La Famille Blog

We were first cousins but she was much older than me, already a young woman when I was born.  I spent a lot of time at her mother’s house (my mother’s oldest sister, Aunt Flossie) when I was growing up.

Jean was my idol, from my very earliest memories.  She was beautiful, smart and charming.  Everything she did had a touch of elegance, from her handwriting (which I practiced copying diligently in my childhood!) to even the Christmas presents she wrapped, with exquisite wrapping papers and handmade velvet bows.  She and her husband traveled extensively, and there was always the excitement of hearing all about it when they got back, and I admit, with stars in my eyes!

I remember the wedding of Jean Faye Kidby and Paul Peter Murphy as I was their flower girl.  I wore a long, pale yellow gown with a wide, white satin ribbon tied around my waist.  My dress was designed and handstitched by the bride herself.  A thing of beauty, just as she was.

This is one of my favorite photos of her wedding day with her unposed spontaneous expression of joy:

Jean Faye Kidby – Paul Peter Murphy