Grandma Chase

Olivia Fanjul Chase

July 18, 1926-May 30, 2012

Grandma and Grandpa, Grandma’s hair she sewed onto this doll

Grandma had dementia, and it was hard to have a very stimulating conversation with her recently, but I spent a lot of time today thinking about how much fun she was when I was a kid.

She was a jokester. It made me think I could be one too, so I went through a phase where I had a goal of startling her every time she came over, and she always jumped and shouted. Now I realize that I wasn’t actually that sneaky, and she must have just been humoring me at least some of the time… but she sure made me think I was hilarious.

She gave great back scratches.

She taught me things like how to knit, a few basic tap dance moves, and how to draw (I never excelled at any of these). She also taught me how to make freaking awesome scrambled eggs (this I excel at).

We had different religious beliefs, but she always came to support us when we were baptized or had other important milestones.

She taught me and Patrick basic Spanish as kids… things like “agua", “leche",” and other foods as well as “Deja la nariz!” lol

She was fun to have sleepovers with because she’d play games with me and tell funny stories. She taught me to love building puzzles.

She took care of me if I was sick when my parents had to work or when she and Grandpa took me to Tahoe, and I overate so much at the buffet that I was barfing all night (lesson learned).

She had a sweet tooth. I totally get that.

She always kept some kind of mint life saver thing in her purse, and she never hesitated to share with me.

She and Grandpa babysat me a lot when I was a kid, and she always sat with me after school and listened to the stories of my day and fixed me snacks.

She was a little kooky, but she sure gave me some fun memories, and I am glad to have had her in my life.

She has been sick for awhile, and we’re glad that now she can rest. I am grateful for the gospel in my life and the knowledge that I can see her again. Love you, Grandma!