Gertrude (Rhona) H. Melanson (Kerr) passed away at St Patrick’s Home in Ottawa, Ontario, on January 14, 2023 after a lengthy illness. She was predeceased by her mother Hannah Kerr and father Hugh Ogden. She is survived by her lifetime partner Shirley (Betty) Matheson, daughters Brenda Hastie (Melanson), Sandra Melanson, son Stephen Melanson, stepdaughter Carla Calhoun (Matheson), as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A private interment will take place at Beechwood Cemetery at a later date.
Digital Guestbook
Carla Calhoun
Sandra Melanson
I wrote this poem for you Mom. Miss you dearly everyday, love you even more. xo
MOTHER’S HAND
This is the hand that held me,
As I took my first breath on Earth.
It comforted and loved me,
Within seconds of my birth.
This hand became my life line,
Which nourished my inner soul.
It touched my hearts every moment,
A Motherly duty, no matter the toll.
A hand once viewed with softness,
Grasped strong within it’s hold.
Has given way to years of age,
Life’s natural circle begins to unfold.
With open palm to offer praise,
Or clenched hard in angered fist.
A lifetime of mixed adventures,
The touch of her hand will be missed.
She held my only child, a son;
Etched in heart, engrained in hand.
A deep bond filled their distant lives,
He called her “nanny” rather than “Grand”.
The hand that guided and taught me,
Through this life for me to fend.
Now memories are all that I have left,
Our hands entwined forever to the end.
I miss you mom. xoxo
You will be very much missed. I love you