Ethelanna Hogge

Ethelanna Sirois Tibert Hogge, 81

YORKTOWN, VA - Ethelanna Sirois Tibert Hogge, 81, went home to her Lord on April 5, 2015. Ethelanna grew up in Ashland, Maine during the Depression years, learning to be thrifty, clever and appreciative. She, her sister and her mother lived together as three sisters might, and became very close. She then nurtured the same relationship with her son and daughter. Oh, she was still a parent all right, but all was forgiven as long as you told the truth.

Ethelanna had a way about her that drew people to her like butterflies to bright flowers. She was adventuresome, curious and ready to try new things be it creating a flaming Cherries Jubilee or sailing over New Mexico in a hot air balloon. Here in Virginia, they call someone as vivacious as Ethelanna "a mess". Whatever you called her, she was all of that and more.

Her home always had new annuals in the flower bed out front and was beautifully decorated for the holidays, which she loved to celebrate. She encouraged her children to try new things, ask questions, be respectful and do the best you could.

She lived close to her son, and they spent many holidays, special occasions and the usual "To-Do" days and eves together. She also had wanderlust and traveled to Wyoming to visit her daughter every spring until it became too difficult for her to travel. She and her sister and often her NAWIC friends took many road trips together, always finding something to explore and experience. Whenever she and her sister were introduced, people would ask if they were sisters. The answer was always the same: "I'm the younger one", Ethelanna would declare. "And I'm the prettier one", her sister would retort.

In later years, she welcomed the changes in her life as new opportunities. She wasn't one to worry, fret or engage in self-pity. Instead, she'd say "Well, gee --- I don't think I've ever been here (or done this) before --- it might be fun!" She accepted things because she knew that although her situation may not be the way she'd like it to be, how she faced that situation would make all the difference in her happiness.

She carried that optimistic attitude through all the twists and turns life put in front of her, and with God leading the way, she followed. And on Easter night, that's exactly what she did – she embraced a new adventure as she followed her Lord home.

She is survived by her husband, J. Franklin Hogge; daughter, Lauren Tibert Wells (Daniel); son, Gary A. Tibert; sister, Hazel I. Gould (William); niece, Kimberly Williams; and her cats, Hannah and Holly.

A Celebration of Life Service officiated by Reverend John Snow will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, April 9, 2015 at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. A reception will follow the service at 1:00 p.m. at Morningside of Newport News, 655 Denbigh Blvd. Newport News, VA 23608.

In memory of Ethelanna memorial gifts may be given to Gloucester Mathews Humane Society. P. O. Box 385, Gloucester, VA 23061 or the American Heart Association, c/o Anne Dyle, 8374 Kitchener Drive, Gloucester, VA 23061.

Family and friends may share condolences and memories at www.hoggfh.com