I’m a voice from the past. I knew Glee when she was married to my cousin, Bob, and lived in Iowa. I have been wondering whatever became of her after she and Bob moved to California, subsequently parting ways. We were so shocked and saddened when this happened.

I was researching our family tree yesterday when I came across a photo of her as a model in a 1968 LA Times. My sister, Linda, Googled her name and the obituary popped up. It is such a heartwarming and wonderful tribute to her. I’m happy to know that she eventually found the love of her life and lived so fully, surrounded by love.

We all loved Glee so much. She was a dazzling creature, full of charm, and always nice to my younger sister and me. I loved going to their little house. It was so cute, and the food was guaranteed to be delicious. She was well-known for her skills in the kitchen. I was about seven years older than Pat, and several times was asked to babysit. I was proud to be asked to take on this responsibility. I refused to take Bob and Glee’s money, protesting that they were family! But somehow payment always found its way to me via my mother.

I remember fondly the time that she invited Linda and me to spend the night with her and Pat. We spent the whole day with her. She took us to the local TV station where she frequently modeled during the lunchtime newscast. She gave us a tour of the station, we watched her model clothing, and then the camera turned on us three, giggling in our chairs. She took us to see 101 Dalmatians, then we went back to her home where we were treated to her extraordinary Red Velvet Cake. All Red Velvet Cake has been held to that standard; none has since matched it.

Here's the best part of this memory for me. I was the family tomboy. My long-suffering mother had tried so hard to turn me into a girl, but I didn’t like “girly” things, and resisted all her attempts to get me to wear makeup and dresses. I only wore dresses because, back in the day, schools had strict dress codes.

Glee sat me down at her makeup table and proceeded to apply makeup to my face. She gave me a tube of bright pink lipstick and then a red blouse from her closet. I treasured every moment with that exquisite creature and returned home the next day with makeup on my face, bright pink lipstick on my lips, wearing the red blouse. My mother was flabbergasted.

One day with Glee had turned me into a believer!