Nanny’s obituary – rough draft, at least

    Maria Magdalena “Helene” Grant, age 89, passed away on December 11, 2010 in Austin, Texas, after a battle with cancer.  
    Helene was born in Hassloch-Pfalz, Germany, on December 4, 1921.  She was one of fourteen Forstmann children.  She was always known for her strength of character and determination.  Helene cherished her younger siblings and acted as mother/protector to them.  She gave birth to her only child, Hermann Forstmann, Sr., on March 10, 1946.
    Many people in Corsicana knew, liked, and respected Helene Grant.  They admired her forthright manner.  They were fascinated that she earned her driver’s license at the age of 65.  They were intrigued by her never-admit-defeat attitude.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Grant; her son, Hermann Forstmann, Sr.; her sisters Katherine, Erna, Elisabeth, Joann, and Emily; her brothers Karl, Otto, Viktor, Jakob, Emil, Hermann, and Friedrich; many beloved “in-laws”; many cousins and old friends.
    She is survived by one sister, Auguste Sandfuchs of Germany; longtime friend and sister-in-law, Catherine Patman; stepdaughter Anita Brogden and husband Donny;  stepson Johnny Grant;  seven grandchildren: Mary Helen Castillo, Johnny Grant, Steven Hines, Herman Forstmann, Jr., Alisha Self, Johnny Forstmann, and Kelly Culver; nine great-grandchildren: Tiffany and husband Edward, Elisabeth and husband Benny, Devin, Hunter, Colby, Alex, Juli, Lexi, and Brandon; five great-great-grandchildren: Nathaneal, Alicia, Isaiah, Naomi, and Benny; daughters-in-law Sue Forstmann Lancaster and Karen Mitcham; and many other relatives and friends.
    Services will be Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Corley Funeral Home in Corsicana, Texas, followed by a graveside service at Resthaven Memorial Park, also in Corsicana.