Remembering Eva (click on a name to read their story)

Jennifer Hodgson: Meeting Eva

I remember the first time I was going to meet Eva.  I was invited to join the whole family for Thanksgiving at the Howe's.  I was so nervous to meet this lady, who I know what held on the highest pedestal and adored by all!!!  I went shopping the day before, with my Mom, to pick out the exact perfect outfit.  I remember it was a two piece, casual, but tailored outfit and a sweater to complete.  When Steve picked me up to drive over to pick up Eva - I thought I would never make the ride, my stomach had terrible butterflies.  I waited in the car with the boys, trying to remain calm.  Out walked Steve with this cute, classy and smiling lady (carrying a huge pot of her famous chicken and noodles).  She embraced me with conversation all day and the rest of my life.  I always enjoyed my conversation with her and the times we spent together are treasured.  She, and every Hodgson, has always made me feel like a part of this family and as we all spent many days and hours together before she parted this life - I will never forget her telling me that she loved me on the last day she was still talking.  These moments, too, are precious to me...just like Eva will always be.  I feel so honored to be able to call her my mother-in-law and my friend!!  Jennifer Hodgson (married to the good looking son)

Dave Clark: Remembers Eva

I have so many memories of Eva from her wonderful meals to her smartass comments which many of both were directed at me that she will always hold a special place in my heart. Just remember once when my wife came with me to  her house and the first thing I did of course was head to the frig well I guess the look on my wife’s face prompted Eva to say honey if he didn’t do that then I didn’t raise him right .Which prompted me to say what are you guys talking about which gave her a laugh only a mother would know. A mother she was to me and a son she made me feel I was she will be missed greatly. Rest in peace Eva. 

Becky Runo: Remembering Gradma Eva

Grandma used to live across the alley from us while I was young.  I remember going over quite often, marveling at the sunflowers in the backyard, and always getting something wonderful to eat.  It wasn't until I was older that I could fully appreciate the greatness of her mashed potatoes and chicken and noodles and dumplings.  I remember after she bought Mary & Ron's house, going over and playing the organ for what seemed like hours.  I'm sure it was just awful, but she praised the playing with a joyful smile on her face -- she always had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren :)   Later in life, she even had a box of toys she kept for her great grandkids to play with when they visited.

I also remember her sitting with me during my Mom's surgery when I was a Freshman in high school.  She taught me the basics of knitting in the waiting room.

She was always there when you needed her and now can look down and help us from above.  I love you, Grandma!

Becky

Chuck Hodgson: Asking Mom about her childhood

A few years ago during a visit, I was asking my Mother many questions about her childhood. She told me that her father was very successful and that he was the first person in Perry County to own a car. However he never learned to drive so her older brother was the family chauffeur. She rode to school in a car when most other children walked or at best rode in Horse and Carriage. She must have felt like a little princess at that time.

Suddenly at age 11 she lost her mother and a few months later at age 12 her father died as well. Her world came crushing down but she persevered and somehow got thru it. She went on to raise seven children and lived 92 years to protect them.

Whenever I get depressed or saddened by difficulties in my life I think of what my mother endured. Because comparatively my life is so easy. I hope she passed on her strength to me and all those who loved her to get thru our sadness from losing her. I miss you so very much, Mom.

Love, Chuck

Jennifer Hodgson: Playing cards with Eva

I remember the first time I played cards with Eva.  I had only been dating Steve a short while.  The whole family was together to celebrate Becky's wedding and it was a joyous day for all.

We got back to Rick and Kathy's house to enjoy some more time together and we all decided to play cards...well, I didn't know I was playing against a pro. 

Eva's quick wit came out for the first time and she questioned every play I made.  We still laugh about her introducing me to the way the "Hodgson's" play cards....it is a lesson I still take with me with whenever I play cards.

What a wonderful person Eva was to me.  She welcomed me to this family and loved me, as if I were her own.  She and I would always enjoy long talks together and we used to go shopping too.  I feel so blessed to have been blessed to have this amazing lady in my life.  I also feel blessed and honored to be able to call her my Mother-in-law.

I know now she is at the hands of our dear Lord.  May she rest peacefully and she has served so many. 

I love you Eva - Thanks for being who you have been in my life.

Sally Wurster: Remembers meeting Eva

I had the privilege of meeting your wonderful mother, only once.  It was at David’s graduation celebration at Steve and Jennifer’s home.  I was impressed that she looked so fabulous and was so “with it”, for her age. What a blessing that she was here to be part of a grandchild’s graduation.  Both my parents passed away when I was 39, and my Mom, who was ill,  so desperately wanted to live long enough, to see my children graduate. 
 
I walked up to Eva and introduced myself, “Hello, I am Sally Wurster, Al Wursters wife”.  She was so sweet with her response… she looked off to the distance, in deep thought for a moment, and said, “I think one of my son’s works with a Wurster”…  I said, “Why yes, indeed, one did.”  She seemed pleased that she knew that fact, and smiled. It was precious.  She was charming and soft spoken, a true lady.   I could tell, she was very special to all the family that was there.  And I know you will all miss her greatly.
 
I leave you with a quote that hangs in my office:  “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.  All that we love becomes a part of us”… Helen Keller
 
Fondly remembering your Mother,
Sally Wurster

Mary Conway: Pearls of wisdom

     It's hard to believe that I have known Eva for 30 + years!!  Whether it was at home, at church, or in the hospital, her quick wit was always intact.  My first memories are , of course, standing in the kitchen on Rural Street , trying to memorize the secret of the world's most perfect chicken and noodles.  I have yet to master anything close.  On one of my last , most recent visits, I tried to get the recipe out of her again, and when I asked about measurements , eyes closed and all, she'd say, "yeah, that sounds close".
     So....it's hard to envision life without Eva. Her humor, deep faith , and unconditional acceptance , will be so very missed. My life is richer for having known and loved her.
Mary Conway

Susie Hodgson: Story about Mom

A couple of years ago mom was sick so Mike and I stopped in to check on her.  She was asleep in her bed so Mike went in and laid down beside her.  Fifteen minutes later she came into the living room and announced that she finally got him to sleep but he's taking up most of the damn bed...then came that smile of hers.  She was so witty and fun!  We had a good laugh together :-)

I'll miss going over just to hang out.  I'm blessed to have great memories to cherish.

Bill Hodgson: Lots of long childhoods

I told mom late last year that I recently read "a childhood does not really end until both parents have passed on."
I then added, if that is true, then she was responsible for some 425 years of a pretty good childhood.... "Thank you".  
 
She just smiled and nodded, and I could see you liked the sentiment. But she quickly added "live as long as I have and that will happen!".  
Bill



Anita Pope: Eva Story

I am a long time friend of Mike Hodgson and on several occasions over the years went with him to visit with his Mom, Eva.  I always enjoyed going with him because she was fun to visit with. Very nice and always had something to say.  Truly a lovely lady!
 
Mike loved her so much as did all of the many people – family and friends - who were a part of her life and whose life she touched.  She will be missed by so many as she was loved by so many.  The good news is she lives on in the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of which, without her, they would not be here.  Thank you Eva for bringing into the world a great group of people.  Even though the world needs more ‘Eva’s’, I’m not sure that’s possible for she was truly one of a kind.  May you rest in peace and enjoy your days in Heaven.  One day your family and friends will see you again when they get to the other side.
 
God Bless.
 
Anita Pope

Steve Hodgson: Should I know you?

One evening as I was leaving the facility after visiting with mother, a girl that I did not know stopped me and asked how Eva was doing. I responded to her question and then I ask her “Should I know you”? She responded “no, but I have met your mom here at the nursing facility, and she really is special”. As she walked pass me, the back of her shirt read “live, love, heal”….she did know mom.

Trey Howe: Remembers Great-Grandma Eva

She was nice and always had stuff in the closet for us to play with when we came to see her.  Nicest great grandma and the only one I’ve ever had.  She usually said funny things.  It’s sad that she’s gone but being up in heaven with Jesus is the best thing for her.  I hope Jesus is with her.  Last year I spent the day with my grandma and grandpa Reever when we went to see Grandma Hodgson at the hospital.  I was playing my Nintendo DS and grandma Hodgson was in the hospital bed; I felt sorry that she was so old and like that, but I didn’t think I should say anything about it.  Grandma Hodgson had to get up and make stuff, like peanut butter crackers.  She gave it to me and water, because the hospital said she had to.  Now she’s in heaven.

Stephen Howe: Remembers Grandma Eva

On Christmas Eve 2005 we were at Anita and Joe’s house for our traditional Hodgson Christmas Eve gathering.  As usual, we decided to play Euchre, which also has become an enjoyable holiday tradition.  While determining who wanted to play, my mom said that Grandma Hodgson was going to play.  I was somewhat confused for a moment and asked mom ‘can Grandma still think?’.  Well, that didn’t go over real well with Grandma, because she teased me about it and asked if I thought she was too old or something.  There’s a picture of us all playing together that same night.  Unfortunately, I was playing against her and mom, so I doubt that I won a game.  She was a card shark and very good at Euchre.  I still get teased about that comment!  I will miss her wit.  She was funny and always made me laugh.
 

Lori Howe: Grandma made me feel so special

Grandma had a way of making me feel so special – like I was her favorite grandchild.  She would always pull me aside separately from everyone else and give me a special gift  and tell me not to tell anyone else that I got it.  It usually was something pink, since she knew that I loved that color, and it would be a shirt, sweater or nightgown.  As I got older, I suspected that she probably did this with everyone but she had a way of making think I was the only one.   

Kimberly Boulden: Remembers Eva

I am a friend of Bill and Tries Hodgson, and have had the pleasure of meeting Eva several times at family gatherings.  I often chose to sit by her.  She was so always kind to me, and made me feel like an honorary Hodgson.  I was always stricken by her steadiness, a calm that surrounded her.  And from that calm, quite by surprise, came those dry witted, "laugh out loud" comments that she is so remembered for......and a quiet love.
The memorial services for her were no less than perfect.  And it was obvious how loved she is by her sons, daughter and grandchildren.  Such a testimony of a life well lived.
Blessings to you Eva as you now abide in the Light,
kimberly
    

Jennifer Hodgson: Master gardener

When I first met Eva, one of our connection was gardening.  She obviously had many years of experience.  Whenever I had a struggle with a particular plant, flower or such, I knew I could pick up the phone and ask her.  She always gave me the right advice and sure enough I would soon see growing results from her wisdom.  I will always think of her when I see roses - her first birthday gift to me was a beautiful rose bush.  XO to you Ms. Eva.  Dear friend and Mother-in-Law.

Chuck Hodgson: The yellow plate

I remember at dinner on Rural St., we didn't have enough of the same plates to go around so there was one "yellow plate" at the table. When Mom would call us to dinner my older brothers would pretend to battle over who got the "yellow plate'. I would cry because I didn't get it. But Mom would make them give it to me. She would say, "Give Chucky the yellow plate boys". While wiping back tears I would stick out my tongue in victory.
A few years ago I was running short on everyday plates, so I bought a yellow plate which I often used. Last week I got the call that Mom wasn't going to be with us much longer. Later, that same day I dropped and broke that yellow plate. For the first time in over 40 years I cried about the yellow plate as it brought back so many memories of my childhood.
I miss you Mom, I hope you get the yellow plate in heaven.

Love, Chuck

Jennifer Hodgson: Time change

One evening, three summers ago, Steve and I called Eva a little later than usual.  We had our normal greetings and then we asked how she was and she replied...I am tired and I can't go to bed until the sun goes to bed.  She was none to happy about the Eastern Daylight Time change - it was keeping her from going to bed at her usual time.  We still chuckle at her way of delivering her thoughts, including this one.  We love you so much Big E.  You truly are a class act!!

Bill Hodgson: Eva's quick wit

Eva was in her 80's and working the Holiday season at Sears in women's wear.
Rick comes up from behind (presumably unseen), picks up a ladies bra and says to Eva, "excuse me madame, I am thinking of buying one of these for my brother". 
Unphased, mom simply replies.... "which one?"..!

Lori Howe: Grandma loved watching the Pacers

Grandma loved watching the Pacers play on tv. She liked Reggie Miller but couldn’t stand Ron Artest.  She would yell at the tv when they played, and you had better not step in front of the tv when they were playing!  Gee, I wonder where she got that from?  (Anyone remember the house shaking when Grandpa Hodgson would get upset watching sports on tv and yell?  He seriously freaked me out sometimes!)  It is so cool that she was able to go see the Pacers in person within the past few years.  I’m sure she enjoyed this.

Susie Hodgson: Burial Comments


We had a great celebration of life today for mom. The mass was beautiful. At the cemetery doves were released as well as 92 balloons (one for each year she was with us). Lunch at Buca's finished up the day with a toast to mom and the life she lived.



Please send your stories to chuck108@gmail.com They will be added to this site as they arrive. We encourage everyone who knew Eva to write something.