Dear Mom,

As with Dad, memories keep flooding our thoughts, even more so as we pack up photo albums containing pictures of our adventures and family gatherings. As Steven and I reminisced, we realized the most poignant memory was not one event but an ongoing tradition. The Sunday Roast Beef Dinner!

As a child, I remember the five kids, dressed in our Sunday best, heading off to Sunday School and later to church with Dad while you stayed home and prepared Sunday's mid-day dinner. Coming home, we gathered around the dining room table enjoying a feast of roast beef, roasted potatoes, gravy and vegetables. This tradition brought us together to delight in each other. No matter what happened outside of our home, we were loved, safe and happy at home. I must admit that eating hot dogs in front of the TV while watching Disney World on Sunday nights was the icing on the cake.

As adults, you and Dad continued this tradition of Roast Beef Dinners whenever we came together. You wholeheartedly welcomed each of our spouses, always room for one more chair. Even if that meant we needed more tables and places to include everyone as families grew.

As parents Steven and I, just as others have done in their way, recreated our Roast Beef Dinner version. We hoped that enjoying good food and savouring this time with our children, and then their spouses would strengthen our bonds.

Mom and Dad, you hosted dinners filled with love, stimulating conversation, and lots of laughs. This recipe will continue for generations. And no matter how they choose to celebrate, these gatherings will remain a source of family strength.

Love forever Sandi and Steven

Sent from my iPad

My Dear Mom…

You have taught me many valuable lessons throughout my life.

Kindness, tolerance patience and unconditional love of family.

You were such a kind, gentle soul to all those you interacted with.

Whether they were your friends, work colleagues or family.

You have always been a caring and understanding listener to me,

and to all of our children.

Offering solid, well thought-out advice whenever we needed it.

You were always truly interested in what we were going

through in our lives.

In your later years, I truly cherished the time we had together,

whether it was during our face-to-face visits, or our daily

conversations on the telephone.

There was never a shortage of things for us to talk about,

and the time passed so quickly.

Even though we were mother and daughter, these last few years

have felt more like we were the best of friends.

Although I was fortunate to have you in my life for so many

years, I still wish we had many more years in front of us.

Love always;

Linda

A Tribute to Mom August 6, 2020

Mom, you had a long, healthy, and productive life. I feel very fortunate to have had you in my life for 70 years. You were there for all the major events of my life, and I really appreciate that. Not only were you a great Mom, you have been a great to my family as well.

You provided me with support and love in my formative years and throughout my life. I have countless memories. Here are some that come to mind.

- Encouraging me to learn to swim

- Helping me navigate the ups and downs of growing up

- Sending me off to my first year at University

- Being a part of our wedding

- Sharing our joy on the birth of Paul and David

- Attending my retirement dinners at North York and Markham

- Providing advice and support on our purchase of a cottage

- Sharing time with me in my retirement

Paul and David have been fortunate to have had you as their Grandmother. Although you had a large number of grandchildren, you found time to treat each as an individual. You were excellent with them as babies and small children. As they grew older, you attended their parties, games and ceremonies. You always remembered their birthdays. You have maintained your interest in their life as adults. Paul and Dave have many fond memories of their time with you. You warmly welcomed our daughter-in-laws, Veronica and Bessie, into the family. We are really happy you had the chance to meet our granddaughter Emily.

Lastly, in the final chapter of your life at Amica, you always conducted yourself with dignity, and good humor. You made new friends with the residents and staff at Amica. As we travelled through the halls, there were many smiles and greetings of “Hi Jo!”. I will always remember the pride that you had when you introduced us to your friends. We will always appreciate the warmth and love you showed us when we visited.

Mom, you exhibited many positive characteristics that I have strived to emulate throughout my life. Your actions over the years have provided a great role model. The greatest inspiration to us has been your dedication to family. The care that you gave Dad in his last years was extraordinary. Your passion for bridge, your loyalty to friends, your attention to politics and world affairs, all demonstrate a positive attitude to life that serves as a fine example to us all.

Mom, thank you very much for everything you have done for us. We are all very proud of you and we all love you very much. We miss you and will never forget you.

Alan & Nancy, Paul &Veronica&Emily, David & Bessie

P.S. I will miss having you calling me “honey”.