We recently lost a long-time family friend: Gina Schoneman Gruenes. Gina has been my aunt Jean's best friend since before I was born, so she's been like an aunt to me my entire life. She was loud, happy, and exuberant pretty much all the time. That's no exxageration! Her laugh was warm and contagious. I remember when I was little she liked Tigger- had a big stuffed Tigger on her bed even in her 30's. She played softball, loved football- kind of a tomboy. A few years ago when I was living with Auntie Jean, Gina got married. We'd always hoped Gina would find a man and have a family- she was such a loving person, and always so good with kids. Gina married Ken Gruenes, a guy she'd known for many many years but had only recently fallen in love with. Jean and I went to Gina's hometown for the weekend for her bridal shower and bachelorette party. I remember this weekend so fondly! I recall a beautiful shower in a church basement, with ladies of all ages- everyone was so excited for Gina to finally find love... And the bachelorette party was one of the most fun nights in memory... silly games and margeuritas, Jell-o shots, a penis pinata (hehe), and a big party bus I helped decorate, and we had a blast celebrating Gina's last hurrah. Her wedding was a few weeks later- and another beautiful memory. Gina looked so happy and calm... just complete.
Gina and her husband had a baby girl 2 1/2 years ago, Jennifer. I've never met the little one, just seen pictures- and Gina sent me and Angie lots of hand-me-down clothes. It makes me so sad to think that Jennifer may only slightly remember her amazing mom...but I can see Gina in her eyes- and I hear that she's got the same spitfire attitude.
I hope that Gina lives on through her little girl, she was a wonderful person. We are all so lucky to have had you in our lives!
Gina Schoneman Gruenes
1968-2011
This is such a beautiful tribute, Becky! Thanks for writing it. Actually, Gina and I met when we were both working at our first job in Worthington, so you were a few years old, but she certainly was my BF since as far back as you would remember. :) I like the picture you posted of her in her wedding dress...before "hair and makeup", the natural Gina. We have a picture after she was "all dolled up" and ready, leaning way forward, drinking Diet Dew out of a cup with a straw, so as not to get any on her dress. LOL She wasn't going to let a little thing like a wedding dress get between her and her Diet Dew! Yes, she was a Diet Dew lover like the rest of us! Just a side note...I like how you mentioned Tigger. Anyone who knew Gina knew she loved Tigger and collected all things Tigger. In Gina's casket, next to a picture that Jennifer had colored for her, was a stuffed Tigger. Also, even though of course she was wearing a beautiful dress with her hands together in the usual pose, in her hands was a miniature Tigger. That was our Gina. :~) She was and is loved by more people than any one person I know, and all of us who knew her, in whatever capacity, are better people because of it. Love you, Becky!!
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