Da Blogs Da Thang: the Grand Dames of Brown Avenue

the Grand Dames of Brown Avenue

Published Friday, January 06, 2006 by lecram sinun | E-mail this post

I was informed by a neighbor that an old former neighbor of ours passed today. Ardeen was in her 90's and had been living in a rest home for the last few years.

When I first came to live on this street... Ardeen lived on my left and Ellen on my right. Both were the grand dames of the neighborhood. They became the defacto "grandma's" for the kids growing up here.

Ellen, was the more gregarious of the two, was still hopping on for her daily bus rides downtown well into her 90's. She passed several years ago and her "memorial" was a picnic in her backyard. Ardeen loved a scotch in the evenings and kept "in charge" of her life until the end. Her raspy voice juxtoposed an inate sweetness that at times was quite disarming. Both these ladies showed kindness to me and were always the first ones to support my kooky endeavourers.

To these two Grand Dames of Brown Avenue... my warm thanks for sharing your care, wisdom, friendship, stories and banananut bread with me. You will be remembered fondly... always!

EDIT: I just came across a site about "Flame Warriors" that may be of interest... especially if you've been flamed in your comments section... it's best to know who the enemy is.

19 Responses to “the Grand Dames of Brown Avenue”

Anonymous on January 06, 2006 3:22 PM

aww lecram! you big softie! what a beautiful tribute to two wonderful, feisty Grand Dames. that was awesome. i was lucky to know a few strong old dames myself... they really are a riot!
lecram sinun on January 06, 2006 4:01 PM

ms.bees - these two birds were the greatest! Ardeen always had a kind word and Ellen's banananut bread was the best!
Debi on January 06, 2006 4:18 PM

Wow, what a blessing to have such awesome memories and how sweet of you to share them with us :) Btw, the baby pic is ADORABLE you cutie patootie you lol.
Debi on January 06, 2006 4:20 PM

Oh yea *slapping forehead* ... happy belated! I left you a card on my blog :)))))
lecram sinun on January 06, 2006 4:28 PM

Gigi, thank you... I just went over to check it out (and left a comment). :)
Anonymous on January 06, 2006 4:39 PM

A toast to the Grand Dames of Brown Avenue ... amy their influence always be felt in the hearts of those they touched. Glad Your B-day was a good one my man. Cheers.
TG
Lelly on January 07, 2006 4:08 AM

Hey Cuz, Happy New Year and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Sorry I missed it...was still in the wilds of Norfolk at the time!
Nice of you to pay tribute to Ellen and Ardeen...no one is ever really 'gone' as long as someone remembers them.
aughra on January 07, 2006 9:09 AM

may they dance in heaven.
lecram sinun on January 07, 2006 10:20 AM

Tommy Gunn - Thanks again, man! Yes, those two birds have influenced us greatly.

Lelly - I was wondering where you got to! Hope it was a good trip. Happy New Year, Cuz!

aughra - I can feel a full on jig happening now!
BTExpress on January 07, 2006 11:14 AM

So many people just forget about the elderly. I think it's terrific for you to remember them like that and I'm sure their getting a kick out of it too.
Barbara on January 07, 2006 11:41 AM

That was a very sweet blog post. Such a big heart:) Also..that photo is just beautiful.
lecram sinun on January 07, 2006 11:59 AM

BTExpress - I hope so. Bet they are kicking some ass too!

trojan - They were so very sweet to me... it's the least I can do.
lime on January 07, 2006 12:35 PM

aww, may they both rest in peace. i'd love a post on each of them, a special specific memory maybe?
i have this mental image fo them sitting togther in heaven over a cup of tea or something, still watching down over the neighborhoud.....
Deadly Female on January 08, 2006 6:37 AM

There were a couple of similar sounding ladies on my road when I grew up - and they had a profound effect on me.

How lovely you are, lecram xx
Mellissa on January 08, 2006 10:45 AM

That is a lovely tribute Lecram, and I am sure you brought them much joy as well!!

xoxo,
Ladybug
Claude Richard on January 08, 2006 1:55 PM

Very interesting blog and nice pictures. Happy New Year from France !
Marie on January 08, 2006 2:12 PM

This is a wonderful tribute to a couple of wonderful, strong and fiesty women it sounds like. May they rest in peace. I had an elderly woman as a neighbor...her name was Kay. I loved listening to her stories and was sad when she decided to take her leave. At the same time, I'm thankful for having known her even if it was just for a brief period of time! :)
lecram sinun on January 08, 2006 4:41 PM

lime - I just may post those sometime down the line... let me look for a couple of pics of the Grand Dames to go with it.

Deadly Female, Mellissa & Marie - Thank You... yeah, connecting with them was always a rewarding experience. :)

Crescendo - Thank You, Welcome and visit again soon! :)
Unknown on January 19, 2006 10:54 AM

Nice eulogy to your ladies of the neighborhood..i loved reading it and it brought a tear to my eye.

whats this nonsense about flamers?