Category Archives: Biographies

April Fool’s Day Birthday? Now, That’s No Joke!

Posted on April 1, 2019 by Patricia Desmond Biallas

Today, April 1, 2019, I celebrate the 110th birthday of my father, Gerald Joseph Desmond Sr. (1909-1979). Dad was the fifth and youngest child of Owen E. Desmond (1861-1953) and Ellen Mary (“Nellie”) Keating (1868-1952). Born and bred on Chicago’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Biographies, Chicago History, Family Legends, Family Stories, Holidays | 4 Comments

Another Bud on the Branch (Model 18 Nov 2018)

Posted on November 19, 2018 by Patricia Desmond Biallas

Introducing the latest bud on the Desmond branch: Rylee Josephine Cowen. Rylee was born last night, 18 Nov 2018, at 10:15 pm CST in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She  weighed in at 7 pounds, 10 ounces. Her parents are Will Cowen and … Continue reading →

Posted in Biographies, Family Legends | 1 Comment

Mishaps, Trivia, and Surprises Revealed while Renovating Decades Old Wedding Album

Posted on August 19, 2018 by Patricia Desmond Biallas

Do you know what you were doing 35 years ago today? I do! I do! I was prepping for a wedding—my own. A few years ago, when our wedding album was quite literally falling apart, I decided I’d better redo … Continue reading →

Posted in Biographies, Family Stories, Photo Stories, Social History | 6 Comments