Happy heavenly birthday to my sweet, savvy, spirited, and strong willed Grandma Janet Alice Elizabeth Alonge! Grandma lost her mom when she was in her 20s. She married during the depression. My Grandma wanted to go to college to be a teacher but needed to work to help support the family. She had to give up her job at the Burlington Railroad when the 2nd world war began because only the male spouse could keep the job. She sang in the chorus of the mikado at Morton East and always wished to have a little girl who had a beautiful voice; a dream that came true with my Mom. She and my grandfather Michael built their house on Arlington in 1942. My German grandma endured anti German sentiments after 1946. She lost her husband in his 60s; outliving him by 27 years. She was a breast cancer survivor. Grandma was a bridge whiz, poker player, avid reader, loyal grandma, epic crepe maker, and stylish dresser. I loved going to her house for lunch in elementary school. She would toast open faced cheese and sausage sandwiches for me. I loved to hide behind the door. She always acted surprised. I loved going to ponderosa in the new north riverside park mall with her. She enjoyed my “devilish” giggle. We went on many trips together including Germany and Ireland. She played the piano into her 90s. Elizabeth Honer heard her voice on the phone saying “I love you” in the fall of 2003 when she was in her last days. She was my friend. She had an adorable giggle. I will always miss her.
akintsucrooner 