Family Members I Would Like to Meet - Part I

Over the years, I have heard stories of different family members.  Some have been more prominent in family oral history than others and as their stories unfold in front of me the more I wish I could sit down over a cup of coffee cold beer and ask questions of them.  Sophie Stanish is one of those people. 

Sophie is my grandpa Joe's oldest sister.  She was either the oldest or second oldest (a brother Tim may have preceeded her) of 15 (or 16) children.  She was born in Austria in, or around, a town named (or sounds like) Shonak.  Her father Michael left for the United States leaving Sophie and her mom Sophia behind.  Apparently when he arrived in Pennsylvania he had no plans to send for Sophie or her mother because he was having far too much fun as bachelor.  After some persuading by his brother, Profir Stanish, he finally sent for his family.  That is how Sophie made it to the United States.  I haven't found which year yet, though.

Through family history it seems that Sophie became the somewhat matriarch of the family.  What is interesting to me is that she ran a successful restaurant in Oil City, PA called the Penn Restaurant.  I would love to know how long that business ran.  Out of it she was able to purchase enough land for the large Stanish family to live on, on Shaffer Run Road.  She had her own large house built by my Grandpa Joe and one of her man friends, which still stands today.  With her finances, she built a house for her parents to live in, which subsequently my grandparents, dad, aunt, uncle, and their cousin grew up in - and is still in the family. 

She obviously played an importent role in her family.  I'm sure that her status in the family was elevated as she was the oldest child and first to primarily speak english.  She probably had a huge sense of responsibility.  I'm amazed at her industrious nature and strength.  Sophie didn't even have a high school education. 

I just wish I could find out how she did it.  What kind of struggles did she have to deal with, particularly being a woman?  What led her to running a restaurant?  How was the food?  How was she able to buy so much property? 

Beyond that, she was married twice.  Archie Purdy was her first husband, followed by Tom Thomas.  She had no children.  She passed away at a relatively young age.  Researching archived newspaper articles it is apparent that she was clearly missed by her family.

Sophie Stanish Thomas

(b. 14 Nov 1899 - d. 23 Dec 1952)

Pennies From Heaven

I have this thing about pennies.  I don't recall quite how it started, but after my Papa (Harold Thurber) passed away, whenever I saw a penny on the ground I would pick it up - no matter if it was tails or heads up.  I had come to believe that it's his way of saying "Hello" to me.

As time has gone on, I've lost other special people in my family - my Nana (Alice Thurber), Grandpa Joe Stanish, and Grandma Da Silva. One by one they have joined my pennies from heaven club.  It gives me a warm feeling to still feel their presence.  The great thing is that at times when I've been troubled and needed someone on my side, I would find a penny, and my problems would wash away.  And of course, I would hear Louis Prima in my head singing "Pennies from Heaven" as well.....shoobie doobie.  Tell me that song doesn't make you happy.  I have quite the collection of pennies now which all amount to good memories. 

Today, another very special person has joined the club.  My sweet Grandma Stanish will now be sending me pennies from heaven.

Although we lived across the country from each other and rarely saw each other, we had a special relationship.  We shared some great conversations and laughs.  Her sense of humor was dry and unexpected.  One of my favorite memories was sitting in her living room watching "Tommy Boy" together, just Gram and me.  She laughed through the whole movie and commented quite often "what an idiot" Chris Farley's character was.  She cracked me up with that.  It still makes me smile. 

I'm glad I made it out to Pennsylvania for an all too quick trip this past summer.  She shared old family photos and stories with me, which was immensely special.  I bawled like a baby when I said goodbye to her on that trip...and she just looked up at me with her sweet, mischievous, knowing smile. 

I'll miss our talks, Grandma, and I look forward to your first penny from heaven.

Bernette Elizabeth Stanish
October 7, 1919 - March 6, 2011