And then there was one...
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (62950)
June 23, 2026 10:41am CST
I think the worst thing about getting older is we lose some of the people we care about to time and age and the natural course of life. Nothing is permanent, I get that, but it's still hard to lose them.
I had two aunts left...one in her 80's and one is 93. The 93 year old aunt still drives, cooks, keeps house, sews--is very active. My other aunt married into the family and instantly everyone loved her. She was such a kind soul, loved her sons and grands, and cared for her husband when he lost his leg due to an accident, until he died. She was a complete treasure--she never lost her zest for life. Her son (my cousin) brought her here to see us this last winter, she lived about 4 hours from me. It was so good to visit with them. I am so glad he did, as she passed away two days ago.
So now there is one elderly aunt left, and then we are down to the cousins and the second cousins. We lost quite a number of Florida family members to Covid a few years ago. So the number of ''oldsters'' is dwindling, and it's sad. The remaining aunt, the one that's 93, says she feels really sad to be the only oldster left. I never thought about this, but yes, that would be hard in a lot of ways. She is thankful her husband, my uncle, is still with her. She did say she never dreamed she would be the only older family member left.
Cherish those who are older and fragile...granted, none of us ever know when it's our turn to go, I know. I am just glad to have the memories.
Anyway, I will miss my aunt. She had so many stories, and lived a very full life. She was active in the same church for over 50 years, raised two sons and some foster children, stepped up and raised a surprise grandson when the need was there. She added a lot to our lives and will be missed. And she did leave a legacy of love behind her to live on in her children and grandchildren. A life well-lived.
17 people like this
15 responses
@wolfgirl569 (140487)
• Marion, Ohio
23 Jun
So sorry. I am down to 2 blood related aunts. One of their husbands is still alive and I have one other aunt that was married to an uncle who is gone now.
3 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (140487)
• Marion, Ohio
24 Jun
@MarieCoyle It is. I was thinking the same as you that soon it will be us and the cousins
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
25 Jun
@wolfgirl569
I used to roll my eyes when both my grandmothers always said ''Time flies!'' When you're young, it doesn't seem like it does. Then you get out on your own and on with your life, and the time really does fly. One day my kids were tiny babies, and now they are grown up with children of their own. It seems like it took no time at all.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (140487)
• Marion, Ohio
25 Jun
@MarieCoyle I felt the same way when I was younger
1 person likes this
.@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
24 Jun
You said a mouthful for sure. It's all about time, or lack of time. And time together is not ever enough.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (212799)
• United States
23 Jun
I think tbat is the best thing you can say about somebody. They had a life well lived. RIP Auntie!
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
23 Jun
She really did live her life to the fullest, and was so loved. Thank you so much.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (100890)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 Jun
Sorry for your loss. I have a handful of realtive scattered about Latvia,
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (100890)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Jun
@MarieCoyle, only my stepchildren and their families, My relatives were more of the we ahve out own lives to live type,
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
25 Jun
@RasmaSandra
Unfortunately, some people are like that. Stepchildren do count as family, though.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
24 Jun
I wish you were able to see them, I'm sure you miss them.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (92182)
• United States
23 Jun
It's always sad to lose someone special and I'm sorry to hear that your Aunt passed away.
I have an Aunt & Uncle who are in their 90s and they are the only ones left (as you said oldsters). They both still drive and they sound just like your Aunt & Uncle with being so active (maybe we have the same Aunt & Uncle? 
)
Leaving behind treasured memories is what I wish for when I die.
)
Leaving behind treasured memories is what I wish for when I die.2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
23 Jun
Hey, it does sound like our aunt and uncles are definitely cut from the same cloth!! And I wish the same, to leave good memories. Thank you, Marilyn.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
25 Jun
I am glad we had that visit, too. She was a treasure. Thanks so much.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
23 Jun
She lived her life to the very fullest and left a fine legacy. Thank you, Amber. 
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
25 Jun
You said that so well. I will always miss them. Thank you so much.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (509458)
• Italy
25 Jun
@MarieCoyle - I only know the daughters of two of my cousins, I do not even know the children of the others.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
27 Jun
@LadyDuck
It's hard to keep track of all of the branches, etc. for me.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
25 Jun
Only one more ant left. And that aunt’s mother lived to be over 100, so maybe she will, too. Like you, I still have cousins and their generations.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (28867)
• Singapore
24 Jun
Some pass on relatively young and a few live to ripe old age.
I have a relative who will be 102 in a few months time - the oldest in our family.
Memories of those who are no more can never die though they may have departed.
At times, I wonder what is life about - do we meet again later as some reassure us?
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
25 Jun
Wow, 102 years old is a lot of years.
I firmly believe we will see each other again. For now, I have to be content with the memories of those who have gone.
1 person likes this
@thelme55 (79745)
• Germany
28 Jun
@MarieCoyle Yes, it is indeed hard to loss the people we love. You’re welcome.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
25 Jun
It's hard, isn't it...I know the years fly by but it's still hard to lose them. Thank you so much.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (223884)
• United States
27 Jun
I'm so sorry for your loss.
My husband and I were the oldest living relatives on his side of the family. All that were left were cousins.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
28 Jun
It's a strange feeling, to know that soon my generation will be the oldest in my family. I do have twin cousins quite a bit older than I am, but time flies so fast, before we realize it we are the oldest. Thank you, Linda. She was a special and very kind and loving lady.
1 person likes this
@summerscent (378)
• Philippines
24 Jun
I’m sorry for your loss. Parting is never easy, even more so the loss of an elderly family member or loved one. I always cherished the times my far-away relatives got to visit us, and we had a family reunion or picnic. But when their time to leave is near, I really feel sad. I will always have a soft heart for elderly people, whether related to me or not; I don’t know, but maybe they kind of remind me of my own parents. Whenever I see or encounter one, I can only imagine the life they lived when they were younger. It was indeed sad.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
25 Jun
Yes, we knew my aunt was failing in health. Right before she passed away, she got to hold her very first great grandchild. She was so happy. I have a picture of her holding the baby and smiling. I am going to be remembering her as being so happy in her last few days. Thank you.
@FourWalls (87700)
• United States
23 Jun
I’m so sorry for such sad news. May her memory be a blessing. Prayers and condolences.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (62950)
•
23 Jun
Her memory truly will be a blessing. She was a treasure. Thank you so much.
1 person likes this
