Patsy Hodge's mother, Caroline Goethe, came from a family of Southern belles. You know the sort of ladies I mean. Southern belles would never go out, not even to the grocery store, without dressing to the nines. Caroline had a sister named Weechie who could have been Aunt Pittypat in "Gone With the Wind." Both of these belles were always beautifully coifed and dressed.
Caroline and her family were born and raised in Hardeeville. In fact, the house in which they lived is now the headquarters of the Hardeeville Historical Society.
Caroline and Weechie lived for a time in Fernlakes. Their house was an adorable cottage that was always impeccably kept. The duo could have stepped out of an English novel. Joan and Charlie Weaver now own the house.
Patsy and her husband, Frank, opened their home to Caroline and Weechie when they all decided it would be a grand idea, so that each could keep track of the other. Everyone found it to be a wonderful fit, and both ladies were a joy to all.
Whenever I saw the two out shopping anywhere you could hear them both calling everybody "dahlin'." They never met a stranger and were always kind and agreeable.
Several weeks ago, Caroline joined her family in heaven. I hope St. Peter was ready for the reunion and had those pearly gates polished and shiny. He is going to have his hands full with all those "belles" and, dare I say, have lots of fun too.
* Tomorrow is Valentine's Day in case it slipped your mind. For goodness' sake, don't forget flowers or candy if so. A card would also be welcome. Don't say you haven't been warned ...
Babbie Guscio is the social columnist for The Bluffton Packet. She can be reached at The Store on Calhoun Street.
