Grandma Field

Leonore Antoine Sprie Field was born on June 16, 1908, she died in Novemeber 1999. My Grandma was born in Germany ( I can't remember the name of the town). Grandma immigrated to the United States when she was 21 years old. Grandma didn't know a word of English and taught herself by reading the newspaper. Upon her arrival she got a job at a meat factory, Grandma told the story often of how she was so nervous for interview the only words she knew were "Do you speak German" she was practicing outside the factory with a goat! Luckily the supervisor was a German and gave my grandmother a job.
Grandma's Mom was a convert to the church and baptized in Germany her husband did not convert but my great grandma was a very strong member helping the church to grow by being a very effective Stake missionary. My Grandma was a very strong member of the church in fact she told my Grandpa (a Jew) that if he wasn't baptized she wouldn't marry him. Fortunate for us all Grandpa eventually was baptized and him and my Grandma were married in February of 1938.
I miss my Grandma quite often but especially during the holiday season. I have fond memories of her coming to our house for Thanksgiving, getting very excited for all the goodies. I love the enthusiasm and joy that my Grandma had for all the little things in life. Every present she ever opened was received with such happiness and genuine gratitude it felt like it was the best present she had ever gotten. Grandma would tell stories of Christmas Eve in Germany while she was growing up and how every year they would receive oranges and nuts and a new pair of shoes. Grandma always taught us to be grateful for the many many presents we received at Christmas time and teased us about what rich kids we were.
Although my Grandma was widowed at a young age (51 years old) she kept a busy happy productive life. I never really thought about it until I was older that Grandma could've remarried but never did. I didn't think about it because her life already seemed so complete. My Grandma was such a good example to me in how she lived her life and how she treated people. I loved going to Grandma's house it was always very clean and orderly (now you know where I get it from) it always smelled of baked goods and the spirit was just so strong. Grandma's scriptures were often out on the end table when we'd arrive, I know she loved the scriptures. When we would get to her house she'd have me always sit down and the piano and her and my Dad would sing hymns while I would accompany them. Grandma was also a great seamstresse. When we were young she made us a lot of dresses. Whenever I sew I think about my Grandma. I also think of my Grandma when I go to the temple, Grandma was an ordinance worker at the Provo temple for many years.
The last couple of days I have thought a lot about my Grandma, on my Christmas playlist I have Silent Night song in German anytime it comes on I get tears in my eyes. Every Christmas Grandma would sing Silent Night in German to us. Grandma also taught me Oh Christmas Tree in German so I could sing it for a solo in a choir program in Elementary School. I love my Grandma she has been one of the greatest influences on my life. I cannot wait to see her again and thank her for all she has done for me, knowing and unknowingly.