Schiavon – Page 4 – Many Branches, One Tree

Thankful Thursday: A Priceless Find

Gilbert Cayetano Huesca (1915 – 2009) Joan Joyce (Schiavon) Huesca (1928 – 1987) Alice (McGinnis) Schiavon (1895 – 1963) Fern (Lawton) Waples (1899 – 1961) “She’s too much girl for you.” My father, Gilbert Huesca So said Fern Waples, my father’s landlady and friend, with her sly smile as she watched him look back … Continue reading

Talented Tuesday: Domestic Goddess

Mary Jane (Gaffney) McGinnis (1858 – 1940) My great- grandmother, Mary Jane (Gaffney) McGinnis, wearing a dress she made for her engagement. Conneaut, Ohio, circa 1884. Known for her generous heart and her delicious pies, Mary Jane McGinnis held a special place in the memories of her descendants who knew her. My mother, Joan Joyce … Continue reading

My Wonderful Mother

Joan Joyce Schiavon (1928 – 1987) My mother, Joan Joyce Schiavon Age 26 Chicago, 1954 “So when are you going to write about my Grandmother?” A few evenings ago, my son, Michael, asked the question I have avoided for far too long. I told him I was trying to work toward … Continue reading

Ralph Schiavon – Part Four: Twilight

Ralph Schiavon January 27, 1898 – August 16, 1970 Twilight (Last in a four part series about my wonderful grandfather) Ralph Schiavon, at train station, Chicago (date unknown) My grandmother Alice had lost her eyesight in the early 60s. Her diabetes worsened, and she died at home on New Year’s Day in 1963. My parents … Continue reading

Ralph Schiavon – Part One: Auspicious Beginnings

Ralph Schiavon Born January 27, 1898 Died August 16, 1970 The following is Part One of a four-part series on the life of my wonderful Italian grandfather. Auspicious Beginnings My maternal grandfather, Ralph Schiavon, was one of those rare children born with a veil over his head. The “veil,” known medically … Continue reading

Alice Gaffney (McGinnis) Schiavon

Alice Gaffney (McGinnis) Schiavon Born June 14, 1895, in Conneaut, Ohio Died January 1, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois My beloved grandmother, Alice (McGinnis) Schiavon, was a bit of a rebel. Charming, but a rebel nonetheless. As a child, she did not want to go to school. She would line up in the morning … Continue reading