Alison's Words of Mom
Whenever I have had to prepare a speech or do a presentation, I would always run it by mum. She was so good at coming up with the perfect grammar and phrases to make everything sound eloquent and just right. She couldn’t help me with this one, but I think she would be proud.
I always knew this day would eventually come, but thought I had many more years before God came knocking for mom. I should have known, as they say the most beautiful flowers are picked first. She was one of those, radiating a glow about her like an English rose.
Mum was many things, a strong woman, a wife to John K, a mother to Stephanie, Alison & Adria, a daughter to Ena and Stanley, a sister to John, a friend to many, a great boss; a good co-worker, and so much more.
Mum was my dad's soul mate, and it really was love at first site. Mom used to tell us stories about how they met, and their romantic courtship and all the lovely dances they had at the Pav in Gillingham. She told us about the times they would dance the night away, and catch the last bus home to her house. Poor dad would have to walk home after that . . . it would be over an hour walk! She thought it was lovely how he adored her. The love they shared was incredible, and what many people wish for but never find.
After a one year engagement, they married March 31, 1962 and shortly thereafter set sail for Canada, where they landed in Quebec and met lifelong friends Renee Beaulieu and family, Bonnie & Colin, Derek, Molly & Don. Over the next few years, and a few different homes, they welcomed into the world their 3 daughters Stephanie, Adria and I. We had a good childhood, but life wasn’t always easy and we endured some tough financial times as a family. Our parents were always resilient as a couple and ensured we remained focused on love, reminding us of our faith and what matters most. As the years flew by, their bond continued to grow and the two of them became inseparable. They did almost everything together. Whether it was grocery shopping, running errands, watching tennis on TV, doing their crosswords or just relaxing, they did it together. Dad doted on mom and she loved that. She was always reminded by dad of how much she was loved, how beautiful she was. She only had to bat her eyes, and dad would be off getting her what she wanted. I always told mom she had it good as dad treated her like a princess! She would just smile and say - I know 😀. They had something special.
As a mother - she was protective and nurturing. She wanted the best for all of us. She would go without to give us what we needed. She never complained about helping us with anything and at any time. As children she would sing us loving lullabies, read beautiful books to us at night, share her childhood memories so we could learn about our roots, and hold us close when we needed. Even as adults, mom continued to nurture us, and always made sure we knew she loved us no matter what.
Mum was remarkable in every way. She always looked for the best in people - never saw the ugly. She wasn't naive, yet positive and really got to know people in the most genuine way. She was a magnet for people, always having such grand conversation, learning so much about them. I'd often scratch my head wondering how she learned so much about people she had just met, and remembered their name the next time they connected, regardless of the time passed.
Mom went back to work after having her three children. She worked at the Hudson’s Bay Company in Human Resources for over 20 years mainly at TDC and EBTC where she met lovely people who became dear friends. When she retired she worked part-time with the Board of Referee’s for Employment Insurance which she loved.
I lived at home much of my life with mum and dad, never really having that urge to leave the nest. When I bought my new house a few years back, I invited them to move in with me. Yes here were times I thought to myself, maybe I am crazy . . . But I loved my time I spent with them and consider myself very lucky for all the memories I cherish today.
Saturdays were mum and I day! Dad was always welcome to join, but he was not a fan of our ‘gallivanting’ around town. Mum and I would set off early in the morning, and return home just in time for dinner. Every Saturday consisted of an assortment of things. We’d make a list and she’d choose. She loved getting her hair or nails done, visiting our esthetician, stopping by the Links counter, browsing in Winners and Home Sense, buying her favorite sweets at ‘Little bit of Britain’, coffee at Panera, or just relaxing at Chapters. She loved shopping and fashion! We would go in a store and she would pick out things for me to try on. She always wanted me to do a fashion runway in the store – showing off every item. She really was a bad influence, as she always found nice things and I just couldn’t resist. We would come home with bags of stuff, and dad would be waiting, speechless.
Mom loved her TV and sweets. Our evenings were spent mainly at home together. Mom, dad and I would sit down after dinner together and enjoy a cup of tea, and turn on the TV. We would be about 45 min into one of her favorite’s shows / series Scandal, Suits, Murdoch Mysteries, Blue Bloods etc. or catching her missed Y& R and she would say, oooh John, shall we have a treat. For most of us, a treat is a once in a while thing. Her treat was a regular thing. No wonder we couldn’t seem to lose weight!
Last year, I lost my job. I was devastated. I had worked with the same company for over 11 years. Mum, held me that day and said, it will all be okay. She said, you are strong, you are smart and you are successful. And she was right as she always was. It all worked out ok. In a way, I believe it was a blessing I did lose that job. The time off afforded the opportunity to take a long holiday in England and Scotland with mum and dad. I had never been to Scotland and mum had always wanted us as children to see where our great grandfather had grown up. So off we went on a road trip from South of England to the Northern tip of Scotland to a remote place called COVE. We had the best fish and chips, nearly got dive bombed by an RAF fighter jet on a practice session, chased by cows, fell in the sheep’s pond, giggled uncontrollably, and took in the rolling mountainside. What a lovely trip. It was her last trip to her homeland. I’m glad mum went home last year and saw all of her family - Grandma, Uncle John, Maria, Heather, Harry, Gwen, Mike, Tracey, Denita, the little ones, Maggie, Rosemary, Judith and Steve and many more. She loved them all dearly. It was the first trip I believe in all our visits to England, where we were able to see everyone. I don’t know, but I think it was meant to be.
Nine months later and here we are, in shock, as young, healthy, full of life woman was taken from us too early. The time we spent in hospital with her, we all prayed as a family, spoke to her for hours, updated her on Y&R, sang her songs, played her favorite music and just rested with her. The team at Credit Valley were lovely and I kept telling Dad, she would really like them, and she would, as that was mom, she loved everyone. She was tired and on February 19 she began her journey home. She left us peacefully and with grace, as she had been all her life. I know she is in heaven now taking long walks, enjoying the scenery and catching up with loved ones who left us before.
Mum, I miss you! You were my best friend, my confident, my life. I miss your touch of your hand, your smell of your perfume, the warmth of your lips on my forehead when you would kiss me goodnight and the sound of your foot stomping around in the morning when you wake up. I miss the late night chats, the English toffee treats we shared, the car rides listening to your favorite love songs on XM radio, your silly quirky ways, but most of all, I miss your voice and the words you said to all of us – I love you!
I love you mom. Xoxox 😁
Stephanie and Mom
My mum was the best person I knew. She was always there for myself and my two sisters. No matter what was on her agenda, she always made time for us, listened to us and made sure, if we needed help with something, we had the knowledge in us to make the right decisions. She raised me with great morals, and taught me to have the highest respect for people. She taught me to treat people how we would want to be treated back. She gave me such a great foundation to build on...to become the person I am today…someone whom she was very proud of. For that I am eternally grateful. I am lucky and fortunate to have such a wonderful mom. She was a great person...and anyone that knew her will miss her dearly. I don't know if I will ever be the same again.. this loss was far too great but my mom did teach me to go on in life no matter what God puts in our path. I take with me the hope that my mom is now at peace with her loved ones that passed before her like her father and her dog Beauty. I know my mom is with me every minute of the day in my heart and watching over me as my angel, as well as my sisters and my dad. We will never be alone as she will always be with us. Knowing that helps me get through every moment. So please say a prayer for my mom.
My Mother’s Passing: Adria
I stand here today to celebrate the life of my mother Ann Morsley. She was a remarkable woman. A woman who never let herself fall when things got rough. A woman who believed the best would come. She always believed the best in people.
She was the most genuine loving woman I have ever met. She was a generous woman even when she didn’t have a lot to give she would do whatever she could.
I’m not just saying this because she is my mother. I’m saying this because it is the absolute truth.
She always was interested in what you had to say. She was always there to listen or to offer her support, her wisdom, her guidance or just her love. Her face would light up as you let her in to your world. She was always so positive and full of joy. She was smart and absolutely had the most beautiful soul.
I remember all the times growing up and spending time with my mom and the family. I also remember missing her because I couldn't always see her once I had left the nest. Not once have I ever felt that my mom wasn't there for me. She was always there through thick and thin. She was a rock for this family and for others around her. She had Ora that people couldn't help but to fall in love with.
I think of the little quirky things she would do sometimes and as a kid I would say mom that's embarrassing as kids usually do but as I got older I would still say your silly or laugh but then I would often join in the silliness with her.
My mom made my Dad the happiest man on Earth. He adored her and their bond was unbreakable. Seeing my parents love for each other and seeing them still being in love after being together for over 50 years shows me and continues to help me believe in love and believe in a bond that is so strong. Family is so important and should never be taken for granted. My mother has shown me that family is not only blood but it is people/pets who are there for you and love you. And my mother has opened her heart to some many over the years and was proud to call them family.
There are so many memories that I will never forget and I know she will be with me; be with us. Guiding us. If I have any developed any of qualities of my mother I would be so blessed.
I could go on forever on how great a mother she was to my sisters and me and what a wonderful wife she was to my father.
There is a poem I read to my mother at her beside the day she passed. I hoped that she could hear me that day but in case she hadn’t I would like to read it again knowing now that she can definitely hear me now. This is for you mom and I love you so much and I will forever miss you and you will forever be in my thoughts. Kisses and Huggs!
We Will Miss You Dear Mom
I just thought I'd say
I love you and goodbye
We will miss you dearly
I promise I will try not to cry.
I will never forget our talks
Conversations on the phone
How happy you were to see me
When I finally came home.
You worried so much about me
I worried about you too
I know this is the hardest thing
We've ever had to do.
I know you'll always be with me
Wherever I will go
No one needs to show me
I will always know.
I don't know what to do Mom
I never thought I'd loose you
Where I'll go from here
I still haven't got a clue.
I hope you'll watch over me
Be my guiding light
Giving me the strength I need
To win this endless fight.
You're my guardian angel Mom
Sitting on my shoulder
Whispering your words of wisdom
To use as I get older.
I don't want to say goodbye
But we'll meet again someday
We'll pick up where we left off
Before you went away.
R.I.P MOM I LOVE YOU!
I encourage everyone to go on to the funeral site and please view the pictures and listen to some of her favorite songs and songs that remind us of her. It will allow you to see a little piece of her and the beauty we got a privilege to experience everyday of our lives. Thank you!
I encourage everyone to go and view the pictures in the Photo Gallery ↗ that remind us of her. It will allow you to see a little piece of her and the beauty we got a privilege to experience everyday of our lives. Thank you!
Her Hands
Her hands held me gently from the day I took my first breath.
Her hands helped to guide me as I took my first step.
Her hands held me close when the tears would start to fall.
Her hands were quick to show me that she would take care of it all.
Her hands were there to brush my hair, or straighten a wayward bow.
Her hands were often there to comfort the hurts that didn't always show.
Her hands helped hold the stars in place, and encouraged me to reach.
Her hands would clap and cheer and praise when I captured them at length.
Her hands would also push me, though not down or in harm's way.
Her hands would punctuate the words, just do what I say.
Her hands sometimes had to discipline, to help bend this young tree.
Her hands would shape and mold me into all she knew I could be.
Her hands are now twisting with age and years of work,
Her hand now needs my gentle touch to rub away the hurt.
Her hands are more beautiful than anything can be.
Her hands are the reason I am me.
The Broken Chain
We little knew that day,
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death, we do the same
It broke our hearts to lose you.
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you Home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide.
And although we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
By Ron Tranmer
The Gentle Light
Mother of mine, Light of my soul,
Ever inspiring me to higher goal –
You who are so dear to me,
When I look at you, what do I see?
I see a woman, yes, But more, by far,
Sunshine and moonlight and a star.
I see human feelings, Joy, pain and fear,
A gentle smile And a hidden tear.
I see strength, too, and the courage to be meek;
A helping hand to those that are weak;
A kindly word, a spring shower,
The son of a bird and a dewy flower.
I see a soul shining there
That can only be true and fair;
The soft music of a dear old hymn,
A heart full of love Blest by him.
I see sacrifices Made for me,
And dreams imprisoned that mine might be free;
A Mother whose motto o’er life’s stormy sea
Is “Jesus, Saviour, Pilot me.”
By Robert Church
All Is Well
Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped away into the next room. Whatever we were to each other, we still are. Please, call me by my old familiar name. Speak of me in the same easy way you always did. Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh, as we always laughed, at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, and Pray for me. Let my name be the household name it always was, spoken without the shadow of a ghost in it. Life means all it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. Death is inevitable, so why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, - for an interval very near. All is well. Nothing is past or lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before, only better and happier.
Is “Jesus, Saviour, Pilot me.” Together forever.
By Henry Scott Holland