyn and Aunt Gladys at a family party. 

 Aunt Gladys was very big on fashion and looking good. My Grandma Cyn isn't too far from the tree when it comes to looking good herself. Aunt Gladys was not a vain person but did always want to look good, and she always did! She was always very creative with her hands and took classes such as painting and pottery and things of that nature. She also worked right into her late 80s, maybe early 90s.

Aunt Gladys always had some health issues over the years, but she always persevered. She was a fighter for sure. She survived cancers and illnesses, and just went with the flow. She always had a good perspective and I believe that's a key to living a long life. I remember Grandma Cyn said she hated watching old movies because she was depressed all those old actors and actresses were dead. I remember Aunt Gladys saying "Oh Cynthis get over it! We're all gonna get old and die someday! It's no big deal!"

She always said to live life and enjoy yourself. She ALWAYS said that. It's that reason I believe her granddaughter Erica went away to college, or why her grandson Cary went to Iceland to visit, or why her granddaughter Brittney went to work in the city, she always encouraged us all to live your life and enjoy it!

The sisters at Grandma's birthday 2005

Grandma Cyn and Aunt Gladys at a summer BBQ at Aunt Karen's house

 I remember one point, Aunt Gladys wasn't able to walk and get around easily. I remember calling her to say hello and I just happened to catch her all excited because she passed a test to have a scooter. At 90 years old she was taking and passing tests and having a goal set in mind! How amazing is that. "Oh Andrew I want this so bad!" I remember her telling me. She was very independent and liked to get around on her own. She liked doing for others and had a big heart, which she taught to my grandmother.

This past year I went to Long Island for Passover but Aunt Gladys wasn't feeling well and couldn't come. I was sad I didn't see her but I gave her a call. Weeks later, we were told she was not doing well and it was only a matter of time before we would have to say good bye. I've had a lot of loss in my life, but this time we knew it was coming.

I don't think I wanted to think about it. But I also knew I had a chance to say goodbye and tell someone I love them. It was a Wednesday and I was alone in my office and I called Aunt Gladys's number. Her son picked up and put me on speaker. "Hello Aunt Gladys! How are you feeling today?" "I'm fine how are you, dear?" she said in a weak voice, still seeing how I'm doing. "I'm good, I just wanted to call and tell you that I love you so much and I hope you are feeling well!." "Oh that's so nice," she said. "I love you too, hun, thanks for calling."

Aunt Gladys died Thurs June 11, 2015 at the age of 92 years old. I just so happened to have spent all day with Grandma Cyn earlier before we found out. My heart broke for my grandmother. I remember that afternoon I sat in front of Strive on the couch in front and just looked outside the window. I was so sad. I thought about her sons and my cousins, the beautiful family she made. My Aunt Gladys lived a good life. I think the only comfort for the family is to know that she is reunited with her beloved husband, our Uncle Lefty again. But alas! Her granddaughter last week gave birth to what would be Aunt Gladys's FIRST great-grandchild Charlie!

We know she's looking down and watching over young Charlie, and the rest of the family. I just got off the phone with Grandma Cyn, and she misses her sister very much. We all do. But we remember her, and think of her, and are all so grateful for the wonderful things she gave us, especially her love. And we love you, Aunt Gladys.

Uncle Left and Aunt Gladys, Christmas 2004

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO