Anonymous
Ruth Kamaiko was a very special person in my life. Technically, she was my grandfather Herman's niece... but for me and my brothers, she was always "aunt" and I thought of her that way. An integral member of my mother's family from Central Europe. Unfortunately, we've usually resided on opposite coasts, me in the Bay Area and Ruth first in Queens with her first husband Henry Weinberg, then in Florida (part of the time with her sweetheart second husband, the late Isa Kamaiko). As a child I used to love her piercing blue eyes (the same eyes my grandfather had) and beautiful porcelain skin. Later, I appreciated her wry sense of humor and perceptive (sometimes stinging) comments about my mother's family. Ruth was always right.She was an incredibly intelligent, feisty, open-minded and sassy woman. She didn't suffer fools nor ignorance lightly... perhaps she'd been though too much hell in her life to do so. She could be like an older sister in her criticism and with a tart tongue, but the deep love she had for us was always just under the surface. She had so much to give those she cared about. I was fortunate to see more of her (and Isa) for several years when they would come to Santa Barbara for long stays during summers (to avoid the Florida heat and humidity). I went to visit them (and Ruth by herself after Isa passed) and it was great to know her as an adult. I never forget the story she told me about how another senior woman friend of hers, also from Poland used to a third woman by a rather *ahem* naughty name in Polish... like 13-year olds. Ruth's mischievous blue eyes would twinkle and she'd give a guilty kid laugh while telling it. She had just the right amont of the devil in her!I remember several times when she would trelate stories about the Langer family of Andrychow in southern Poland (Ruth was the only survivor) and her wonderful and brilliant younger sister, Manka. She had been through so much loss but could still find love in the world. She also had a deep respect for education, especially that of young women. I think, had she grown up in a different age, with a more normal adolescence, Ruth might have been a teacher. Still, she found two wonderful men with which to share her life and a host of terrific women friends who had a close bond. She was a tough old bird (although a great softie on the inside) and I'm glad she could finally let go while at home and find some peace. Back in the early 80s, we were riding in the car after seeing my grandfather for the very last time. I started crying and told her "I can't believe I'll never see him again." Ruth, I'm crying the same way right now about you. I hope you and my mom, Edita (who were always like sisters) are walking around somewhere arm in arm having a good old laugh while Herman and Steffi are fussing about something. I have you all in my heart but it's not the same, I miss you so much. xo##imported-begin##Gina Morvay##imported-end##