Dear Zoë,
Mema is your great grandmother. At 94 years old, she will amaze you with her memory, her wit, and her independence. A true southerner, she grew up in North Carolina with her three younger sisters, graduated from East Carolina University, and began teaching shorthand and bookkeeping to high schoolers during the Great Depression where she made $96/month. Along with her husband, Pappy, they moved around in North Carolina and ultimately made their way to Savannah, GA. Mema has always been a woman on the go. She has traveled the world, and I remember as a child being impressed when she shared stories of her trips everywhere from Sweden to Alaska.

Family is something that is so important to Mema and something she installs in all of us. From her six grandchildren to her seven great grandchildren to her two children, she loves having each and every one of us in her life. She never misses a birthday and sends a card to each one of us with the month and year faithfully written in the top corner.

Unfortunately, Mema has had a rough few weeks, but even so, she hasn’t lost her love to talk of family. That includes you, sweet Zoë. She is always asking about you. You bring such a smile to her face, and I’m so glad that you have a great grandmother in your life. Mema’s mom lived 100 years and 35 days, and it’s so special to see how long and inspirational a life both of them have crafted. When I asked Mema what it felt like to be a grandmother or great grandmother she said, “The feeling you get when you see your child having their own child is just wonderful. Even more so, the fact that you’re around to see it makes it that much more special.”

Zoë, your Mema is one special woman!