Frank J. Parater, "I have nothing to leave or to give but my life"

Francis Parater has been a bit of an enigma in our family, and Grandma May's talent as a dramatist, while entertaining, was notoriously misleading in the telling of family history. The following website from the Diocese of Richmond tells the story of her uncle Francis, a promising young seminarian who fell to rheumatic fever while studying in Rome. His devotional writings have been gifted to popes and dedicated to the Boy Scouts, and in death have even inspired an investigation into his holiness.

Catholic Diocese of Richmond - Francis J. Parater

Thoroughly Modern Maysie

Being ever the intrepid pioneer, it seemed only right that May Rackett Leep Pietrzak Korba would eventually stake her claim to a corner of the internet, and that she would have done it in style, displaying her beautiful artwork for the enjoyment of her family and friends. This is a small project to help the members of our family share in our artistic heritage by digitizing Grandma May's paintings, sketches, and writings. If anyone has any other images of Grandma May or her works, please email them to purdontuniversity@gmail.com so they may be housed here with the rest of the collection.
Enjoy!