flicka23 posted a photo:

Thanks to flickr tags, I was recently found by some folks with whom I share the Montestruc bloodline with. We've only exchanged a few emails, but it's exciting to not only put another piece of the family tree together, but to find family who has an interest in our history. I decided to add a couple of heirloom pieces from a common ancestor to show them.

This locket belonged to my great Aunt, Virginia Montestruc (1881-1971). As a child, one day my Grandmother and I once sat in her bedroom and culled through a trunk with various items that escape me. The only moment I remember is when she gave me this locket and a fine silver mesh purse for safe keeping and asked me to not let any one know. We had such a large family, that I've always felt special that she entrusted me with these items and I could only imagine her request of secrecy was to prevent any "scandal". She wasn't a wealthy woman by any means, so I always felt this was her way of passing something special on to me.
Virginia died a "spinster", dedicating her life to care for her elderly mother. This isn't to say though, that she didn't have any relationships. The only one I'm aware of is this gentleman, Sr. Ygnacio Gonzalez. From what little I know, he was an artist and gifted this locket to her during their courtship. Inside is a picture of Sr. Gonzalez with a lock of his hair. So romantic!
In addition to this locket and the purse, many years later (when I moved to Austin) my Grandmother gave me a rather graphic Jesus crown of thorns painting that I then discovered was painted by Sr. Gonzalez. That painting hung in my Grandmother's house for as long as I can remember, so again, it was very big of her to entrust something she held so close to her heart. My Mother currently has the painting hanging in her home.

Pictures of the mesh purse forthcoming. Photos of my Aunt Virginia (and hopefully other family members) also forthcoming once I can talk my Mom into lending me some of the photos to scan :)

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