As far back as I can remember, my Aunt June played an important part in my life. We spent many holidays at her home where I ate several helpings of her homemade lemon meringue pie and Strufoli (Italian honey balls covered in rainbow sprinkles).
Growing up, Aunt June came to every recital and school play. As my sister and I grew older, she was present at our graduations and weddings. Then when my children came along, she was there to celebrate their births, christenings and recitals too.
Aunt June, a beautiful and tough woman, had a hard life raising five children and caring for a husband with MS. But somehow in the midst of it all, she started a hair salon out of her home. As her business grew, she moved her salon out of her garage, found an office space and a new home for her salon appropriately named June’s Beauty Salon. Then a few years later, she opened a second salon while working nights as a cleaning lady to put her youngest son through college. She never saw it as a sacrifice, but simply a new challenge for the well-being of her family.
A true woman of strength and courage, Aunt June repeatedly tried new endeavors. She studied and trained to become a travel agent and then an LPN. As the years passed, her health declined due to years of smoking and she began losing her hair. What seemed like unfortunate situation had a positive outcome as it led her down a path where she found a new niche and opened a wig shop.
As a child, I spent countless hours spinning in her hairdresser chairs until I became dizzy. As a teen, I would look for any excuse to drive my car. I would soon find myself at her hair salon because I was in the neighborhood, but really I loved visiting with her.
When I told my daughters that Aunt June was dying of cancer, Allana remembered her great aunt with the her fiery red hair and her wig shop, particularly the hot pink wigs on display. When I remember my Aunt June, I will also remember her for her fiery red hair and a feisty wit and will to match.
September 5, 1939 – September 10, 2010
What a wonderful tribute. May your Aunt Jane always Rest In Peace…My thoughts and aloha are with you and the family my friend.
Sorry I meant Aunt June
what a beautiful tribute. You were so lucky to have her as part of your life.
What a beautiful tribute to your aunt! She sounds wonderful – I am sorry for you loss but glad that you had someone so great in your life!
She sounds like a wonderful person! I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute you wrote here.
Aunt’s are wonderful. So many of us have one who’s truly special that we can connect with in ways we can’t with our own parents or siblings.
I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like such a beautiful lady. May she rest in peace. And may you and your family find peace in this time of mourning.
Your aunt June sounds like a most amazing and interesting person. Some people struggle under problems and others blossom. She seemed to grow and bloom under pressure. Kudos to her for her entrepreneurial spirit and devotion to her family.
My condolences on your loss. What a wonderful tribute to your Aunt.
What a blessing she was! Praying for all of you. XO!
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