If all my fond memories of Hank were to be told, they would fill up a large book.

The first time I met Hank I knew she was apprehensive of the stranger who had come into the lives of her youngest daughter and beloved grandson, as any good mother would. She never showed it though. She treated me with the utmost respect and a caring attitude from the start and continued that through the more than thirty years I had the privilege to know her.

There are not enough positive adjectives to describe this wonderful woman who touched the lives of so many people. She was more than kind, generous, caring, intelligent, respectful and concerned. There certainly is a hole in the universe that can never be filled.

Hank’s concern with gift giving always amazed me. She had a knack for searching and finding just the perfect gift that fit the receiver’s personality and what they really would appreciate. I always smile at the many whimsical gifts that adorn my office, from the large picture of three polar bears relaxing in the snow (Bad Boys of the Arctic) to the jar labeled Ashes of Problem Students. Other gifts were practical and very useful. The framed silk scarf with the Cherokee syllabury hangs on my wall and I use it as a teaching tool in my classes. The closed ecosystem in a glass globe amazes my students every year.

Her intellect was phenomenal and she was an expert at Trivial Pursuit. She was extremely well versed in all the various categories, especially sports, with football as a specialty.

An accomplished storyteller, she regaled the family and others with stories from her childhood, her relatives (especially entertaining were those of her “pistol packing” grandmother), and the various activities during her lifetime.

A fantastic chef, who had learned her craft in various countries, she presented her guests with many gastronomical delights. Sometimes these took hours or days to prepare. I’ll never forget her taking the extra time to make me oyster dressing, even though her and Carl’s religion forbade the eating of shellfish, and no one else cared for it.

These and other great memories of this phenomenal woman will remain with me for the rest of my days.

In the last days of her life on this earth, I composed a song for her that I sang during her ordeal and at her passing.

Wakan Tanka a Washtewin pilamaya Washtewin

Washtewin, lila Washtewin pilamaya Washtewin a yelo              X4

Chante Tinza Washtewin Pilamaya yelo

Thank you Great Mystery (Creator) for this great Good woman.

Thank you, Good Woman for being a great woman - I say so          X4  

Thank you Strong-hearted Good woman – I say so

                                                          Louis W. LaBombard  Jan.2018