LIFE STORIES

About the Book

What do you want your great-grandchildren to know about you? What will they want to pass on to their families? What family secrets will you tell? This memoir was written by a ninety-one year old former army wife and teacher during the pandemic of 2020 when she had extra time to peruse her photo albums and her life. Ebba Jo Spettel became an army wife the day after the Korean War began. She and her husband lived in Germany in the 1950’s, experiencing fears of a Russian invasion during the Cold War. She helped raise four children and established her teaching career. Confronting widowhood at age 52, she adapted to middle age and learned to grow old gracefully with wisdom. Included are many family photos from the 1950’s to 2020 that reveal the customs and fashions of different eras.

About the Author

Ebba Jo Tate Spettel was born in 1929, growing up during the Depression in Concord, NC. She received a scholarship to Vassar College, married a West Point army officer, and loved traveling the world. Widowed at age 52, she found solace in her family and as a teacher, gaining wisdom from her life experiences.