Obituary of Elizabeth Anderson

ANDERSON ~ Elizabeth Alice 1924 ~ 2014 EULOGY: Hello, my name is Bob Lindsay. I am truly honored to have been asked to give the eulogy for my grandmother, Alice Anderson. I would like to thank the family for this privilege. Elizabeth Alice Anderson was born on February 12, 1924 and passed away September 6, 2014 in Turtleford, Saskatchewan. Alice leaves to mourn: her loving husband, Ralph Anderson; daughter, Ileene Lindsay and her husband Rob; son, Tom Priest and his wife Shelley; daughter-in-law, Marlene Priest; step son, Larry Anderson and his wife Brenda; grandchildren: Dean Priest, Bob (Wendy) Lindsay, Cathy (Tyler) Heathcote, granddaughter-in-law, Dionne Lindsay, Brent Priest, Nikki Priest, Stephanie Priest, Chris (Christina) Anderson, Cory (Tammy) Anderson, many great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. Alice was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Emily Olsen; brother, Richard Olsen; sister, Margaret Richardson; son, Ernold Priest and his twin brother, baby Priest; grandson, Jim Lindsay and great-grandson, Kyle Lindsay. First, I would like to read a poem to give light to the meaning of life by Linda Ellis: I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning…to the end. He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time that they spent alive on earth. And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own, the cars…the house…the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So, think about this long and hard. Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real and always try to understand the way other people feel. And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little while. So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life's actions to rehash… would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent YOUR dash? So here is Alice Anderson's dash: Elizabeth Alice Anderson was known to everyone as Alice. She was born on February 12, 1924. Alice married Arthur Priest on November 14, 1940. They resided on their farm north east of Hillmond. Arthur and Alice had three children: Ernold, Ileene and Tom. Alice loved the farm. It was her true passion. She loved gardening and working side by side with Arthur. Alice was very active in the community being on the School Board, Hall Board and Arena Board. She loved being involved with her children's sports and extra activities. Arthur passed away in 1968 and Alice continued on the family farm and remarried to Ralph in 1971. Alice and Ralph farmed together until retirement, when Tom took over the family farm. Alice and Ralph moved to Paradise Hill and were very active in the community. They were involved in the church, card tourneys, senior dances and numerous bowling awards. Alice was very talented at making silk flowers. There were many wedding bouquets made by granny. She made Wendy, Dionne and Cathy's corsages for their bridal showers and many other family weddings and events. Alice was very musical, being able to play the accordion and the organ. I can remember many nights Granny played her accordion while Grandpa played his guitar and harmonica. Alice loved to go north to the lakes and pick blueberries and cranberries. There was plenty of baking and canning with those berry picking trips. Alice was also an avid fisherman, out fishing most of us on any fishing trip. I can remember when I was a youngster my brother and I going to Granny and Grandpa's and stacking square hay bales. Our reward was some cash and a four-day fishing trip. I have fond memories stopping at Whealans store, buying fish hooks on our way to Fowler Lake. There are plenty of stories to tell on our trips. One trip Jim got up early and decided to surprise Granny and made coffee. Well I'm pretty sure six tablespoons of instant coffee is too much. I remember one trip Jim and I saved our money and bought Dad a rod and reel for fathers day. I took Dad's new rod and reel on our fishing trip and accidentally threw it in the lake and it sunk to the bottom. I was devastated, but Granny and Grandpa took an old reel and a willow stick and made me a rod to finish the trip. That rod and reel are still in my parents garage. Alice and Ralph purchased a cabin at Turtle Lake and had numerous holidays in their cabin. Granny showed the boys how to fish there as well. On one fishing trip she caught a 18-pound jack and Grandpa insisted they get a trophy mount. That hung on the cabin wall for years. I can truly say she lived a good life. I can remember having tea and listening to stories of growing up through World War depression, hard ship and good times harvesting. She truly loved her family. She worshiped her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had a true passion for gardening and her farm he loved dearly. She loved every family gathering. In closing I would like to say, we love you Granny, Rest in Peace. CARD OF THANKS The family of the late Alice Anderson wishes to express our sincere thanks to relatives and friends for your love and kindness for all the food, flowers and phone calls. Thank you to the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at Riverside Health Complex for the excellent care and compassion. Thank you to the staff at the Paradise Hill Care Home. Special thank you to The Maier Band for coming on such short notice. Thank you to Pastor Harvey and Laurie Penner for such a true expression of Mom's life. To the pallbearers, Bob, Tyler, Cody, Cole, Cory and Chris, thank you. Thank you Bob for doing the eulogy. Thank you to Joel and Dave McCaw for a professional job. Ralph Anderson Rob & Ileene Lindsay and Family Marlene Priest & Dean Tom and Shelley Priest and family Larry and Brenda Anderson and family In lieu of thank you cards, we are giving a donation to Paradise Hill Care Home