Sunday, February 28, 2016
My condolences on the passing on of Aunt Mary. It has been many years since I’ve seen her but the immediate picture that came to mind when I was informed of her death was of her smile .... it was so immediate and so truly genuine and kind. I think from my experience of her the smile accurately reflected the person; genuine, gentle and kind.
It was always great to see her and Uncle Clyde when they came to visit us in Courtenay, and I remember Catherine saying when she first met them “now there is people you could count on in any circumstance”.
Without knowing the details of her memoirs I feel certain that “I’ve Lived a Good Life “ is a most appropriate title.
If i remember the local chapter of her life correctly she and Uncle Clyde met playing badminton during the time he visited his Mom and Dad and my own parents while Aunt Mary was teaching high school in Cumberland. Some time ago there was a reunion for late 1940’s high school grads in Cumberland, and I mentioned to a couple of her former students whom I worked with that I was related to one of their former teachers, Mary Fulton. ( I am quite sure that I have her maiden name right as my dad told me at the time, apologies if my memory is incorrect) At any rate the people whom I told of being related to Aunt Mary responded that they remembered her very fondly as a particular favourite, and both liked and respected her. Cumberland was a pretty tough mining town and I think their response must reflect a pretty solid and tough core to accompany the kindness that I myself had noted!
Perhaps we can best honour her memory by endeavouring to emulate the kindness and gentleness that she herself demonstrated.
My condolences to all her kids, (my cousins)and to the extended families. I’m glad you were able to be with her near the end, I’m sure she took great comfort from that and made it a good last chapter of “I’ve Lived a Good Life”
My condolences and regards
Fred Witzel
