Fearless Females Blog Post: March 8 ~ A Letter of Condolence

This letter was written to my great grandmother (Aunt Vina) by her niece Anna, following the death of her daughter Vesta in 1964.  It expressed her heartfelt sympathy to her aunt and uncle on the passing of their only daughter at age 56.

In these words, I hear the strong, resilient spirit of the women from “down home,” “Down East,” from whom I am descended. The unwavering determination to face all of life’s trials with courage and faith, and a philosophy about death that allows you to continue on with the living - traits I have seen exhibited many times in the women of my family.  We have endured the passing of two members of my family tree since the beginnings of this blog. Anna’s words echo through the years, offering comfort, understanding, and love.

Vina outlived her daughter Vesta by 10 years. Anna, a year older than Vesta, died in 1986, at the age of 89.




Lisa Alzo of  The Accidental Genealogist blog is presenting her Fearless Females: 31 Blogging Prompts to Celebrate Women’s History Month series in honor of National Women’s History Month.