Another good one gone

We were notified late yesterday that June Krohn has died. My Beloved and Esteemed Spouse has many relatives I adore, and June was one of them. Technically, she was my husband's father's cousin, but she was more like an adored aunt to many of us. When my older son was about 18 months old, June and her husband Robert had come to my in-laws' home for a visit. Instead of swooping down and snatching up Stephen (who would have screamed bloody murder), June was wise. She sat down in a chair and told me, "I'll let him come to me. Children are naturally curious." Sure enough, within a half hour or so, my little son had toddled over to examine this newcomer.

I always loved talking to June. She was a nurse and a teacher of nursing, so maybe like minds enjoy each other. She was bluntly spoken and funny and witty. She was also obese, and since I've fought weight issues all my life, that was another issue we had in common.

When we lived in Georgia, June and her husband came to visit us. Their sons (one of them, I think) lived in Atlanta, so they came by to see us. We really enjoyed their overnight visit. As a thank-you gift, June sent us two handtowels that she'd embroidered. We still have them. I think now I'll put them up so they won't get more worn out.

We seem unable to find out much. Apparently, June (who had been widowed for years) had been in the hospital but had been released and was thought to be doing well. However, when friends tried to contact her, they could get no answer. Her body was found at her home about 4 p.m. yesterday. It makes me sad that she died all alone. She had implied that her relationship with her family was not especially close, but I think she had just raised her two sons to be strong enough to fly off on their own. One of her sons was a locksmith, if I recall. Anyway, my mother-in-law thinks June would have been 82 years old in July. I assume if they ever publish an obituary, we'll find out more. The service is supposed to be graveside.

I'm sure somewhere we have photographs of June. (Unlike many large women, she didn't run and hide when people tried to take their pictures. She was quite happy being who she was.) Evelyn, my father-in-law's sister, was close to June, and will probably be extremely sad about this loss. I hope she'll be able to go to the service. I wish I could go, but it's too far. Sometimes I'm glad when I don't have to attend a funeral or other sort of family affair because it's too far away, but in this case, I'm really sad about it. I loved June. I admired and respected her. I'll miss her.