Thank you all for being here today. It warms my heart to see so many of my family together today…I have a few brief words to offer about Gram, and if anyone else would like to say a few things after we drink her health, I feel sure that everyone will be happy to drink as many toasts as necessary.

Eighty-eight years ago today Beatrice Caroline Steimling was born. One imagines that like most babies, she opened her mouth and made her opinions known to everyone present. We know she certainly has been doing so ever since.

And for that we are grateful. Gram educated her children, Margaret and Hollis, with her love, knowledge and values. She passed on her family traditions and shaped her children and the generations to follow by teaching us the important things in life: loving kindness, generosity, and how to play a mean game of pinochle.

When I think back to the best memories of my childhood, it is simply amazing how many have their roots in Gram’s house: apple pies during the holidays…Easter egg painting…sticky buns for Sunday breakfast. I’m pretty sure that Gram has the patent on the perfect sticky bun.

To me, Gram’s cooking represents love, comfort and tradition. From chicken pot pies to peanut butter Easter eggs, Gram has been cooking up incredible meals that express her love for her family, in addition to filling our stomachs. We never leave Gram’s house hungry, but we always leave wishing we had room for more.

Meals at Gram’s house shaped our notions of hospitality. From her we learned to make enough cookies at Christmas to share with those who don’t have time to cook. From her we learned to always make enough food to set a place for an unexpected guest. From her we learned to feed anyone who needed to be fed, without thinking of what we might expect in return.

It is appropriate that we spend her birthday doing two things: bringing together the family, and honoring her in a restaurant!

It’s easy to find someone with a bigger pocketbook than Gram, but you’ll never find ANYONE with a bigger heart.

Gram, everyone in this room-all these people who love you- has been touched by you, whether they know you as Betty, or Gram, or Mom. Just look at the map-your impact has spread across the country! One person can make a difference. You’ve made a difference in our lives. Here’s to you, Gram!