Hello everyone!
Today is the 8yr anniversary of the passing of my mother. She died of lung cancer in 2001, 3 days after my sisters wedding. It was very sudden, for which I am grateful she did not suffer. I've decided through encouragement from my friend Tommy to share some memories of her today.
Both of my parents were born and raised in The Bronx, NY. They moved to Cincinnati in the 1970's, and my father lost most of his accent but my mother never did. Her voice was always so thick with a NY accent it was recognizable to anyone who heard it. She was a force of nature, a strong, proud woman.
I was her "baby" needless to say we were close. I have many memories of her playing Bingo- something she loved to do every Sunday. Sometimes she would let me go, and we would always go through the Wendy's drive-thru. She would always get a Jr Bacon Cheeseburger and a Diet Coke. She also enjoyed playing Mahjong with her friends at the house, as well as Bridge and Poker. She also enjoyed going to the riverboats and playing the 5 cent slot machines with her friends.
She also enjoyed talking!!!! Whether it be on the phone or in person, she could talk for hours. When I was in middle school, she went back to work. She started in Gift Wrapping for McAlpins a department store now Dillards. After a few years she moved up to working in the main cashier office. Sometimes she would have to make announcements over the PA and everyone always knew it was her because of her distinctive voice...something I miss hearing. My friends LOVED my mother, got a big kick out of her.
I know she is watching over me, and even though it's been eight years and I can think about her and smile and laugh...I still miss her dearly. Through memories she will live on forever.
Fredda Leitman Feb 8th 1942-Oct 24th 2001 R.I.P
