Dear Jackrabbit #23 — Nancy Teehan

Dear Jackrabbit,

I recently had to go down into the basement to search for something, and while doing so, I came across a box with a bunch of old photos. Many of those photos were that of your grandmother as a young woman.

Your grandmother (well, other grandmother, that is) was Nancy Marie Teehan, daughter of Alfred and Velma Holt of South Boston, and brother to Alfred Holt, Jr. I’m embarrassed to admit that I don’t know much about my mother’s early years. Actually, I’m pretty weak on our whole family history. It just wasn’t something that came up much when I was growing up, and by the time I was old enough to be more interested, it was a bit too late. Still, I’m lucky that there are boxes of old pictures and papers stashed away in the basement, and I’m determined to go through them this year and, with the help of some relatives, uncover a bit of my family history for you.

Here are some things I can tell you for sure, though. Judging from report cards, awards, and a letter from the National Honor Society, your grandmother was an excellent student. She also graduated either at the top, or near the top, of nursing school. Remember this, boy. Teehan men marry smart. Whoever you end up with, they are likely going to be much smarter than you. I recommend going with it.

She was born March 16, 1943. World War II was in full swing. She passed away in 1995 from complications due to diabetes. She was diagnosed with Type I early onset diabetes when she was a child. Back then, there weren’t many treatment options and even with daily injections of insulin and careful diet, the prognosis was that she wouldn’t make it much past 30. She actually made it to 51. She was very careful with her diet and health, and she had a lot of support from her friends, and especially my dad.

She was a registered nurse. At one point she worked at Mass General in Boston where she met your grandfather who was an orderly at the time while studying for a career in radio (yes, that was a thing once). In Westerly, where I grew up mostly, your grandmother worked mostly in nursing homes taking care of the elderly. She was rather well-known and respected around town.

She was also a terrific mom. She managed to raise three boys–no easy task. She may have had superpowers. (For one thing, she always knew when we were getting into trouble. Also, for a relatively tiny woman, she could face down people three times her size and send them scurrying off.

She would have loved meeting you, boy. And you would have loved meeting her. I’m sorry you didn’t get the chance to meet my parents, but at the very least I can spend some time learning more about the and the family history on both sides. I’ll also start sharing more old photos. The crop of photos below is just a start.

Your mother has a better handle on the family history and relations on her side, so she’ll be able to tell you more about that on her own. Just the same, I’m going to see if I can’t get her to digitize some pictures from her side as well so I can share them here.

But for now… check out your grandmother, Nancy M (Holt) Teehan… the early years:

Your grandmother in 1943 being held by your great grandfather Alfred Holt.

Your grandmother is on the left next to that strange boy. The look on her face is identical to a look you often have when examining something. Uncanny, really.

Your grandmother (on the right) with a kid from across the street of their home in South Boston.

Your grandmother’s first communion. She was raised Catholic.

Your grandmother standing with your great grandmother Velma Holt.

Did you know your grandmother spent some time on a farm? I didn’t. Had no idea. It explains her fascination with goats, though.

Pitching hay. You know… when I was a kid… this was my job when it came to taking care of our pet goat.

Your grandmother on the left with some friend (or maybe relative? I have no idea.)

Your grandmother after graduating from nursing school beside your great grandmother.

And finally… because I came across this and it was too good not to also share:

Me and your grandfather. The photo has Sep 1967 printed on the side, but I imagine this might have been taken a couple of months earlier.

Like I said, there will be more to come. Lots more.

All my love,

–Dad

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About jdteehan

John is a proud geek and nerd, a publisher, a freelancer, and a new dad. He's into books, gaming, and music. He's a good cook, a passing musician and artist, and terrible fisherman. The biggest thing in his life right now is being a new dad and he has started a blog all about that. Visit Dearjackrabbit.com for more on that. Also visit Merryblacksmith.com for word on publishing projects.
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