My Life Poem for Saying Good-bye

When I come to the end of the road, and the sun is set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room, why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too much and not with your head held low.

Remember the joy and laughter we shared, and lovingly let me go.

Mary-Ann Berridge (Houston)

BERRIDGE, Mary-Ann Marie
July 5, 1952 - Calgary, Alberta
November 8, 2019 - Calgary, Alberta

With great sadness our family announces the passing of Mary - Ann at the age of 67 while at the cardiovascular unit of the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, AB.

To her end, Mary-Ann kept her distinct sense of humour and her gracious compassion for other people. To all that knew her she was a warrior and trooper in every sense. Mary-Ann never once complained about all her health issues over two decades, did as her doctors told her, and made everyday further proof of her positive attitude.

Mary-Ann, daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, and finally grandmother, was a proud lady that never went anywhere without being dressed properly for the day, a quality she certainly learned from her mother. She was a talented cross-stitcher and has many projects hanging in her home, and won a first place ribbon for her entry in the Calgary Stampede. An avid reader, she would latch onto an author, find all their books, and then read them all in series start to finish. Everything she did was in order. Every Costco trip she went by the book counters with her list in hand of what she needed.

She is lovingly remembered and will be greatly missed by her husband Jim of 47 years; son Dave (Nicole) of Chilliwack, BC, daughter Laura Anderson (Ryan) of Swift Current SK; brothers, Sandy Houston of Halifax NS, Bob (Jackie) Houston of Grand Prairie, AB, and Neal Houston of Las Vegas NV. She will be dearly missed by her four grandsons who she loved with all her heart and who loved her back, Malcolm Berridge, Sylvester Berridge, Riley Anderson, and Luke Anderson. Her extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and a long list of cherished friends will also remember her with dearest thoughts.

Houstons, Browns, Gilmours in "Fabrics From The Seventies"
Back row: Doug, Sandy, Mary-Ann, Bob
Middle row: Kathy Gilmour (?), Gerry, Arlene,
Front row: Neal, David Will, Glen,  ? Gilmour

One example of the amazing stitchwork Mary-Ann created.

Glen, Mary-Ann, Dad in October 2017

Jim, Mary-Ann, Dad in October 2017

The family is truly thankful for all the staff at unit 81 of the Foothills Medical Centre who displayed courtesy, professionalism, and undaunted compassion for Mary-Ann and her family during her last days.

Condolences may be forwarded through www.McInnisandHolloway.com. At Mary-Ann's request, no formal services will take place.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 - 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Mary-Ann Berridge.
Published on November 12, 2019

The Lee/Peace Families

The Lee/Peace Page

Gwendolyn Armstrong married Johnathan Peace

John and Gwen Peace

Brenda and Gramma Peace

Ray Peace, Gramma Peace, Diane

Gwen and John Peace's kids:

1. Dora (Raymond Lee)
2. Raymond "Randy" (Diane ?)

Dora Lee's and Raymond Lee's kids:

Debbie (Steve Wright)

1. Rebecca
2. Jessica
3. Amanda
4. Hannah

Wanda (Gord Harvey)

1. Rachel - daughter: Grace
   Grace's daughter: Bailey
2. Johnathan - son: Jack
3. Matthew

Barry (Shelley Hongisto)

1. Emma

Tim (Lloydel Peche)

1. Pamela (Brett Baldwin) - children Liam, Emily
2. Philip - (Jessica) - children Parker

Randy (deceased)

Linda (Jeff McConnell)

1. Kyle - (Jasmine Bootle) - children Gemma, Oliver
2. Kathryn (Joe Giannini d. 2021), (Darcy __) - children Hunter

Brenda (Glen Brown)

1. Olivia
2. Ian
3. Elinor

Randy Peace's, Diane's (?) kids:

1. Debbie
2. Susan (Royal?)
3. Cathy - ?

The Brown/Hepburn/Houston Families

William (Bill) James Brown m. Emma Marie Kirkwood

Grampa Brown was born in Molesworth Ontario, near Listowell.

Gramma Brown was born in Vegreville Alberta.

Bill and Marie Brown

Bill and Marie Brown

Bill and Marie's kids:

• Bob (Dorothy "Dot")
• Ron (Dorothy Jean Hepburn)
• Lorraine  ("Mac" Houston, Marvin Lawes)

 Bob and Dot's kids

• Keith (Dorthey)
• Bob (Diana Bonin)
• Billy (Bonnie)
• Janice (Mike Montfortin) 
• Karen
• Kim (Deane Guthrie)
• Kirk

Ron and Jean's kids

• Doug (Carolyn Peach)
• Gerry (Debbie Porter)
• Arlene (John Dandridge)
• Glen (Brenda Lee)
• David "Will" (Lisa Hodgkins, Diane Olcha)

Doug and Carolyn's kids

1. Neema
2. Matthew

Gerry and Deb's kids

1. Sarah (Nate)
2. Amy
3. Kevin (Marnie) - child Regan
4. Chris
5. Jason (Sarah)

Arlene and John's kids

1. Trevor (Kelly)
2. Lindsay

Glen and Brenda's kids

1. Olivia
2. Ian
3. Elinor

David's kids

1. Steven (Lisa)
2. Zoe (Diane)

Lorraine and Mac's kids

• Alexander "Sandy"
• Mary-Ann (Jim Berridge)
• Bob (Avril, Jackie)
• Neil

Who Knows Where The Time Goes?

A beautiful song of reflection and joy. For when you cast your life before the creation and embrace your inevitable end. Where does the time go, and who knows why and where it comes from for us little humans to enjoy and swim in, just for a moment?

https://open.spotify.com/track/43IYZ1zQpbXXWhGQEgjAjb?si=XEwndS7nQLGjqVFcTMK3KQ

Ray Peace 1944 - 2019

Peace, Raymond John - MMM CD

Major Canadian Armed Forces Retired. After a long and bravely fought battle, Ray passed away on April 17, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Guelph at the age of 74 years. He was predeceased by his first wife Dianne and survived by his wife Juliet Baldock, daughters Debbie Labrecque (Ray), Cathy Peace and Susie Syme (Al); sister Dora Lee and his grandchildren Bri, Alisha, Robyn, Brandon and Alex. During his lengthy career in the Canadian Armed Forces, Ray served with distinction in many locations and capacities both in Canada and the Middle East.

At his request, there will be no funeral or visitation but donations in his memory will be greatly appreciated and may be made to Diabetes Canada or to any charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph, (519-824-0031). We invite you to leave your memories and donations online at:

To Juliet, Debbie, Cathy and Susie,
Brenda and I send our condolences to you on this sad occasion of Ray's death. Brenda was telling me stories of how her uncle Randy used to pop by at the Lee home on Woodbine when she was a little girl, and he would always take time to be attentive and 'hang out' for a while. Brenda really appreciated that positive input from him as an uncle and as an important mentor and role model. Brenda also spoke fondly of times when she was able to visit and stay with her cousins' in the summertime when Ray was living out near Trenton. My memories of Ray include many special family events and occasions, for example Susie's Hamilton wedding with a special reception at the RHLI officer's mess, Debbie's wedding at Borden, and visits with Cathy and her son in Hamilton, not to mention dozens of visits with gramma Peace when our paths would cross. He was a fine man, obviously very dedicated and capable, with a distinguished career of service under his belt. If there were experiences and memories that Ray held in his heart and was unable to put into words for us to know, I respect him deeply for that. I'm glad to have known him and we are glad to have you all in our lives. Take care and we will look forward to seeing you at a memorial service in the future.
Love from Glen, Brenda and family - Olivia, Ian, Elinor

www.gilchristchapel.com and they will be forwarded to the family.

http://www.gilchristchapel.com/obituaries/133324

Notes From Uncle Don Hepburn re: mom's passing

Dear Doug —
Thank you very much for sending us the order of service and other parts of the memorial service. I did have some difficulty opening the attachment — I am still very much a technopeasant. -- However, Neil was here yesterday and everything became clear in no time. The comments and recollections were spontaneous, and Ian’s reflections on Amazing Grace was quite lovely . Your Grandma would certainly have been pleased.

Our love to you all.

Don

On Dec 20, 2016, at 8:18 AM, Douglas R Brown wrote:

Dear Uncle Don,

Thanks again for putting some of your thoughts down on "paper" for us. They were very helpful as we prepared for the memorial service for mom. I am attaching the a copy of the notes that we used. Gerry, Glen, Dave and I divided them up among us for sharing. Arlene was involved, but did not feel she would be able to speak. Your thoughts are included much as you sent them. Olivia and Elinor shared their own thoughts and those of the grandchildren. Ian played a rendition of Amazing Grace on the piano.

Take care and God bless.


Don Hepburn wrote on 11/12/2016 7:14 PM:

Dear Doug —

We were very sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing.  She lived a long and full life and will be greatly missed, but she is freed from the discomfort and pain caused by the illness of her later years.

I understand that you will be delivering a eulogy at the memorial service on Monday and that you are hoping that I might have some comments especially about her younger years, that might be of help to you. I am not sure that I can be of much help. I was the youngest of three children in the family , and more likely to be the subject of stories about memorable events than the observer. There was an age gap of several years separating the three of us, and often the three of us did not even attend the same schools and had quite different social groups. Moreover I was a BOY with two older SISTERS, which may have affected my memories somehow.

Jean was an easy person to get along with. She was a good student , perhaps a little in the shadow of her big sister, and a serious student of the piano and organ. Actually, my memories of your Mother are more memories of her as a grown-up than as a student. She was the bridesmaid at our wedding. For several years after that we all lived in Edmonton, and there were opportunities for us to spend some time together. ( I seem to remember going to a square dance club with Ron and Jean.) Before long, however, we began moving around. The Browns moved west and east (from the lower mainland of BC to Oakville in the East). The Hepburns moved north or south — from Inuvik to Red Deer. The opportunities for getting together were gone. Contact was maintained by visits during holidays, occasionally (after the kids were grown up) two couples holidaying together (Georgian Bay and the Rockies come to mind).

Family connections were very important to your Mom. She established and maintained contact with cousins. When any of our family visited your family, she made sure that as many as possible should be included in the visit. Similarly with friends. Your Mom formed enduring friendships, keeping in touch with people she had known from grade one, from CGIT, from United Church Young Peoples, St. Paul's United, neighbours and others as well, I am sure. Your Mom saw to it that Joan and I met many of them, too.

Your Mom was always busy. She was an organizer and a doer. I don’t think you would call her an activist. She didn’t attend protests or organize petitions or call public meetings. But she did good works, and made this world a better place. I think she was a person with whom the Prophet Micah would have been well pleased.

Love
Don

The Story of Bill and Marie Brown

The couple you are now looking at is my grandparents William James Brown and Emma Marie Kirkwood aka Bill and Marie.

One day I began swinging my big stick at this Grandparent Piñata and all kinds of sweet little story nuggets fell out.

In order to do so I had to go on a quest of discovery. It was a journey across the country where I met my relatives. I visited them like a beggar, asking for any scraps of information or any little bit of true tales that they might share. I felt like a total sycophant. Completely on the take and only asking for the dirty details.

Better known as Bill and Marie. Better known nowadays as the patriarchal couple of a sizeable clan. The Offspring, you might say.

Bob, Lorraine and Ronnie are the first generation. Their kids. My oh my, there are some rich stories to tell when you get right down to it. You have no idea.

And then there’s the next generation.

Bob’s kids are Karen, Keith, Bobby, Billy, Kim and Kurt. Lorraine’s kids are Mary Ann, Sandy, Bob, and Neal. Ronnie’s kids are Doug, Gerry, Arlene, Glen and David. OMG, the shitload of stories that this group can tell would give your gonads a rush of blood and set your heart a pitter-patter. You’ll see.

In the generation next? Well, things get pretty fucking exciting. Talk about an explosion! Talk about diversity. Talk about creativity. Talk about anything. It’s downright miraculous.

These are the stories you’re going to read. They are sweet, precious, and amazing.

How would one organize a collection of stories that centre around one single couple?

First you would tell the couple’s story. Their story speaks to all the others. Their adventures would help make them who they were. Their choices, their mistakes, their friends, their enemies all have an impact on them and also their children. And their grandchildren. This collection of stories gets its weight from this truth. The stories themselves are the sweet details of a singular unfolding, where two people live their lives, and unbeknownst to them, they write a screenplay of sorts for a thousand other people.

Next you would tell the stories of their children. There are a lot of things that come into play when you start reflecting and analyzing siblings. Birth order. Gender. Gaps in age. Historical context. Job prospects.

The next generation? We can’t escape the truth that we are privileged. We all know that our parents, having lived through hard times, were determined to put themselves on the map by having children. They were pretty good at it. Success in those days seemed to be centred around making sure that you left a bunch of people in your wake who would make this world a better place. It wasn’t a stretch to believe that all of us are survivors and that we should be thankful to be alive.

Which brings us to the NEXT generation. Our kids. The soft clay. The precious ones. The Hopes and Dreams. It’s hard for us to imagine that they too have stories to tell which need to be part of this collection.