Shirley Hoopengarner4
I was born on a cold winter day–January 11th to be exact–to my Mom and Dad, their first child. I grew up in impoverished circumstances, but I didn’t really realize that until I went to school. I had a sister born almost two years later, no brothers; I really wanted a brother, but it wasn’t to be. I spent my childhood in the mountains of West Virginia. Rugged fields were my territory to explore. I loved the creatures, plants, and seasons that allowed my mind to be constantly stimulated. I was so curious about everything that I saw, heard and felt. I think I must have been a real pest to my Dad with all my “why” questions. I woke up one morning able to read books–what joy that was for me! We were too poor to have but a couple of books in our house, so I was very limited in my reading material until I went to school. I discovered a library where I was able to travel to anywhere in and out of this world. I am still an avid reader and Science Fiction is my favorite.
I was born (regardless of what some may think, I was born and not raised by squirrels out in the wilderness, although I am fond of nuts and I do store food in my jaws). Seriously, though, I was born Betty Nora Colosimo, at home, on Park Avenue in Frostburg Maryland. My grandmother, Rose, helped the doctor deliver me. I am told I was born at lunch time. I guess that explains the fact that I am very fond of food. My parents were Joseph and Naomi (Davis) Colosimo. My grandparents were Philip and Rose (Vincent) Colosimo and George and Maryann (Jones) Davis. I was an only child, but I can understand that because you can’t improve upon perfection, can you?
Mitzi Harrington DeWitt, born Waterbury, Connecticut, 12-27-31, has lived in approximately 30 homes in 10 states and Washington DC. She attended eight elementary schools, three high schools and three colleges with Bachelors, Masters and Doctorates in Education and Human Development. Her father was in public relations and was a newspaperman. Her mother was an exceptional homemaker. Her only brother was a lawyer. The family thrived on their love of reading, music, free-thinking conversation, intellectual curiosity and exploration.
I can’t imagine music not being a part of my life! I’ve loved to sing for as long as I can remember. My favorite great-aunt, Maggie Quinn, would get me to entertain with my rendition of my favorite song, You’re As Sweet As A Red Rose. Of course, I still talked “baby talk” (I was only 4 years old) and it came out “you’re as sweet as a wed wose.” I guess that’s why everyone loved to listen to me sing — and here I thought it was because I sounded so good!
