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In the fall of 1956, Margurita and Alphy were expecting their ninth child. It was a cold, windy autumn night. The wind was howling and the rain was beating against the windows on October 19th, when Margurita gave birth to another daughter. She was small, but long and slender. She had a dark complexion and ‘fly away’ hair.

Helen was the oldest daughter living at home at the time, and she occupied her time helping Margurita with the baby. Helen was very proud of her baby sister. Margurita and Alphy decided to ask Helen to be the baby’s godmother. Helen was delighted!

Margurita told Alphy that she wanted to name the baby Joan. Alphy expressed that was fine with him. So the baby was named Joan. This was the same named that Margurita had chosen when Helen was born, but at the time Alphy had not been fond of that name. Helen was not pleased when she heard about this, and she told her mother that she liked the name Joan better than her own name.

Joan had an easygoing, good—natured personality. She would grow up to have a good sense of humor like her mother and would be a bit outspoken like her father.

Joan would grow up to be beautiful. She had brown, silky hair, dark complexion, and dark eyes that were almost black. They shone with a hint of mischief. Joan was petite, but quite tall and slender.

Joan grew up to be a teacher’s assistant. She had an ability to ‘connect’ with children, and had leadership skills. Joan also loved nature and would spend much of her time by the oceanside, or going for walks in the meadow and woods.

Alphy and Margurita knew that Joan would be the final addition to the family. During Joan’s growing up years, the couple tried to make up for what they had missed in earlier years. They would now have more leisure time to do family activities together.

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