Laying Our Beautiful Mom to Rest

The Ridge

On Monday, Oct. 19^th the family met at Elliott-Madill Funeral Home in Mount Brydges, ON between 9:30 and 11 am. With Covid-19 there were mandatory masks during the family visitation at 10 to 11, as well as during the public visitation from 11 to 12 and throughout the funeral service from 12 to 12:45. There were scriptures read by a daughter-in-law and a grandson to Mom.

We drove through familiar towns and villages
on the way to Mount Brydges, west of us by 2 1/2 hours

Three of my sisters were on the ‘roster’ and called upon to relay memories of their childhood and of Mom. I wanted to say something and had written something brief the night before. I’m not good at speeches or talking in front of groups of people for any length of time but I knew if I didn’t get up to read my words, I would regret it. This was my only opportunity.

some open countryside, some harvested
and some yet to be harvested

Our Mom, she was a sweetheart and oh how I'll miss these smiles

The pastor was moving on, forgetting to ask if anyone else wished to say something, in the direction of ending the service. I raised my hand, “May I say something?” My heart by this time was aflutter in my chest, my hands jittery but Bill’s “Go ahead, dear” encouraged me to walk up to the podium. It was short, sweet and from the heart, lasting a mere3, 4, 5 minutes but it felt like forever. 😊  All I know is that when I sat down, I was relieved and happy that I rose. No regrets.

Bridgette, Patrick and Nathan and I
Nathan's first funeral and I'm happy that it was his Great-Grandmas
He was really brave at 11

The procession to our vehicles and then to the cemetery just in the next block followed. Seven siblings, my brother’s widow and a niece individually laid sunflowers on the casket. As my daughter called her from an early age, Grandma Sunflower was being laid to rest in style. This was a difficult day yet things fell into place and with the support of family and four of our (Bill’s and mine) very dear friends, we made it through.

No sad faces, this was a celebration of Mom's life

We had lunch delivered from a local restaurant and were allowed as much time as was necessary in a room all to ourselves. The expanse of food was overwhelming but I neglected to take a picture of it. I did ask someone to take a couple of pics of Bill and I a well as one of me with my children. We left for home around 3 and it was close to 5:30 when we arrived at our Paisley ‘digs’, as everyone calls it.

I laughed at these wild turkey's crossing in front of us
Bill had to slow right down but look closely at their little legs!
Teehee, I needed that laugh right about then too!

Somewhere on the way, this interesting 'store/home' front
Love the old cars

And at a turn in the road, this small southwestern looking building
drew our attention

We had some of the food delivered on trays for supper and we gathered with our hosts for Jeopardy and an evening of oldies on tunes on the big screen. We came to bed around 9:30. This has been a busy time and it isn’t over yet. I’ve obligated myself to work on Tuesday and Thursday morning this week back in Durham and that isn’t a bad thing. It is a good thing to be occupied right now. I’m sorry for the delay in writing but I know you understand why.

Because the flowers would go to waste, most of the ladies at the cemetery
helped ourselves to some fresh beauties to take home

Good night and Rest in Peace, Mom💝💝

Thank you all again for your sincere support throughout our sorrow and thank you for following along.

Ps – I have linked the website of the funeral home only if you wish to hear some of the words spoken on behalf of Mom. Click on Obituaries, Marjorie Snelgrove and the link at the bottom.