We then, along with Mome and my aunt Leah made a trip to Or Akiva to visit Tata Rachel, who is sitting shiva. There she handed us a stack of photographs - one of many - that Tata Raymonde had amassed over the years. It was a collection of family history and included pictures from every decade starting in the 1950's. I found wedding pictures from many of my cousins - including those living in Australia, in Los Angeles and in Israel. There was a beautiful wedding picture of Tata Helene and Tonton Joe; and of course dozens of photographs of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, including pictures of myself as a baby and then a young girl, mixed in with pictures of our very own Andrew.
The pictures below of Tati are not meant to create sadness but should be viewed and reflected upon with a realization that Tati touched the lives of many and that she LOVED all of us with all her heart - no matter how close or how far we ever were. She always had the ability to create joy and laughter for those she loved. She holds the most special of places in the heart of the Mamane family and memories of her will always be fond and looked upon brightly. I can't help but to think we all have a little bit of her in each one of us - look closely and you may recognize your cheek bones, beautiful eyes or curly hair that must be tamed!
The pictures below of Tati are not meant to create sadness but should be viewed and reflected upon with a realization that Tati touched the lives of many and that she LOVED all of us with all her heart - no matter how close or how far we ever were. She always had the ability to create joy and laughter for those she loved. She holds the most special of places in the heart of the Mamane family and memories of her will always be fond and looked upon brightly. I can't help but to think we all have a little bit of her in each one of us - look closely and you may recognize your cheek bones, beautiful eyes or curly hair that must be tamed!
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| This photograph was taken in Israel in 1977. My sister Sharon is sitting on Tata Rachel's lap, who is seated next to her husband, Armand. I am standing on Tati's lap. My mom is to the right with Mazal, my cousin seated in front of her. |
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| This is Chaim, Tata Julie's husband, with Tati, on one of the family's camping trips to the country side. There were many pictures in the same series of this particular trip, showing everyone engaged in fun activities - either mule rides, or dressing up as arab girls. |
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| My grandmother, Mazal Mamane. |
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| My grandfather Nissim Mamane with one of my cousins on his shoulders - most likely one of Tata Julie's sons. |
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| Wedding portrait of Tonton Joe and Tata Helene - how gorgeous! |
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| Not sure who is at the left, but seated next to the man on the left is Tati, Chaim and then Julie. |
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| Of course, Tati.... |
