Elegance, serenity, patience (sorta) wrapping a fireball of energy, fun and curiosity. Constrained by the times. Nah. Breaking free of expectations as wisdom came with career, age, travel, parenting and partnering.
Dear Mom,
We are saddened to see you go. You raised us. With Dad. You taught us to be strong (it may have surfaced in different ways). You showed us right from wrong. Table manners (yes, they still matter). Independence. Confidence. You never let us settle for anything but the best for our lives. You gave us love. Hugs. Cookies. Home made bread. Gingerbread houses. Laughs. Security. Warmth. Boundaries. Gently sanded our rough edges while letting us be us (even if the us annoyed you at times). And shaped us into who we are.
You carved your own life starting in New Carlisle, Quebec. With 5 sisters and a brother. You sought out your own career as a teacher. It was this path that led you to Bagotville where you met and married a dashing young RCAF officer, Bob, in 1959. Two daughters arrived adding the title of Mom to your resume. You balanced life with your family, your profession and as a military wife. Recreating the comforts of home after each military transfer (Bagotville, Comox, Phoenix, Bagotville (yup, again), and finally Ottawa. You had a life long passion of learning. Fearless in the kitchen, seeking out new recipes, embracing new cuisines (and testing them on your family and friends). An incredible green thumb and crafting skills (which your daughters sadly did not inherit). A passion for travel, day trips, ocean cruising, social outings with friends, family gatherings, bridge, aqua-fit and being a very proud and amazing grand-mother.
Your grandchildren loved you and saw you as a fierce, lively woman who pushed boundaries. You were a positive light, with a quick wit and a mischievous spirit that delighted in harmless pranks — like a game of 52 Pickup or feeding Megan a whole clove of raw garlic. You never missed an opportunity to give your grandchildren both knowledge and a zest for life. You taught them table manners as though they were dining with the Queen, then let them run feral doing bike jumps in front of the house. You taught them bravery, encouraging them to take on whatever challenges life placed in their path. You supported their pursuit of education and travel, and made sure they were always entertained, whether it was a trip to a museum or a swim in the neighbour’s pool. And, of course, there were always shortbread cookies waiting for afterwards.
Your humour, heart and striking blue eyes will be dearly missed.
We love you.
Allison (Brian), Andrea (Stephan), granddaughter, Megan
Predeceased by loved ones: Husband, Bob; grandson, Zak; sisters, Elizabeth, Edith, Mary and brother, Frank; and several grand-dogs. Survived by sister Clare (Barney) in California.
Heart felt thanks and gratitude to the Maplewood Retirement community of caregivers and staff for providing Mom with laughter, new friends and support; to Dr Farey for her compassion and advice; and to MLC Healthcare for their dedication and comfort to Mom.
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