HASKELL, HUSSEY & MANDELL COUSINS

​​HASKELL, HUSSEY & MANDELL COUSINS
 
         No, the photo above is not a group of prison inmates. It’s an old photo of the first cousins of the extended Hussey family—the sons and daughters of Emily, Mary, and Rodman Hussey, my Mother, Aunt, and Uncle, Circa late 1940s?
 
         As is the case with Pat and my immediate family, my first cousins and I became good friends while growing up. The recent deaths of both my brother Peter and my cousin Ellen prompted another cousin, Christopher to send me this photo. It has inspired me to write a little something about each of them—starting with back row left to right:
MERCY WARREN WHEELER - My Twin sister, about whom I’ve written lots. She and I have been close friends since birth—hers’ seven minutes before mine. Married to Bats, She’s a peach and an inspiration to me.
         SALLY MANDELL LENON – The youngest Mandell who lived with us for a few years growing up in Moosup. Lover of animals, especially cats. Five very nice children with late husband, Joe. She lives in Eastport, Maine.
         ELLEN MANDELL GREEN – I remember getting to know Ellen when I worked in Plymouth, MA. She and I loved movies and talking about life’s challenges. She recently published her book of poems (“Many Mirrors, Many Skies.”). I’m proud that I encouraged her to do so.
         BETSEY MANDELL SPROLES – My Moosup buddy growing up. She was proud of being a Wave, married to Bill. When Bill passed, Betsey and Bob become close friends, living in Duxbury, MA. As sister Ellen said, “You have been the glue of the family.”
         CHARLES RODMAN HUSSEY – Visited us once on Hilton Head. Interested in history and closer to my brother Peter than to me. History teacher.
         HANK – What a Nerd! Late bloomer.
         CHRISTOPHER HUSSEY – A nifty guy who became a Boston architect. Married to a wonderful RN from Canada, Chris and Sheila have kept in touch. I remember his bringing us an autobiography by our Grandfather Hussey that I didn’t know about. I remember playing football with Chris in Plymouth as teenagers.
         PETER CARVILL HASKELL - A great brother who never let his Parkinson’s Disease slow him down. I saluted his life by publishing some of his fascinating journals. He was a wonderful writer and interesting and fun brother to have.