Susan Mckewen Sapia
Our mom was a magnificent seamstress. Not only was it an economical way to dress 5 kids, but she was excellent at it. She made our costumes for our dance recitals and costumes for Halloween. She was a perfectionist and it showed in her creations. She made dresses, nightgowns, pajamas, robes and even slippers for us as well as her grandchildren. When Cabbage Patch dolls were the rage, she made matching nightgowns for her granddaughters and their dolls. Our mom was the typical 50s mom that stayed home taking care of her family. She was always busy, a consistent presence at the elementary school across the street from our home, forging lasting friendships with teachers as well as school principals. She was active in the classrooms as well as the PTA. She was a Girl Scout leader for Margaret and Kathleen. She would send the ?funnies? to us when we were away at camp, and dote on us when we were sick. It was a special time especially with so many siblings to get her undivided attention when we were sick. From luke warm baths to popscicles, sherbet, fresh sheets, and scrambled egg sandwiches. Our mom was a college graduate and a stewardess for United Airlines. She was a proud member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority at San Diego State becoming a mentor in later years as well as producing the newsletter. Her most prideful moment as a Gamma Phi was when her granddaughter Megan pledged to the sorority. They delighted in calling each other ?sisters?. Our dad?s passing 2 years ago created an opportunity for each of us to spend our own special time with her. She loved going to get her hair done every Saturday with Marianne and Susan always followed by breakfast at the Original Pancake House in Kearny Mesa. There were Mondays with Margaret going to the Mystery Galaxy book store and driving around the neighborhood to check out the changes and share memories of times past followed by lunch at Cocos. There were the televised Padre and Charger games with David where they could share the thrill of victory and agony of defeat by both teams. There were weekend visits from Kathleen with treats from Point Loma Seafood and other favorite spots. We saw her nearly every day and would not trade the experiences from the last 2 years for anything. She loved talking about, visiting with, and hearing from her 8 grandchildren. They each had a special place in her heart. She was an animal lover since childhood. She would share the antics of her pets with the same endearing tone as she would when speaking about her grandchildren. She loved each of her pets so much and mourned them with as much emotion as she loved them. Our mom had a sweet tooth that could not be denied. She loved her ice cream from Baskin and Robbins and See?s candy. She loved her morning cheese pastry. There wasn?t a cookie or éclair that she didn?t like. She tried to never miss a Judge Judy episode every day at 4. ?What?s wrong with these people? How do they get themselves into these situations?? She had a killer wit and dry sense of humor. She was particularly funny in letters and cards. The floodgates of memories have been opened. We were so lucky to have her as our mom and grandma. She is already missed so much but we celebrate her life and accomplishments and know she is finally with our dad, our brother-in-law Chris, her parents, and her many, many pets that greeted her at St. Peter?s gate. What a scene that must have been.