A Truly Great Grandma

A couple weeks ago, I lost one of my favorite people in the whole world — my Grandma Proper.  I’m pretty sure I haven’t processed it yet.  I think that could be because I have so much else on my emotional plate dealing with the worry associated with Jude and the worry about how we’ll juggle another kiddo without neglecting any one of them.  I wish I had the time to write a proper tribute to my grandma.  Instead, I’ll tell a couple quick stories.

— I admired my grandma so much for her hardworking nature.  She often told stories of all the things she shouldn’t have been doing on the day she gave birth to this kid or that kid.  Later in her life, I remember how with every task she completed (from eating up the rest of the potato salad to addressing an envelope), she’d say the cutest thing, “Well, that job’s done.”  I always loved that phrase and starting using it on a daily basis years ago.  It helps me remember my cute grandma and helps me to celebrate every job I get done, no matter how small.

— I also admired my grandma so much for her generosity.  I couldn’t go to visit her without her offering me almost everything at her place, including her shoes, which happened to be just my size.  Even though I was an adult and certainly didn’t need any of her money, she never failed to send $10 or so for my birthday and for the boys’ birthdays.  Even after her death, my mom delivered a small bag of clothes to me that my grandma had bought for Jude and Levi.  They were just their sizes.  It’s amazing to me that someone who was struggling to stay alive found enough energy to think about others.

Her obituary is below.

Genevieve “Jean” Proper passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at Golden Living Center East in Rochester, MN due to complications of diabetes.  She was 86 years old.

Jean was born April 14, 1925 to Gusaf and Esther Johnson on a farm in Elm Creek Township  near Welcome, MN.  She married Donald Lewis Proper on March 17, 1946, and they farmed in the Zumbro Falls area.  They later divorced.

Jean enjoyed spending time with her family – especially her grandchildren, playing cards with friends, playing bingo, shopping for bargains, and watching the Twins.  She was an avid reader and loved helping people.  She had a great sense of humor and loved hearing stories about her children’s misadventures.  She loved going up north to her sister’s cabin and hitting every casino on the way! In addition to raising her family, she worked as a custodian for the Rochester State Hospital and RCTC.  She belonged to the Homestead United Methodist Church, Ladies Auxiliary and Royal Neighbors.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers: Oliver, Dwayne, and Richard Johnson, a daughter, Nancy, and a son, Jimmy.

She is survived by Delores (John) Forbes of Grove City, MN, Suzanne (James) Wharton of Byron, MN, Dean (Jackie) Proper of Coon Valley, WI, Jerry (Karen) Proper of Chatfield, MN, Leon Proper of Rochester, MN, and Donna Mackey of Goodview, MN,  18 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.   Also surviving are sisters Darlene Tillotson of Carson City, NV, Marcella (Bob) Brush of Tulsa, OK, and Averil (Ronnie) Voth of Madison Lake, MN.  She also had several surviving nieces and nephews.

Memorials can be sent to the Salvation Army or to the Mayo Foundation for heart research.

The funeral service is at Homestead United Methodist Church at 400 13th Ave. SE, Rochester, MN on Tuesday, August 9 at 11 a.m.  Lunch will follow.  Internment will be at the Pine Island Cemetary.