(nee: Fast)
May you find healing and comfort in the arms of God’s angels.
Knowing that she was loved and respected by her family and cherished by many dear friends, our Mom and Oma passed away in her home with family present and her beloved hymns playing softly by the bedside.
Throughout her life she courageously dealt with the pain of many physical illnesses that challenged but neither defined nor defeated her. Even during the last few months of her life her amazing memory for details was still strong.
She was predeceased by husband Walter and son-in-law Brian Leavitt. Broken hearted and still in disbelief that our “Miracle Mom” could really be gone are her children, Erika, Harry, (wife Karen and their children Kassidy and Logan), Rose McFarlane (husband Richard and children David, Jennifer and Kimberly), Hanna, Leavitt and Monica Soth.
Very special thank you to her long time friend Marguerite Arnold for her kindness and to Dr. I. Morrison of Abbotsford for his compassionate medical care.
Mom showed us by example that if you can’t get something done one way you have to rethink the situation and attack it from another. Her small stature did not stop her from rotary tilling her large “rock” garden into submission or from hoisting up a full size chain saw to make short work of a monstrous pine tree that fell in a windstorm over the driveway just missing the house.
When the water pipes would freeze under the house she would get the propane torch and warm them until water would run freely again.
As effective as she was with handling outdoor challenges her talents in the kitchen were the most appreciated! Her culinary delights included delicious soups, mouth-watering baking and the most amazing gravy and sauces. Preserving was a wonderful way to enjoy the bounty of her gardening efforts throughout the cooler months – she could preserve anything in a jar and did so in huge numbers!
Many summer Sundays mom would be in the kitchen at sunrise roasting up a chicken, mixing potato salad, baking buns and a cake to take to Entrance Bay for a relaxing family afternoon where she would crochet in the shade while we swam. We appreciate everything you did for us throughout the years. We love you Mom and Oma and will miss you today and forever.
There will be no service by request. To honour her life, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. On February 4, which will mark her 88th birthday, performing a random act of kindness would be a fitting tribute to a woman who, over the years, lent a hand to so many in her community.