At the cemetary....

Whispering Pines played in the background as Mom was carried to her final resting place(in a beautiful cemetery near Glendon). 

WHISPERING PINES VIDEO 

Jeep wanted all the grandkids to ride with him out to the cemetery.  In this truck is he and the 6 grandkids(none of them children).......now that's a LOAD(7 adults in the truck)! 

Open mic

A poem Mom wanted for her funeral.....delivered by Elaine Smith during the open mic.

I AM GONE

You can shed tears that I am gone,
or you can smile because I have lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that I will come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all that I have left.
Your heart can be empty because you cannot see me,
or you can be full of laughter and the love you shared with me.
You can turn your back on tomorrow
and live only yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember me and only that I am gone,
or you can cherish my memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty, and turn your back,
or you can do what I would want you to:
smile, open your eyes,
live, love go on!


I can see Mom liking this....a good way to think, I shall do as she requests. 

EULOGY for Mom's service

Eulogy for Mom's service.....written and delivered by Danica Siewert(our daughter).   Danica received many well deserved compliments on how well she did......very proud Mom moment for me, it was perfect!

Grandma’s Eulogy

We have gathered here today to cherish, remember and celebrate the life of Grace Smith. I stand before you, deeply honored, to deliver the eulogy of our friend. Our Cousin. Our Auntie. Our sister. Our Grandma. Our mother. Pa’s wife. The beautiful and wonderful, Grandma Grace.

Grandma, was born Grace Elaine, to Glen and Bernice Erickson and was one of five girls. She was delivered by her Aunty Vi in her Grandma Cunningham’s home. From an early age, Grandma learned her way around the kitchen. She was taught from a young age to preserve fruits and vegetables for those long winters in Garth. She may not have known the difference between a screwdriver and a hammer but she did know the difference between a coffee pot and a tea kettle. She enjoyed handmade toys from her daddy and baking in the kitchen with her mom. According to her sisters she was not known for being brave, actually she was kind of a scaredy cat, but she was quite the prankster. She also was not a good sport when it came to games, whether it be losing at cards, striking out in baseball or losing at checkers.

Grandma was always very kind to animals. Cats and dogs often got to enjoy her cooking as they were served behind the old house. Chickens were shown off and bragged about. She could not stand hair in anyone’s eyes and it was a common occurrence for her to trim the bangs of dogs and horse. Any animal that had meaning to someone she loved was welcomed to be buried in the Pet Cemetery behind the house and usually a service was welcomed and encouraged.

Grandma was a collector and if you were lucky, she’d take you for the latest hunt. Her treasures were most often found at garage sales. Or Antique shops. Or auction sales. She has a large collection of crock pots and coil oil lamps which still grace the walls of her home. She was always on the lookout for the record she just might not have. She was always collecting frames because a great picture always needed a great frame. She had closets full of clothes and a pair of shoes to match any outfit you put together. Her collection of chairs just might have been enough to seat everyone here today.

Grandma was always doing what the next expert was going to tell you, long before it was made into a commercial or book. She wore helmets, seatbelts and life jackets long before it was law. She washed her hands frequently long before it was a commercial to stop the spread of the flu. She never liked to take any sort of medication or get any immunizations. She always kept her nails short and scrubbed clean.

Grandma was an incredibly skilled crafter. She sewed many of her daughters’ clothes. She fabric covered countless photo albums. Many books have lasted 30+ years because she preserved the covers with Mac-Tac. Old worn jeans would be turned into large quilts and always with a personalized touch. Halloween costume requests were always taken with a smile and she always delivered above what was desired. Dough was not just reserved for making buns but was also for her dough art creations that hang on many walls. She created many, MANY paper toule pictures, which were always framed. She was always on hand with her expertise when a new home needed a fresh coat of paint. 

Grandma had an incredibly green thumb. She always had a large vegetable garden which was usually planted months before, from seed, in her greenhouse. There was always an overabundance of cucumbers and tomatoes for canning. You were always welcome in her garden and rarely got scolded for taking too much. She worked on maintaining a beautiful yard. Planting trees, flowers on the deck and several flower gardens. Often flowers were taken from their plant and pressed into books so she could admire their beauty later. She mowed her grass for years before teaching her grandchildren how to operate the mower. And you always had to ride the mower and then take the push mower around the trees.

Grandma was a master in the kitchen. Cakes and cookies. Breads and buns. Pies and cinnamon buns. Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas were big affairs. Her table would be decked with her best china. Napkins would be artistically folded. Name tags placed strategically. As she watched her family grow the table got longer, often going from the kitchen into the living room. She would be dressed up with an apron while she cooked. And she would only duck out briefly to recurl her hair before everyone sat down to enjoy her long days work. She usually insisted everyone share something. You could share a reason to be thankful. A joke. A song. Or a story. Her fridges, yes there were two, were NEVER empty for family or friends or farmhands. There was always a fresh slice of bread with raspberry jam after mowing the lawn. There was always an open can of peaches for something sweet or garlic dills pickles when you needed to cure a cold.

Grandma’s Kitchen was the heart of her home. It was where she taught us grandkids her favourite recipes. It was where she played games. Where she had drinks with friends. Where she prepared meals for her farming husband, Jeep. Where she shared her regular morning coffee with her son, Daryl. Where she washed, dye and cut her own hair. Where she cut the hair of others. Where she would bird watch. She would welcome line dance lessons in her kitchen. She would listen to her records in the kitchen. She would sort pictures in her kitchen. She would write letters in her kitchen and study history in her kitchen.

Writing and delivering a Eulogy is both an honor and a difficult task. It can bring countless tears. It can bring beaming smiles. It can bring booming laughter. And it can bring overwhelming sadness. To remember and honor and love with all of our heart is the greatest gift we can give Grace. She loved us all. She had memories with us all. And today we give her those memories back. Before we know it, today will become yesterday. And then last week. And then last month. And then we will be saying...”years ago.”

Carry her with you and.....

 Smile when you can cucumbers. Think of her when you smell fresh bread. Honor her when you have a glass of wine. Willingly take one more picture. Dance when you hear Elvis. Remember the smile she’d flash you when you completed job number 994 on her to do list. Laugh when you recall an argument you won or lost against her. Go out and use the phrase “Full of piss and vinegar” to describe someone. Remember the floors rugs gracing her vehicles. Buckle up. Cherish the times she let you drive alone....before you were legal. Share a tried and true recipe. Cherish the little things that are dear to you. Pass on the important memories to the ones you love. Love like she loved. And cherish every memory she forgot.

Grace Smith - Memorial Slideshow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd_Fjos5dBc&feature=player_embedded

Music for Mom

Louise Onciul played Amazing Grace as we entered the hall......I did not hear one note, I'm sure it sounded very nice.  

Emily is such a little trooper(although she's not so little anymore).....I can't count the times I've been so proud of her, this is another.  She played the piano twice during the service.  How Great Thou Art, and an Elvis piece(of course).....Love Me Tender was the second piece Emily played.

AUDIO FOR...HER SONG

Written and sang by Daylan Wizniuk (our Son.....SO PROUD of him)

HER SONG

She was a daughter,

Loyal and proud of where she came from

Oh She loved them,

Cause they raised her with a big strong heart

She was a sister,

Always ready to help lend a lending hand

And they grew together,

Picking up each other when they fell down

Chorus:

And its her records playing those old western tunes

As her soft feet shuffled along

And its 1 2 3 as we dances around the room through the night, through the night

 

She was a mother,

Of two beautiful kids that she raised

And she taught them,

All the differences between right and wrong

She was a wife,

To that farming man she adored

And they loved,

like no one I’ve ever seen before

Chrous:

And its her records playing those old western tunes

As her soft feet shuffled along

And its 1 2 3 as we danced in the room

And its a spruce guitar, playing those old Presley tunes

As her soft feet shuffled along

And its 1 2 3 as he spins her around that beautiful back porch

She was a grandmother

Too a bunch of rowdy kids

She watched us,

As we explored her beautiful yard

She never had her own song,

But it would be.....

Loved ones playing cards,

Trees filling up the front yard

Gardening in the summers heat,

Putting up her tried feet

Apron covered with flour,

Happily baking for hours

Kissing that farming man,

Holding her children’s hands

Chorus:

And its her records playing those old country tunes

As her soft feet shuffled along

And its 1 2 3 as we dancing around

And its a spruce guitar, playing those old presley tunes

As her soft feet shuffled along

And its 1 2 3 as he spins her around that old back porch

Its bagpipes playing amazing grace,

Those soft feet have moved on

And its 1 2 3 as we dance now for her,

Dance for her. 

Sid & Shirley Smith ended the service by playing Amazing Grace.....Mom's service started and ended with this piece, very fitting.  

the beginning of the end

MESSAGES POSTED ON THE GRACE GARDENS WEBSITE

From: Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel Staff
Tribute ID: #26280
Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel Staff send our condolences to family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

From: Gloria BALLA
Relation: School pal
Tribute ID: #26285
Deepest condolences. Many memories shared throughout the years.

From: Rose And Frank Kurek
Relation: old friends
Tribute ID: #26294
Donna, Daryl, Jeep and families We were so sorry to hear of your mom and wife's passing. She was a wonderful, graceful lady and will be missed by all. May she rest in peace. Eternal Memories.

From: Allan and Wanda Olszowka
Relation: Acquaintance of family
Tribute ID: #26304
So sorry to hear of her passing. Grace was just a lovely lady who made a special connection with anyone she met. Thinking of her family at this time.

From: Louis & Helen Galick
Relation: School friend
Tribute ID: #26323
Our deepest sympathy Jeep, Donna & Daniel and Daryl & Lori and your families on the loss of a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. We are unable to attend the funeral service, but you all will be in our thoughts and prayers. We have wonderful memories.


From: Pat Strynadka
Relation: neighbor and friend
Tribute ID: #26328
thoughts and prayers with you Jeep and family

From: Ted & Judy Wizniuk
Relation: Friend
Tribute ID: #26343
We are thinking of all of you with heartfelt condolences, and are fondly remembering the occasions we spent with Grace. She was a super lady and will be forever missed.
 
From: Frances Kuori
Relation: Cousin
Tribute ID: #26344
Jeep, Donna, Danny, Daryl, Lori and their families. On behalf of the Kuori's, Dean & Des, Robin & girls, I want you all to know our thoughts and prayers are with you all, we have so many good memories of times we spent with Grace, such a wonderful lady, such a good cook, not to mention the pickles. You will have so many good memories to carry on with. Frances (Smith) Kuori

From: Joe and Doreen Hebert
Relation: Friends
Tribute ID: #26350
Our families have many great memories of a true friend while we were neighbors in Bonnyville and our kids were growing up together. Enjoyed the time I had with Grace at the Big Valley Jamboree. Her familyand friends will truly miss her. God Bless.

From: Kelly and Loucinda Stanley
Relation: friend
Tribute ID: #26358
Sorry for the loss of your wife, mother, and grandmother we are thinking of all of you and pass on our heartfelt condolences,

From: Liz Holton
Relation: My best friend
Tribute ID: #26366
Dear Jeep, Donna, Daryl Lori & families!! I am saddened by the passing of my best friend Grace. I will always have fond memories of a wonderful person. Keep strong and cherish your memories. Thinking of you all. Liz Holton

From: Ray&Lucy Pasichnuk
Relation: friend
Tribute ID: #26375
Our deepest sympathy to the Family. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Grace. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

From: Sandra & Cedric Yuschyshyn
Relation: Friend
Tribute ID: #26377
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time, with our deepest sympathies.

From: Jim & Jean Horban
Relation: friend
Tribute ID: #26399
May the love of friends & family carry you through your grief We have many fond memories of times spent with Grace Jim & Jean Horban St Albert

From: Mal and Cecile from Edmonton
Relation: Friend
Tribute ID: #26405
Mal and I send our deepest sympathy to the family. Grace was probably one of the greatest people that we every knew.

From: Raymond Lofstrand
Relation: Friend
Tribute ID: #26406
Ray, Tracy and Marie sending condolences to Jeep, Donna, Daryl and all loved ones. Grace touched our families hearts and will always be remembered. She will always be in our hearts and thoughts. *hugs*

From: Mal & Cecile from Edmonton
Relation: Friends
Tribute ID: #26407
Our Deepest Sympathy to the family. Grace was a great lady, it was an honour to know her.

From: Jan Garska
Relation: school friend of donnas
Tribute ID: #26416
My deepest condolences to Jeep and family. Donna and I were buddies in school for many years and I spent a lot of time at Jeeps and Graces home. As I was there so much, Grace and Jeep treated me like one of their own. I always treasured the wonderful times I spent with Donna (just hanging out) and her parents. I regret that I did not see Grace before her health deteriorated. It is also very sad for me that my daughter Bree (who is Evans girlfriend) was not able to ever meet Grandma Grace as she was one of the most wonderful persons I have ever had the pleasure to meet and spend so much time with. My deepest sympathies to your whole family.

From: Nick and Eileen Matichuk
Relation: former friend from school
Tribute ID: #26436
We offer sympathy Jeep, Donna & Daniel and Daryl & Lori and your families on the loss of a special wife, mother and grandmother.You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. It was a pleasure to be part of the celebration of Grace's life at the funeral service.

From: Walter & Lynda Ogrodiuk
Relation: Friend
Tribute ID: #26438
Jeep & Family--- So sorry to hear that Grace is gone. We will always remember the special times we shared. Sorry that we are unable to attend the funeral but our thoughts and prayers are with you. See you when we get home. Sincerely, Walter & Lynda

From: Arlene & Sherwin Prysunka
Relation: Friends of the families
Tribute ID: #26522
Jeep,Donna,Daryl and familes: It is at time of a great loss that we realise how limiting words can be and how special friends truly are. Please know that we are mourning with you the loss of our special friend Grace who was very dear to our family. Grace was the most infectious personality, her smile lit up the room and her opinion was a true definition of her beliefs. Grace taught us that life and family was everything - we know as we became hers. Many evenings became early mornings(Thank you Jeep for putting up with us) sharing a great meal or tasting pickles by the round table....a good eye on spotting antiques, many debates about whether it was a brown or black bears... her passion and way before her time of design and remodeling. My time with Grace at UFA made me realize that Grace truly cared about everyone, and the customer was usually right....As Sherwin and I raised our glass and made a TOAST to our friend..we will truly miss, however our memories will never fade, as yours won't either..Take care of each other and we know the spirit of Grace will live on through all of us left behind...The Prysunka Family - Sherwin,Arlene,Stephanie,Bryce.

From: Suzelle Van Brabant
Relation: friend of Donna
Tribute ID: #26751
Donna, I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of your mom when you brought her to scrapbooking crops. Cherish all those memory albums of hers! My thoughts are with you.

It is with great sadness I come here to share the passing of my Mom

At 2:37(or 8) p.m. on Feb. 15th Mom very peacefully took her last breath.  We were cheek to cheek(as I recall).....I softly whispered in her ear, "it's was okay Mom", then said "goodbye"......she did not struggle.  Jeep & Virginia also whispered goodbyes.....we wept together.  I called Daryl, he was on his way(5 minutes away)......once he arrived it was complete.  

HOSPITAL STAY(not complete yet)

• so thankful Mom's time in pallative care was brief......2.5 days. 
• Mom was taken to the Bonnyville hospital by ambulance just before midnight on Tuesday Feb. 12th.  
• Weds. Feb. 13th-Jeep and Virginia stayed with Mom until approx. 4:00 a.m..  Once Mom was settled, and all seemed to be okay the staff suggested Jeep and Virginia go home for a while and get some sleep.  They did, but were shortly called back to the hospital(just after 5:00 a.m.).  Jeep called Daryl shortly after, and called me at 6:15 a.m.  Jeep suggested I not come because of bad roads, I immediately got ready to leave(how could I stay home)....arrived in Bonnyville at 10:30 a.m..  We were told Mom's time was going to be short......she would not recover. 
• Thurs. the 14th-There was a lot of company.....which(for me)is a great comfort, being surrounded by those that cared deeply for Mom made me feel better although I knew things wouldn't be getting better.    
• Fri. the 15th-the day we lost her, will write more here soon.  

RANDOM THOUGHTS 

• We had a private family gathering the night before the service.
• We viewed Mom's body.....were please with how she looked.  Important to all of us was her hair, as her hair was always important to her.....very nice.  After being with her in the hospital,  it was nice to see her free of iv's/tubes.....although she was peaceful during her hospital, it was a comfort to see her looking more like herself....and truly at peace.   
• GRACE GARDENS OBITUARY
• 22 out of 25 of Mom's nieces and nephews attended her service.  

Thinking of Ron......

......I'm going to have eggs for supper with pepper & SALT on them!

weird.......

doing the right thing, doesn't always feel right! 

Il Divo - Amazing Grace

goosebumps for a few reasons.........

Somtimes I wonder.....why I feel like I'm going AROUND THE BEND!

From October 18th 2009-April 30th 2011.....18+ short months Daniel and I have lost all of our parents(5, I have a step-parent).   Three of our loses were deaths, both of Daniel's parents and my Dad.

The other two are related to the disease of Alzhimers.....although they are living, they are loses to our lives(I am grieving their lose).   As most of you know......the person with Alzhimers is my Mom, just typing that raises my blood pressure.  The fifth parent is my step-parent....we are not on the same page on any level, and have not had contact in several months(a year+).  With the presence of Alzhimers many issues surfaced.  I honestly had no clue......past history, bitterness, personal differences were so powerful, life changing.  There are times when I feel these circumstances are equal to, or worse than a death.

So today we get up, get ready for the day......try to eat, sleep, and breath normal....hopefully we will do a half decent job of it.

yesterday's post(Dad)

meant to get this posted yesterday, thought of it many times......just never did it!

Two years ago(on the 18th) my Dad passed away.....sometimes it feels like he's still here, other times it feels like he's been gone for years.  That may not make sense to you.....but due our circumstances it makes total sense to me.  Never seen him often.....sometimes if feels like he could still in the Rimbey Care Cente.  Because I never seen him often, sometimes it felt like he was already gone........been gone for years.

Here is my post from OCTOBER 19TH 2009! 
GRAVESIDE SERVICE POST

Our ALASKAN adventure!

Well.....we've been back for a couple of weeks, and I am sorry it's taken me so long to get some picture/trip tidbits for you......IT WAS FANTASTIC!  

To start with here are a few small videos Daryl took on his Iphone!  

As for the train ride.....to say we were on the edge is not exaggerating.....the heart rate of many was a little higher than usual(for me, exciting not scary)! 

This trip was filled with many favorites.....what makes things a favorite?  Is it visual, a scent, the sound, the taste, the people you are with, the atmosphere......what makes things etch themselves in our minds?

I hate to admit it.....shhhh don't tell anyone......I had no desire to visit Pikes Market, and it turned out to be one of my favorites!  Thank you Dana....Mom, you have to go there(something like that).....great advice!   I can't really explain why.......maybe because Pikes included all of the favorite place ingredients listed above....I really LOVED IT there!  

Here's one of the attractions that drew my attention at Pikes.....the street performers!

THE TALL BOYS made me think of Daylan....he would get a kick out them. 

the lighter side....of the day we said our final goodbye to Gido! (part 3)

in this post you will find other tidbits of the day....once again....special memories!

before the service.....

Georgette gave each of the Grandchildren a $1 bill that Gido had.....I believe in his wallet, or maybe his room. 

 me with sweet little Daphnie.....Gido's youngest Great Granddaughter.  

 I was so glad to see these two boys(my nephew's)....wasn't sure if they'd be there.  Daylan was glad too.....I'm sure.

after service.......

here we have ALL of the grandchildren.....so nice everyone was there......5 granddaughters & 5 grandsons!  Left to right, back then front......Andrew, Dean, Ryan, Travis, Daylan, Candace, Amanda, Kim, Danica, & Dana. 

 this picture makes me laugh.......Candace & Daylan!  (click on the photo to make it bigger...see the funny)

two BIG thank you's here.......to Emily & Emmett!!!

Emily is always helping out, can't say enough about this girl....she's a CHAMP!

I was glad Adam & Evan were there, and also this guy.....Emmett(my dear friends son).   A little funny about Emmett being there....during one of the talks before the service Ashley asked, "is Emmett going to be there"?.....thought that was pretty cute, she wanted him to come.  Thanks so much for coming Emmett.....and thanks for bringing him Peggy!  

Not sure why they ended up eating outside....love the outdoor tables!

Dana & Miss Olive!



From the hall...Ryan & Joanne's was the first stop.  We were told Ryan and Travis had a something they wanted to share with everyone......we had no idea what to expect.  No pictures(if anyone has some please let me know)....so I will try and make(write) a visual for you.  (coming soon)


from Ryan & Joanne's we went to Daryl & Lori's.....the shop......the perfect place to lighten things up....a familiar spot for many of us.




 

We tucked our sadness away for a bit.....and shared some much needed laughs!  After all.....laughter is the BEST medicine.........isn't it?

 

 a little down time....sharing some target practice, not sure who the champ was, maybe Joanne? 

from Daryl & Lori's, those that were staying the night met back to the motel in Bonnyville......I don't have pictures, but it was once again it was a fun filled Wizniuk gathering!  (Danica has some pictures on her blog)

3 proud Mom moments from Gido's service(part 2)

...our children's part in saying goodbye to Gido. 

Danica, you delivered the eulogy.  As you mentioned, you were deeply honored......it was a difficult task to deliver, you did a fine job......proud of you!

Dana......your special touch to the service.  Here the Priest explains the importance of the Kolach and fruit.....very important......proud of you for this, thank you!

Daylan.......you wrote and sang a song for Gido, very difficult to deliver, you DID IT........made me proud!




















I will add for Dad......he is also very proud!