Obituary of Maude Cayford

CAYFORD ~ Maude Alexandra Cayford passed away at the Jubilee Home on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at the age of 98 years. Maude was born in Vancouver, BC on August 17, 1915 to Margaret and George Wilson. Maude leaves to mourn her passing: brother, Gordon Wilson of Lloydminster; 4 daughters: June (Ed) Gerling of Macklin, Saskatchewan, Margie Wagner of Vancouver, BC, Jean (Fred) Proft of Barrhead, Alberta and Mary (Gordon) Pederson of Wabamun, Alberta; 2 daughters-in-law: Betty Cayford and Diane Cayford; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Maude was predeceased by her husband, Charlie in 1983; three sons, Chuck in 1998, Bill in 2010 and Howard in 2011. The Memorial Service for Maude was conducted from McCaw Funeral Chapel, Lloydminster, Alberta on Monday, March 3, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Paul DuVal officiating. The eulogy was given by Alan Cayford. The hymns sung were "How Great Thou Art," "In the Garden" and "The Old Rugged Cross" accompanied by organist Irene Knowlson. The honorary pallbearers were Maude's six oldest angels: June, Margie, Jean, Mary, Betty and Diane. The urn bearers were Alan Cayford and Brian Cayford. Interment was held in the Lloydminster City Cemetery, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. Donations in memory of Maude may be made to the Bea Fisher Foundation or to a charity of the donor's choice. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. Card of Thanks A special thanks to the Hemstock and Jubilee Home staff and our gratitude to Dr. Kenyon for her professional and loving care. A special thanks to McCaw Funeral Service Ltd. for their compassionate care. Eulogy Good Afternoon, I am Alan Cayford, eldest grandson of Maude Cayford and I am honored to have been asked to speak this afternoon. Maude Alexandra Cayford was born Maude Wilson, August 17, 1915 in Vancouver, British Columbia and passed away at Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on February 26, 2014. She spent the majority of her childhood in Caron, Saskatchewan near Moose Jaw. The Wilson family moved to Lashburn, Saskatchewan when Grandma was a teen and it was there on the Battle River Hills where she spent the remainder of her youth. Grandma was a fine ball player and a great runner. She and her sisters played ball together and in fact Grandma actually ran for one of her sisters who had a bad leg. She met Charlie Cayford while working on farms in the region. In 1934, Maude Alexandra and Charles French became husband and wife. They were blessed with seven children: June, Howard, Margy, Jean, Mary Bill and Chuck. Many Grandchildren (16) would follow. I feel obligated to tell one Grandma story from recent memory that most of you will remember. A family gathering was to happen at the Gerling Farm near Macklin. Bring your campers, bring your refreshments, bring your cash for the silent auction and some for a weekend of fun were the instructions. Joyce and I said we would bring Grandma in the motor home. We wheeled in behind Padua Place and hustled Grandma and suitcase out of the backdoor and into the coach. We seat belted her in and she slipped on her sunglasses. In Cayford tradition, Joyce offered a beverage and a tea in hand and off we went. We rolled into Dale & Brenda's yard and the crowd gathered. Camera's flashed and Grandma sat in the Captain's chair in the coach. The rock star of the family had arrived. Grandma was many things to many people over the years: sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandma, great grandma, great great grandma, friend to all and of course Charlie's #1 Angel. Grandma had a solid mind, was quick witted, knowledgeable on current affairs, and was a joy to converse with right until the end. To close, we will certainly all miss Grandma, but we should all hope to live as long and as healthy as she did. A wise woman, who is here today, said this of Grandma, she lived until she died.