Aunt Lena, R.I.P.

Lena Paul Fitzpatrick Nordstrom  
1914 - 2011

Lena was the last living link to a tragedy that touched many lives in my hometown area, a life-time ago.  That link was broken on Thursday, January 27, 2011 when Lena passed away.

Lena was my aunt.  She was my aunt because in 1932, she married my mother's brother, Uncle John Fitzpatrick.

They met at a dance in St. Vincent.  John was recently home from college, now helping run the family farm.  They married later that same year.  A few years later,  the girls came along.  Life was as good as it could be. Sadly, that was not to last.

I never knew her personally very well.  Many years later I searched for her.  I made contact to try and understand not only the uncle I never knew, but my aunt who he loved.

I am incredibly thankful  I visited her in December, and had one final chance to talk with her.

I don't know if there is anything beyond this life, but if there is, I hope Lena is now in joyful reunion with her girls.

Lena's obituary from online version of the Kittson County Enterprise
[Click to enlarge...]