Saying our Goodbyes ~Aug.11th

With limited time in North Battleford, my parents had a lot of people to see as they had both grown up there. Dad's childhood friend Mike showed up for breakfast at the hotel, as did Dad's brother Bill with his daughter Rina. They had decided to visit Bill's old hometown also, driving out from Chilliwack. Quite funny to find out they were staying at the same motel as us at the same time!

 Dad and Mike.

 Rina and Mom

 Dad and Brother Bill.

Meanwhile, I set off to the church reception hall with my cousins to help decorate the walls with quilts my grandmother had made for us over the years. Most of them were wedding gifts for her children and grandchildren, but also some baby afghans for great-grandchildren. Grandma was a very industrious woman, and talented too. :) My first quilting influence.

 People enjoyed the "quilt show", especially those from the Quilter's Guild.

 Thanks to Rob & Ellick for hanging up the strings.

 3/4 of the room was covered in quilts.

 Grandma's most treasured quilt for herself... "Greet a (Greta) Sunbonnet Sue".

 One of the he popular Tiger Lily quilts...

 Jayme with a matching quilt.

 My wedding quilt, with fabric used by my
Mom to make my dresses in childhood.

We had a quick pizza lunch together before attending Grandma's service. It was done beautifully with so much input from her seven children and two grandchildren. Uncle Paul made a touching tribute to her life that you can view here. Here are a few of my favourite photos of her...

 Bert & Greta, October 9th, 1940

After I was born, at age 49. I wonder if I'll have my first grandchild by then? Yikes!

The reception was enjoyable although I didn't visit too much as suddenly we had to take all the quilts down before leaving for the cemetery as we wouldn't be back. Oh well... :)

 Rob with our cousin Mona, on our Dad's side.

 The grandchildren sang "Because He Lives".

 MacMillan cousins of Mom's, with Elisa & Laura.

 Rob, Ellick, Jen, Marjorie, Lucy & Karla.

 Julie, Katie, Jillian, Matt, Jayme & fiance Mike, Izzy, Nava & Genevieve.

 Longtime friend of Grandma's Evelyn and husband John.

 Darcia, Autumn, Mason & Trystan

 Honouring Grandma

 More MacMillan cousins with "Auntie Wilda".

 Melvin, Christopher & Danielle

The cemetery was on the outskirts of North Battleford which we drove to in a procession of cars.

Photos from after the graveside service. It seemed a bit inappropriate to do so, but I also wanted to record this time of togetherness. It was very sad to gather around Grandma's coffin, but we sang a hymn together and found comfort in being together. Her greatest legacy was her faith and family. The funeral home attendants may have found it a strange atmosphere as we then took family photos in such a solemn, yet peaceful place.

 With Uncle Wayne from Minnesota.

 Dad reflects. Grandma was an influence on his life as he
 grew up around their kitchen table, part of the family.

 Too bad about the sunglasses and tinted ones!

 Lovely sister Ann.

 Elisa & Trevan.

 Jen & Lucy.

 A rose to remember Greta.

 One last glimpse back.

 The three lovely sisters: Jean, Wendy & Ede.

 Jean & Corinne.

 With Mom's cousin Linda and husband Stephen.

 Jayme & Ann.

 Next to Grandpa now.

Afterward we went back to the church for Chinese food from Grandma's favourite restaurant. (They even sent a floral bouquet to the family.) We reminisced more and went through some of Grandma's personal items so every grandchild had a personal momento. Thanks to Jean for organizing that so well. We sorted through old letters and photos too. Was a very special time.

The three sisters debrief after a long but memorable day.