One of the disadvantages of being the youngest child is that all of the various relatives are even older in relation and it's hard to remember them as I was quite young when many passed. But I do indeed remember Aunt Toots. I don't know how she came about her nickname but she was so cool to a youngster like me. She could do anything, was wonderfully athletic, self-confident, seemingly fearless. She did, and excelled, at all the cool things I aspired to do. She was 
rough and tumble, yet nice, kind and gentle. I remember her gravely voice, her special smile.In digging through old photos, records and etc. I came across this biography that Carol wrote. Carol was and remains an excellent writer. Thanks Carol, for allowing me to know and understand Aunt Toots in a way I could not before.
Arloa Congos was born in Painesville, Ohio, the only daughter in a family with three brothers. To her father's frequent pride and occasional frustration, Arloa was the best athlete in the family. To her mother's frequent frustration and ultimate pride, Arloa always refused to be the proper, pampered girl in a family of boys.In her youth, Arloa played on championship women's softball teams, traveling across the mid-West with teammates who, like her, refused to conform to the proper mold. Sports, especially baseball/softball remained a passion throughout her life.
Arloa was married briefly, but the joys of domestic life just didn't suit her. The marriage ended in divorce. She now had the opportunity to support and raise an infant daughter in a day when single parenthood was not the norm.
Arloa worked at a local manufacturing company for several years, then started a new career as a key-punch operator at a neighboring chemical plant. While putting her daughter through college, she became a manager in the data processing organization. Arloa took an early reitrement and, with a long-time friend, became co-owner of a small business.
In her late 50's, Arloa sold her share of the business to her partner and moved West to be close to her daughter, Carol, and her young grandson, Scott. As her grandson grew, Arloa was active in coaching his youth baseball and basketball teams. Many of Arloa's teams came in first place, with some assistance from her grandson.
Eventually, Arloa moved into the Country Club Estates mobile home park. With the good neighbors, many activities and summer swimming pool, Aloa really looked on this as her home.
As all of you who knew Arloa are probably well aware, there were two key maxims by which she lived:
1. If you're going to play the game -- softball, golf, bingo or life -- do it to the best of your ability.
2. Value your independence -- don't give it away lightly.
Although Arloa was a private person, she was always ready to listen, to help and to be an enthusiastic member of the team. She will be missed.
Missed indeed. To Arloa and to her two maxims. To Carol -- thank you so much for the memories.
From Kathy's e-mail:
ReplyDeleteThank you for these.
Sue's mother in law died recently and I went to the funeral and memorial service with Sue . I didn't know Olga very well , having only met her 4 or 5 times , but it always struck me about how she listened . When you spoke to her , you had her full attention and were the center of her universe . ( especially if you were her grandchild . ) A rare talent . I learned at the memorial service how important it was to her that she never stop learning , and her goal was to learn something new every day . Your information filled blogs help with that .
I never really knew Toots either . I remember being at a game of hers when the pitcher threw a rock off the mound . It flew through the fingers of the woman in front of me , who threw up her hands to protect herself , and hit my forehead . Everyone swarmed around me and I didn't know what the fuss was about until I put my hand to my head and saw blood ( head wounds bleed a lot ) . That's when I started crying . A shame that is one my few memories of Aunt Toots . I do remember that she always seemed to be smiling .
I knew Carol less and didn't even know that she had a son . I learned later how much everyone loved her from stories about Kentucky . Toots would have been a great role model , if only we had known her better .