Friday, October 23, 2009

Marie-Jeanne

Marie-Jeanne and. her pride and joy, granddaugher Laura

Years ago there were two people who had a passion for geneology…

One was a man in America…my father

Another was a woman in Luxembourg…my distant cousin

Each had come to an impasse in their research and decided to utilize ancestry.com to try to reach across the oceans in search of their descendants.

On February 13, 2003, these two seekers very quickly struck gold!

This is story of how my father met my cousin, Marie-Jeanne.

The connection helped unfurl the history of our family.
Dad's Grandfather Peter
(My Great Grandfather)

Dad’s Grandfather Peter traveled to America in search of the American Dream.

Marie-Jeanne's Grandfather

Marie-Jeanne’s Grandfather was brothers with Dad’s Grandfather Peter.


Marie-Jean's Father

Of note: Marie-Jeanne’s father was a prisoner in the German concentration camp of Dachau for his patriotism in defiance of the Gestapo. His family believed he had been murdered. Then one day, miraculously, he walked back into town. Dachau had been liberated by the allies and Marie-Jeanne was reunited with her long-lost father.

Pierre and Marie-Jeanne on left

My family grew very close to Marie-Jeanne and her husband Pierre. Their marriage was one to envy. Their admiration and love for each other beautiful.


Dad and Mom

Dad and Mom traveled to Luxembourg and were treated with the most gracious hospitality that one could imagine.

Marie-Jeanne and I share our birthday…August 15, a special connection.

My brother who lives in Hungary has been a frequent guest of Pierre and Marie-Jeanne.

Today, with a very heavy heart, we say goodbye to our wonderful cousin.

Marie-Jeanne passed away of pancreatic cancer on October 22, 2009.

Although we only knew her for a short time, we will always treasure her in our memories and in our hearts.

To Pierre and family, I send my heartfelt condolences.

God rest your soul Marie-Jeanne…God rest your soul.

28 comments:

Elaine at Matters of the Heart) said...

Oh Julie, I am so sorry to hear about this. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

He & Me + 3 said...

Julie,

This post was so neat to read and see how you got to meet some very special people in your life. I am so sorry to hear about Marie-Jeanne. Praying for your family during this time of loss.

Heart2Heart said...

I am so sorry that this very special lady has passed from your life, always a bit too soon! I am praying that one day in the future you will once again be reunited with her once again. Prayers accompany this comment that grace will be given to all of you during this time of loss! I am so sorry!

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

April said...

I loved learning about your family history, but am so sorry to learn of your cousin's passing. Please accept my sincerest condolences...you are in my prayers.

Mrs. M said...

So sorry to hear about her passing. I am so glad you were all able to connect though, what an amazing story. My thoughts are with you.

Mr. Daddy said...

Sorry Julie, God's peace to you and yours in this time of grief.

Beth E. said...

I'm so sorry, Julie...lifting your family in prayer.

Anonymous said...

thank you for all your love and condoleances

Gilbert Marie-Jeannes son.

Aspiemom said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, but so happy that they got to spend so much time together. What a neat history in your family!

Stacie, A Firefighter's Wife said...

That was so amazing! I love to read stories like that. Our family is really into WWII history and that story was just fascinating!

Helene said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. She sounds like she was an amazing person. I loved reading about the history of your family and you found each other!

Rebekah said...

Thank you for sharing how your family was blessed by reaching out and connecting. Sorry for your loss

Anonymous said...

Julie, what a lovely tribute.
My condolances to Marie-Jeanne's family.
Thank you for sharing it with us.

Jenni (Peter's grandaughter)

brian said...

very nice tribute, sweetie...

Debby@Just Breathe said...

My deepest sympathy to your family. What a beautiful memorial you did for her.

Carolyn said...

Sorry to hear your news Hun. My thoughts are with you and your family.

~*Michelle*~ said...

So sorry to hear about Marie-Jeanne....my prayers are with you and your entire family. Thank you for sharing her with us.

I think it is so wonderful and interesting to trace back your family's lineage. I love hearing about stories/heritage/etc....it's like living a personal history lesson.

Peace~
*~Michelle~*

Annie said...

so sorry to hear about your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers....xo

Shana said...

How neat to see your family history! I am so sorry for your family's loss. My thought's & prayer's to Pierre. I can't imagine.

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

So sorry for your loss. It is great to know your family history. Thanks for sharing with us.

God Bless,
Jackie

Foursons said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. She seemed like an amazing women. I have been to Dachau and am amazed that anyone made it out of their alive.

Pam D said...

Julie, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of a piece of your heart. But I rejoice with you in the finding of it in the first place. We all have holes, and most of us never have the opportunity to fit in the missing pieces, at least not in this lifetime. What a marvelous woman; may she dance in the arms of Jesus and fellowship with friends and family until you arrive to hug her again....

jennykate77 said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful woman.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful story. I'm so sorry for your loss but how wonderful to meet a long-lost relative.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your heartfelt condoleances. My mother was much more than an amazing person and I miss her so much.

Armance , Marie-Jeanne's daughter

Orah said...

This was beautiful

Becca~CapturingSimpleJoys said...

What a special lady to you and what a wonderful way to have met her! Aren't you thankful you had the chance to get to know her!

Kelley said...

What a wonderful way to remember your dear cousin! I wish you could have had more time with her (here on earth). I am so sorry for your loss.