D.A.R.T 1921-2015

A sad start to this Monday beginning with the passing of my mother-in-law, Dorothy Agnes Ryan Tomoff around 4:30 am, the funeral of my friend Lori at 10:00 am, and a sick dog.  I muscled through the day with the best attitude I could muster in being there for my husband, attending the funeral with quilting bee friends, and going to the vet for a diagnosis on "Lucky" (he has an infection, sent home with antibiotics and should make a full recovery).

But today's post is truly about Dorothy Agnes Ryan Tomoff, AKA, DART or Grandma Dart, who was a fashionable lady who raised nine beautiful, healthy and independent children to adulthood (six girls and three boys).  At 94, her life is a celebration of the many milestones she witnessed throughout her lifetime including marrying after WW11; having nine children, 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  In the 30 years I have known her, she was always a lady, and a smart fashion maven who loved shoes and hats.  She also loved to go out for breakfast and drank hot black coffee, her favorite!  When we moved to Maryland, I am thankful she was able to visit a few times on her own enjoying her son and grandchildren in their new surroundings. She was a keen observer of life, who was on the quiet side, but conveyed her thoughts and feelings when afforded the opportunity.

DART was born in Lorain, Ohio in 1921 and had seven sisters and one brother (nine total including her).  As a teenager, she became a tennis champion, and that is where she met her husband, Alex, who was also a tennis champion.  Unfortunately, WW11 interrupted their courtship, but they married soon after he returned from war in 1945.  They then moved to a Cleveland suburb (Westlake), and built and house and a family of 11 for close to 40 years.

She lived her life just as she wanted to, having no regrets, and to the best of her ability.  The last year was tough on her as her health declined rapidly, and she did not like that! The one thing I "regret" is not taking her to Las Vegas, because she was one heck of a card player with a poker face that could have won her "millions"!  No one could beat her, and she made you think before discarding or folding your hand.....may she rest in peace.

Terri
Photos from 1995 and Christmas 2014!