About 20 years ago some coworkers and myself frequented a burger joint in downtown Fort Worth with an old petite lady who single handedly managed the entire place - took your order, cooked, served, cashiered, and cleaned up every day. Really good burgers, but if/when it came out a bit different than you ordered, don't make the mistake of telling her about it. She didn't talk much but could cut a glare that would stop you cold.
No one really knew her story until she died and the place closed. The regular customers asked around and got in touch with her son who then shared her life story in an article in the paper. She had less than $200 in her bank account when she passed away. I'll leave out the sordid details out of respect for the deceased, but she was one hell of a tough and colorful woman.