Last week was a strange one. They say that famous people die in three’s but I’ve lost count. First it was TV’s most famous sidekick, Ed McMahon, then Farah Fawcett, an angel, died after a long bout with Cancer. Sadly her death was overshadowed by that of Michael Jackson, who was anything but an angel but never the less, was the King of Pop. Next, we heard about the death of Billy Mays of infomercial fame. Then came the announcement of the passing of actress and singer Gale Storm. She is probably best know for her star role in the TV sitcom, My Little Margie back in the 50’s and is most likely the least known of the stars that have died recently. Yet her passing brings back the most vivid memories for me. My mom, who would be 89 had she lived past her short 49 years, sang with Gale Storm. It wasn’t a long career but I certainly remember the stories she shared as I was growing up in Pittsburgh. I still have the browned newspaper article from the early 1940’s, which told of a Saturday night war bond rally in Texas with entertainment by the 99th Division Band featuring Eva Mannella, vocalist. (That’s my mom!) Also entertaining was Gale Storm. Although my mom sang as a volunteer for the 99th Division, she was mostly following my dad, who would be soon heading overseas to go on to fight in World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. When he left, Mom returned home to Pittsburgh, and waited for his return. Fortunately, he did return from that battle although 19,000 did not. $48,000 of war bonds were sold that night in Houston, which seems like a lot of money even now. |
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