The Long Line, Part 1- Marie
History fascinates me. We’re connected to it. Much of our daily lives are a result of it.
Digging into history with my kids just delights me (although they’re not always as delighted, but close!.. sometimes.) As we’ve been reading about the Chilton family on the Mayflower, I’ve thought about my own heritage and wow…. I come from a long line of tough woman.
My Grandma, Marie Kissler Hoke, was a German born in Frank, Russia. (While hunting for her name a historical registry I found my own name ,along with all my aunts, uncles & brother & sister! Wild!) Grandma Marie defines determination & strength in a quiet, humble way. Here’s a little bit about her life.
Marie Kissler was conceived out of wedlock – obviously NOT her fault- during a time when children of unwed parents were shunned. Her biological father was completely out of the picture, but long before she was actually delivered into this world, her Mom married a very kind & loving man. Although this man, Henry, knew the truth of her beginnings, he lovingly treated my Grandma as though she were his own flesh & blood. Her own Mother, however, did not. Marie reminded her of painful past experiences & my Grandma suffered for it. Her Mom went so far as to mentioned several times within my Grandma’s earshot that she wished Marie had died instead of the other baby boy she’d lost when my Grandma Marie was very young. (Imagine that comment floating around in your head your entire childhood?)
Marie was a sickly little girl, and at age 7 she boarded a boat to America. Her parents hid her from ship personnel because she wasn’t well & they were afraid authorities would think her illness serious and send them all back to Russia. But she managed to make it into the country via Ellis Island. (I’ve found her parents & younger sister & brother’s names on the official registry, but Marie is not listed… unless she’s the one listed as Ann (her middle name). Her family spoke German at home but insisted that she learn English (it was considered an honor to be “American” and disgraceful to not learn the language. Seems reasonable to me.)
Her heart-breaking childhood ended abruptly. While she was still young, Grandma Marie became the bride of an arranged marriage to a man she didn’t love. Her new husband soon became violent. My Grandma & the seven children born to this union suffered the anger & physical violence of this man. When my Dad (who was the 2nd of 7 kids) was still young, Marie & her husband divorced. This was in the late 1930′s.. this DID NOT happen back then! Now my Grandma was even poorer than before and a single mom,in a time when that was not a common phrase.
At some point during her adult years she dedicated her life to Jesus and insisted on teaching her children what the Bible taught & taking them to church. Despite the never-ending difficulties of her life, Marie Ann Kissler Hoke did her best, dug in her heels and just did what she had to do.
When I a baby, Grandma Marie lived with my family for a season. Then her life took another disheartening turn – Alzheimer’s. She lived with us as long as it was safe, but eventually Grandma needed constant care. My Dad visited her very day. I saw her weekly. She didn’t usually know who I was, but her face would light up if we spoke of her brothers & sisters; her entire countenance brightened when we talked about Jesus! The nursing staff adored her. Her gentleness & quiet joy affected everyone in her life.
This lovely lady had very little circumstances in life to give her happiness, but she chose Jesus. She chose joy. He was her strength and the obvious reason for never becoming bitter & angry. I come from a long line of strong people with incredible examples to learn from … and I’m very grateful for my Grandma Marie.
Her earth suit is buried here… but the real Marie is with Jesus!
(Note: The telling of Marie’s story is based on my memories of her & the stories told by my Dad & Aunts and Uncles. if they, or my cousins, happen to read this post I welcome their additional comments or corrections.)
Another note: Our daughter, Mariah, is name after this strong & gentle woman, Grandma Marie. Our daughter, Courtney, shares Marie’s middle name, Ann, in her honor as well.
What an amazing history, and an incredible example in the life of your grandmother! I’m so thankful she chose Jesus in the midst of hard circumstances. Thank you so much for sharing her story.
OK… I’m sitting here crying at my desk! what a great woman… surely that is where you get it from! LOVEYOU!!!
BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for sharing!
Wow, what an amazing story! Thank you for sharing, Netta!
Thanks for this story.
I loved reading this! I didn’t appreciate history growing up, but I eat it up now. I love it! Thank you for sharing.
Your grandma, Mrs. Marie Ann Kissler Hoke left a legacy of love behind for each of us to aspire to. Whooow! In the mist of her circumstances she still chose Jesus. What an incredible journey! What an amazing woman! Thx for sharing. As I sit here with tears in my eyes, it takes a story like this to encourage me to ‘keep the faith.’ It’s a day-to-day walk….often times…minute-by-minute, second-by-second…Though I pray daily for the courage of others and myself to be as courageous as your grandma and continue to chose Jesus in the mist of the circumstances. That’s the only way to live the victorious life God so desires for us to live.
This is such a cool story! It is always nice to look back to where and who we have come from. Thanks for sharing!
Wow!! Netta-soup great job! As the youngest of the Hoke cousins (Marie’s direct grand children) I am amazed at how accurately you recall the life story of someone who we were all raised to understand was truly a remarkable woman and an extraordinary soul. The manor in which she chose to live her life, and raise her children, has truly blessed her descendants for generations to come. We should all be thankful.
I am however, not at all suprised at all by how well you are able to put it to pen. You have always been a special talent. You are so blessed that your dad took the time and effort to share the family history with you. ( We all know how the Hoke Brothers liked to get together and swap stories!) Thank you so much for getting it down so well. It is a story that needs to be shared with the next generation, and the one after that, and the one after that.
Love you, Audie
Omgosh…..this made me cry….what an amazing woman she is!! I am so glad that she is with the Lord and dancing away!! Thank you for a wonderful story….I have heard so much about her!!!!
Thank you Netta for honoring our wonderful Grandma. As the second oldest of her grandchildren, I also have such fond memories of her, but also regret for not letting her know while she was still alive how truly good and special she was. During the summer between 5th and 6th grade, she lived with us in Englewood. I can tell you as one who observed her day, night, weekends, her faith and sweetness never failed. One of my sweetest memories of that summer was standing at her bedroom door listening to her pray for her grandchildren. We are truly blessed!!
Cindy, I too remember going to visit Grandma Hoke at one of the last upstairs apartments she lived at in downtown Greeley. We would stop by in the middle of the day to find her home all alone in her room, on her knees, praying, as you said not for herself, but for her grandchildren and others.
Cool Story!!!
Wow, what a great story and heritage. I really love how her face brightened whenever you talked about her family and JESUS! That is awesome!!!
[...] come from a long line of strong, admirable [...]