Monday, April 17, 2017

The Queen Mother has left the building

RIP Angela

My beautiful, talented mother-in-law passed  away peacefully Saturday morning; her son, daughter, and faithful caregivers were by her side.  Angie would have been 97 in July.  She was the second oldest of eight sisters (one arrived after the photo below).  Now only the two youngest remain.

Family of Josephine and Ignacio Flores
circa 1940
Isn't that a classic photo?  Angie is seated second from the right.

She majored in art at the University of Kansas (go Jayhawks!) and got a job during WWII as a draftsperson at North American Aviation where she met her husband.  Once the war was over, she never plied her art professionally, instead putting her talents to use behind the home sewing machine, with a needle in hand, knitting sweaters, or wielding a paintbrush.

Sisters Quilt
This is one of many quilts she hand-pieced and hand-quilted over the years.  Each of the 8 sisters was to make 8 of their chosen block and distribute them to each other.  Well, all were not as talented as Angie so she ended up making a lot of the blocks herself.  She even made a second set for herself so that she could have matching spreads on their twin beds.  (I don't think she ever accepted that I am a real quilter because I do it all by machine!)

She did impeccable needlepoint, crewel embroidery, and cross-stitch work.

 Needlepoint bell pull
Crewel bell pull detail
One of many cross-stitch angels
She rekindled the painting gene in her later years -- that is, before she forgot how to paint.

Oil portrait of my Son-1 and family

Water color water lilies
She was always generous with her creations so the entire family has quite a legacy to remember her by.  She will be missed by many.

Thanks again to all of my loyal readers for lifting Angie and the rest of our family in prayer during these last difficult days.




16 comments:

  1. I love to hear women speak so highly of their mothers-in-law. What a wonderful gift. Her memory will live on in the treasures she created.

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  2. Coming from such a large family I can imagine the joyous reunion that is happening. I know she was certainly blessed having you in her life. Soon the sadness will be replaced by smiles of happy warm memories. She left behind some wonderful treasures for your family to enjoy and remember her by. Prayers continue for your family. Take care.

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  3. COndolences for your loss... what a talented woman she was... it is wonderful that you and your family can share her treasures. May she sew with the angels now...

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  4. Thanks for sharing more about Angie's life. How wonderful that you became part of her family!

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  5. It sounds like she lived a full life. Her work is wonderful. How nice the family has all these treasures.

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  6. What talent your MIL had!! Hugs to all in this time of loss.

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  7. Please accept my sincere condolences. Angie sounds wonderful.

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  8. She was obviously very talented. I'm glad you have happy memories of her and lots of her artwork and stitching to remember her by. I'm sure this time has been difficult for you and your family; please accept my condolences. Hugs to you all.

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  9. Many condolences Libby. It is wonderful that she left such a beautiful legacy for you and your family. Hugs from me too.

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  10. Oh Libby, I'm so very sorry. Praying for you and the family, that God would wrap His arms around y'all and provide comfort and peace. Hugs to you. :)

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  11. What a beautiful tribute to a lovely lady.

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  12. Wow, she really was a talented woman. What a blessing that your family will have so many beautiful things to remember her by.

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  13. So sorry to hear of your loss. She was a very talented woman and left behind some gorgeous treasures for her family.

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  14. Libby, I am sorry for your loss. You wrote such a lovely tribute to your MIL. She sounds like an amazing woman, and may she rest in peace now. I think you and your husband gave so much to her at the end of her life. Hugs!

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  15. Libby....I am SO very sorry to hear this......my most sincere condolences to your entire family.

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  16. What a beautiful memorial post that was, Libby. Thank you for sharing so much of her with us.

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