Naomi E. Boyle (later Richey, later Ondrizek) was born in 1902 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Wesley (Emmanuel) Boyle and Mary Haley. Not much is known about Mary: She was an Irish Catholic, born in 1878 in Pittsburgh. She and Wesley had two older children before Naomi was born. From one account, the family was not well off, partially due to Wesley's spotty employment. Unfortunately, all of the responsibility was thrust upon Wesley when Mary died in childbirth with Naomi. Welsey attempted to relinquish custody of Naomi to the Catholic Church, but as Wesley was not a catholic, they refused to take her. Nothing is known at this time about the two older children, but Naomi would have probably told you that it was of no importance- she found her family in Sidney Weimer Boyle, whom Wesley married around 1905.
Sidney and Naomi grew very close. In fact, any time anyone would try to point out that Sidney was not her biological mother, they were quickly shot town.This came to be known when her brother, Clarance (adopted when Naomi was fourteen) went in search of his biological family. The disagreement created a rift between the siblings, which remained until they each died.
A sketch Naomi did while in school, about 1912.
Naomi married Verner Richey in 1920.The couple met at a church picnic in Johnstown. According to census data and marriage license information, the two were wed sometime between March and May of that year. Their first child, Eleanor, was born in December (the math is up to you!) She was an independent and outspoken woman; being the first woman to vote in my family. She could be quite a hot head, when necessary. Verner was quiet and reserved, seemingly creating the perfect match.
Naomi and Verner
The two went on to have three children in total: Eleanor, Audrey, and Verner Jr. I have been told that Naomi was none to happy about her daughters' choice of husbands, especially when Eleanor married Joseph Johns, and she was rather vocal about it. Sadly, in 1944, Verner died and left Naomi a young widow. She quickly went back to work in order to support her family, at the place her husband at worked before his passing: Sanitary Dairy.
Naomi would eventually remarry Roy Ondrizek, who was about fifteen years her junior. She chose another quiet man, who reportedly worshiped her. They remained married until her death in 1976. He passed soon after.
Roy and Naomi.
Naomi is another one of the complicated women in my family. She was a child of adoption, fiercely loyal to her mother, quick tempered, giving, set in her ways, and daring. She is why I genogram.
