Author Archives: Janet Eriksson

Memories of Grandma Nellie

Nellie Bellezora Rees was my grandmother. My dad, William Sturgeon Gillis, Jr. was her son. Grandma Nellie was 74 when I was born; she lived to be 93. I never knew much about her earlier life. Recently, my sister shared with me a few of her memories. My sister is 24 years older than me,ContinueContinue reading “Memories of Grandma Nellie”

Aunt Elwy’s Nursing Career

I decided to search Newspapers.com for any references to Aunt Elwy in West Palm Beach. I was delighted to find so many articles that captured her role as head nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital, along with her activities as district president and a delegate at the state nursing conventions. There were also articles spanning theContinueContinue reading “Aunt Elwy’s Nursing Career”

Gillis & LaSenius Thanksgiving Traditions

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Today I’m remembering some of my family’s traditions from years ago. The Gillis family lived in Miami, Florida for a while. I’ve seen photos from the late ’60s, when I was two and three years old, where family gathered with us for a Thanksgiving meal: my aunt and uncle, Florence and CharlesContinueContinue reading “Gillis & LaSenius Thanksgiving Traditions”

How I Remember Aunt Elwy

Elwy LaSenius Rousseau was my great-aunt. She and my grandmother (Eunice) were sisters, just four years apart. My grandmother was the oldest of their siblings, and Elwy was second oldest. Three more sisters and one brother would be born after they were. When remembering life events from the 20th century, it’s easy to figure outContinueContinue reading “How I Remember Aunt Elwy”