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Celebrating Uncle Buck

  There are few recent family events that I can recall that were as meaningful as the one I attended recently. My uncle Donald "Buck" Firestone, husband of my paternal aunt Margaret Gilbride, passed away in April. His daughters, my cousins Becky and Lisa, decided to have a celebration of life in May. I had never been to a celebration of life. I don't think anyone in our family has ever had one. I had no idea what to expect. But it turned out to be a mini-family reunion of sorts, full of photos, reminiscences, and lots of reconnecting to those of our family who remain.  I live in Texas, so the Hubs and I flew into Cleveland for a whirlwind two days with family. Though most of our family has remained in the Cleveland area, some of us are far-flung and it has been too many years since I've seen some of them. This was the chance to see folks, catch up, and share our memories. Uncle Buck's celebration was held at the Forest Hall at Penitentiary Glen—one of the beautifu...
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GUARDIAN

Mom and youngest brother Bobby, about 1956.1


 

31 Days of Writing Family History Challenge

January 3, 2022:   My Mom - Anna Margaret Kozlina Gilbride (1937-2010)


By Nancy Gilbride Casey

I see my Mom, Anna Margaret Kozlina Gilbride, as a guardian. She was the quintessential big sister to her three younger siblings. The role was well-documented in dozens of photos which show her as the eldest in her family—a protector, leader, comforter, and happy companion of those younger than her. 

Her generous spirit followed her throughout her life, as she became the one folks turned to for the family news, the one who hosted the big holiday get-togethers, the one who always remembered everyone's birthdays and anniversaries. Family was everything to her.

The photos below are just a few of my favorites which capture her love and regard for her siblings, cousins and childhood friends.

I imagine Mom just having said, "Here Tommy, let me show you how it's done!" as she steeled her nerve to race down the path on her tricycle. Mom's brother Tommy Kozlina about age 2 and Mom, about age 5, photo taken most likely in West Leisenring, Pennsylvania, at their grandparents' home.2  

 

Mom, far right, and brother Tommy (second from left), I believe that her cousin Patty is between them. Taken at the home of her grandparents John and Anna Simonik, in West Leisenring, Pa. Note coke ovens in the background.3 

Tommy and Mom. I love the conspiratorial look on Mom's face, and wonder what she could have been getting up to!4

Dueling dimples: Tommy Kozlina and Mom, about 1944.5    

Big sister Ann carries little sister Marian Kozlina, about 1946.6

All sorts of fun going on here, about 1948. Marian, Tommy and Mom.7


I can almost hear Mom's sister Marian thinking, "Wow! I'm dressed just like big sister!8

Cradling newborn brother Robert Kozlina, spring 1955.9

Mom with youngest brother Bobby, about 1956.10  

Bonus: More Stories about Anna Margaret Kozlina Gilbride

Nurture

In Periculo Mortis

Namesake 

Mom's Big Trip

Genealogy Challenge 2021 - Newspaper Clipping II

Butter Cookies 

 

NOTES

1 Photo of Ann Kozlina and Robert Kozlina, photographer unknown, about 1956. Private collection of N Casey [address for private use], 2022. Photo was passed down to me by my mother, who got them from her mother Margaret Simonik Kozlina.

2-5 Photos of Ann Kozlina, Thomas Kozlina, and other unidentified children, photographer unknown, taken about 1942-1945. Private collection of N Casey [address for private use], 2022. Photos were passed down to me by my mother, who got them from her mother Margaret Simonik Kozlina.

6-8 Photos of Ann Kozlina, Thomas Kozlina and Marian Kozlina, unknown photographer, taken about 1946-1950. Private collection of M. Graff [address for private use], 2022. Photos were passed down to M. Graff through her mother Margaret Simonik Kozlina.

9-10 Photos of Ann Kozlina and Robert Kozlina, unknown photographer, taken about 1955-1956. Private collection of N Casey [address for private use], 2022. Photos were passed down to me by my mother, who got them from her mother Margaret Simonik Kozlina.

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