Aunt Tillie

In Memorium
     Dominick Languis
     Jo Ann Languis Cuneo
     Matilda Toti Languis

Our Ladies of Perpetual Hangover

Matilda Toti Languis
4/10/17 - 1/17/01

"Aunt Tillie"

Eighty-three years ago a little girl with black curly hair and dark brown eyes came into this world. Her name was Matilda Toti. Knowing Aunt Tillie my whole life I can only guess that she must have been a feisty bundle of joy.

We say goodbye to a beloved Mother, Grandmother, great-Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend. It's a time when we reflect back on the person Tillie Languis was. Who was she? Well, she was a lot of things to many people. She started working at about age fourteen and to my knowledge never stopped. She was a kind and loving parent, a good friend, a loving sister, a devoted wife. She married my Uncle Pete when she was twenty-one and was widowed early. Anyone else faced with the loss of her husband and left to raise her six year old child alone might have despaired and made wrong choices, but she was determined she would make a life for herself and Maria. She forgot her own sorrow and forged ahead at full steam.

Anyone who knew her also knew that along with her courage, she had a wonderful wit, and I think that's what I'll miss most about her. Her ability to laugh at herself and to always see the bright side of every situation.

Life wasn't always easy for her. She overcame true adversities and she overcame them with style and grace. Seldom did she complain. Putting her problems aside to listen to yours, she was a rock for all of us. She was the Aunt that was fun. Whether it was raiding Bryant's Orchard in apple season or piling all of us in the car to go to Gaibler's on a hot summer day, Aunt Tillie was a constant source of joy and fun in our lives.

Her generosity knew no limits. It didn't matter if she knew you or not, if you were down on your luck Aunt Tillie was there to lend a helping hand. She would find a bit of work for a homeless person or just give him five dollars for food.

I know Heaven is richer because you're there, but our world is a lonelier place without you. We will miss you.

Aunt Tillie touched many lives, not just those of her family. The following was a tribute to Aunt Tillie written by Barney Mills. It appeared in the Havre de Grace Record shortly after her death. Thank you, Barney, for honoring our Aunt Tillie with these beautiful words.

A Sad Goodbye to a Havre de Grace Jewel

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