Memories of Beda Hübinette-Nohlberg

by her granddaughter Beverly Horschler

To say that my Grandmother Nohlberg was a role model for me is an understatement. She arrived in the United States at age 16 and worked as a domestic/housekeeper as did so many other immigrants. She had a true pioneering spirit being unafraid to try anything new, least of all traveling from Sweden. Friends and relatives speak fondly of her warmth and hospitality, not to mention her talents for cooking, baking, sewing, handiwork, painting, wallpapering etc.

When my mother went to work due to my father's Rheumatoid Arthritis, my Grandmother and beloved Grandfather Gus Nohlberg offered to keep my brother Donald age 7, and myself, age 10, at their cottage on the Fox River in Cary, Illinois. We spent seven summers with them. What wonderful summers they were! We learned to swim, row, fish, hike, cook, clean and shop. We also learned etiquette and manners and we attended Sunday school. Most of all we learned about my Grandmother's hospitality. Everyone was welcome at her table. Many weekends she had no idea how many visitors she would have but that didn't bother her in the least.

Since my Grandparents lived in Chicago, Illinois during the winter my Grandmother used to send us surprise boxes. We never knew when they were coming or what was in them, but we had an agreement that they wouldn't be opened until we were all home and together. I followed this tradition with our own grandchildren. My Grandparents would often travel to Joliet, Illinois on the bus to visit us. My brother Don and I would visit them in Chicago where we learned to ride the streetcars, transfer, and ride the elevated trains. We also visited the zoos, museums, and Riverview Amusement Park.

One special time when they were visiting us, Grandpa Nohlberg brought home a tiny fox terrier puppy in his overcoat pocket. We were so excited. We enjoyed Trixie for 14 years. When I was invited to my first formal dance, my Grandfather bought my first ball gown, pink satin with a hoop skirt, it was beautiful. My Grandfather passed away shortly after but lives on in our memories.

My Grandmother touched so many lives: she was my mother's best friend, my father's strength, and an inspiration to her brothers and sisters. My husband Paul and his parents enjoyed her company as did so many others fortunate enough to know her. When I pray to her and my dear Grandfather, my heart is full of love and gratitude, for they so enriched our lives.

Beverly Horschler