(my then, 90 year old grandmother with my 3 day old daughter, my father and me)
My grandmother died early Saturday morning; at 1am. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. I love her so much and I will greatly miss her.
Here is what her obituary said in the newspaper this morning.
LÉGÈRE, MACLINA - (1914-2009) - Rogersville - Maclina Légère passed away at her residence, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, September 19th, 2009, at the age of 95, wife of the late Léo Légère. Born August 24th, 1914, She was the daughter of the late Luc Robichaud and the late Marie-Rose Richard. She is survive by three daughters, Lucille (Louis Richard) of Bathurst, Berthe (Edgar) Fournier of Rogersville and Jeanne (Gene) Doiron of Saint-John; four sons, Fernand (Mildred) of Billerica, Mass, Rhéal (Rose) of Rosaireville, Eddie (Léa) of Irishtown and Paul (Mona) of Rogersville; four sisters in law, Alice Légère, Joan (feu Lionel) Légère both from Saint-John, Alfreda (late Ovile) Légère of Frédéricton and Béatrice (late Aldéric) of Toronto; one brother in law, Gérald Légère of Young Ridge; 20 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by two sistersl, Marguerite and Marie; as well as three brothers, Fidèle, Edmond and David. The family will be receiving relatives and friend, Tuesday, September 22nd, at the Salon 'La Colombe' 11 325 Route 126, Rogersville, from 7 pm to 9 pm, Wednesday from 2 pm until the departure at 4:20 pm. The funeral service will be held at the St-François-de-Sales RC Church of Rogersville, Wednesday, September 23rd, at 4:30 pm. A donation to the tree of Hope will be appreciated. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to " La Colombe " Cooperative funeral home in Tracadie-Sheila. (775-1999 - lacolombe@nb.aibn.com)
There is nothing in this world that pleased her more than being with her family. She loved her children and extended that love to us, her grandchildren, and then to our children. When she saw us come in, she would come over and kiss us and welcome us in.
As she got older, living alone in her apartment, after grampy died, she'd often say how she would like for us to stay for supper. I'm told that she always had a full house of extra family members living there, and constant company. She knew how to put a beautiful spread on the table and make sure everyone was well fed. She made bread like nobody else can. When you talked with her, you always had her full attention. Her beautiful crystal blue eyes listened to you as she seemed so proud of us. She always told me how "smart" I was for being at home with my kids and homeschooling them. Yet, I have no doubt she said that to all my cousins. All I know about my grandmother, I would like so much to be like her. Her children admire and love her so.
I told her that she reminded me of the Proverbs 31 woman. Although my grandmother was not born again, saved, she loved and respected God in the way she was taught. My father then grew up to love and respect that same G0d and he then past that to me. My dad is now saved and so am I.
She would knit us socks for Christmas and sometimes, mittens. She knitted until not long before she died.
At the age of 94, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had surgery, then 20 treatments of radiology. In July of this year, they informed the family that the cancer had returned.
She would rarely say anything bad about anyone but when she did, it was more in innocence and it was funny. As an example, at a Christmas gathering, she told us that when my cousin "Kevin was born, he was soooo ugly!" (lol) "but now... he's one of the better looking ones!"
Everyone loved her so much! She is an example of beauty.
The bible says, in Proverbs 17:6 "Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers." She is my glory. I am proud to have been born in her family.
I would like to share Proverbs 31 with you.
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
She perceiveth that her merchandise [is] good: her candle goeth not out by night.
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household [are] clothed with scarlet.
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
A poem I found online says goodbye as it's best.
You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she's gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
In all the birthday cards she sent me, she would sign it like this, "de mémère qui t'aime beaucoup xox" (from grandma who loves you very much)
Today is my turn,
Mémère, de Cynthia, qui t'aime beaucoup
xox
