Aunt Ethel O'Hagan had a heart of gold and I don't think are too many things that she probably enjoyed more than the pure and simple joy of giving-she really loved and seemed to get a necessary sense of fulfillment giving to those less fortunate. Whether it was Aunt Ethel's many nieces and nephews or the needy malnourished orphans she freely gave to, for so many years,

her, "foster/sponsored" children of Africa and I think South America. When we were young she would delight in having any one, or combination of, us kids over to her apartment, be it the one on Lee street or McKinley and Alma, or any one of several Alameda residences.  A free lunch or breakfast was often followed by a treat of some sort, so many over the years growing up, a water canteen,

pocket watch or some such thing that would inevitably catch my attention. Aunt Ethel never changed, even many years later just after she retired and took a trip north to Seattle and stayed with us for a spell, she always wanted to treat or pay for something, or to just relax and enjoy family. Aunt Ethel never wavered in her wqys, and giving to others, never speaking ill of others, always

willing to listen or share a story, her eyes were open to everyone and never once did I hear her judge or malign others. It really seemed to fill Aunt Ethel with joy to see her loved ones on any level, at any time or place, I don't think she ever wavered in that either, and I realize that now as she has departed. We all love Aunt Ethel right back.

Every family should have an Aunt or sister like Ethel. Few do. Many are blessed with a caring soul who takes time out for loved ones. Ethel seemed to have an inexhaustible supply of devotion to give. This is not an easy task in a large family. As a child, I flattered myself to think I was her favorite until how I saw how she interacted with all my cousins and her siblings. I will miss her.

Before our family spread out across several states, our Aunt Ethel somehow managed to be home almost as often as we were. And when I say “home,” I don’t just mean at my family’s house.  I mean all of our houses, even though she never had a car, or even drove.   She seemed to have spent equal amounts of time at the homes of all of her siblings (five sisters and two brothers).

It was always clear to me how much she loved all of us – her brothers and sisters as well as her nieces and nephews.  As some of our families moved away from the Bay Area, she never let distance be a barrier.  She wrote frequent letters and she spread her vacations in order to spend time with each family.  And she loved her great-nieces and great-nephews in the same way.

Ethel was my wife's aunt.  She was a warm, generous and loving person, and we all miss her greatly.

Aunt Ethel was our "fairy Godmother," always ready with a smile, a small gift, a card, words of comfort.  Love.

My first memory of my sister, Ethel, is of early teaparties she set up for me and my younger brothers, Jack and Hugh.  She melted chocolate and spread it on graham crackers, and served us with her own childhood doll tea set.  Through the years she nicknamed me "Little E" and i called her "Big E"  Many, many loving memories of her in my life.

I'll always remember how many birthday cards she sent through the years, to me and others.  It seemed like she never forgot to send those cute little cards signed in her neat handwriting "your godmother."  

Aunt Ethel wrote poetry, too--some lovely, pensive pieces.  I hope she is writing poems today, in Heaven.

Happy birthday Auntie Ethel, you are missed terribly!  And will always be loved!

Although we lived further from Aunt Ethel than most of the family when we were growing up, Alicia and I still received the cards on our birthday and the little gifts Aunt Ethel would pick out.  I probably saw her more as an adult than when I was a kid as I visited her frequently when I came up to see my parents. Although her communication was impaired, I would bring pictures and stories to

share and she would always laugh in the right places and enjoy the news about the family.  My Mom was terrified of nursing homes but when she saw a picture of Ethel and I during a visit, she got the courage to go with me the next time and she and Ethel laughed and cried together.  I glad Mom was able to do that before she passed away.  They both seemed so happy to see each other.

I miss you Aunt Ethel.  I miss seeing you and sharing stories.  I am glad that you and my Mom are now together and both watching over all of us.  Happy Birthday Aunt Ethel.  Thank you for all the care and love you showed Alicia and I over the years.  Love, Elizabeth  

We thought of you with love today. We miss you now, and as time goes by, we miss you more.
Your loving smile, your gentle face, no one can fill your vacant place. Your life was love and labor, your love for your family true. We will always remember you with love.

God bless my dear godmother Aunt Ethel, who taught me about kindness and patience.  Know we remember you with love.

Remembering Aunt Ethel on her birthday, with much love.  I miss you!

I'm remembering today some of the lovely little objects (Japanese dolls and the like) that Aunt Ethel collected. She enjoyed these small treats, but the majority of her resources she devoted to others--her generosity toward her family, and charity, even with her limited means, was admirable.  I resolve to try and emulate her by being less greedy and materialistic, more giving and generous.

Yes, I too remember that Aunt Ethel always had a small gift when she visited - tiny baby dolls for a doll house, Bell telephone key chains, plastic rain bonnets that folded nicely to carry in your purse ... I miss her dearly!

When I received the reminder email today, I was surprised to read that Aunt Ethel's middle name was Rose. I didn't know that!  It's very fitting--a sweet, old-fashioned flower that never goes out of style and is loved by all.  That was her!

I miss getting mail.  Aunt Ethel never forgot a birthday, holiday or special event.  And she'd send little Hallmark cards in between, "just because."

I agree with what Colleen wrote--Aunt Ethel was so faithful in her communication with friends and family.  She seemed to cherish them, and in return, we cherish her.  I trust she is in heaven with her sisters, all looking down on us with love and wishing she could send a card to reassure and comfort us. I believe she prays for us.

Cynthia, I too believe she prays for us and continues to look after us.

I still miss Aunt Ethel.  She was always there for every occasion, with love and support.  I am adding three photos - one from my high school graduation, one from my law school graduation, and a photo taken during a visit to the Bay Area.  Love my "fairy godmother"!

Happy birthday Auntie Ethel.  Love and miss you!

Dear Aunt Ethel, how wonderful it would be if we could get together and have a cup of tea. I cherish the hope that someday we will, again! Meanwhile I hope she knows she is never forgotten by all the children and adults she loved and helped.

Dear Aunt Ethel, I still think of you often and miss you lots.  Love, Colleen

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, we remember you.  As summer fades to fall, we remember you, and miss you, with love.

Thinking of you on your birthday.  Love and miss you still.

Often in my thoughts... love and miss you!

Dear Aunt Ethel,  Thinking of you on what would be your 93rd birthday.  Here is a photo I came across of a photo taken on your birthday many years ago.  And this is how I will always remember you - young and happy!  Love and miss you!  Colleen

Dear Aunt Ethel, it is hard to believe you have been gone 10 years now.  I still think of you often, and miss our conversations.  Love, Colleen

Thinking of you on your birthday today.  Love and miss you!