Obituary of Mary Willis

MARY SUZANNE WILLIS This scripture describes our Mum: “Beauty is internal from the heart with a pure (righteous) and unfading quality of a gentle and quiet (peaceful) spirit which is precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:4 Mary Suzanne Willis was born on Aug. 3, 1920 to Ernest and Kathleen Haskins in Swindon, England. She had an older brother, Maurice. In 1932 her father moved the family to Wroughton where he opened a garage that, to this day, is still operating as Haskins Garage. Mum’s memories of her childhood and youth included much time spent with cousins and family. Her father built a tennis court in her back yard and her love for the game lasted her whole life. She so enjoyed watching tennis on TV even till her last days in the hospital. Mum finished school at the age of fifteen and went to Bristol to a commercial college to learn typing, short-hand and bookkeeping. After finishing at college, she then worked in the office at her Father’s motor garage. While working in her father’s garage Mum persuaded him that she needed to have a Golden Retriever which she always longed for. After a ride by car, train, bus and a walk over two fields she arrived at Pinkhill Farm. A young man was summoned from ploughing potatoes and arrived with an adorable puppy. She hardly noticed this young man so was quite surprised when he showed up two weeks later to deliver the dog’s pedigree. A friendship developed with Robert Edgar Willis. Their courtship took place during war time, but our future father still found the time to ride his bike 40 miles, one-way, to see his sweetheart. On May 22, 1947 Mary and Robert were married. They had very little money, but with their health and happiness, they lived on a small farm and raised golden retrievers. Mum’s memories of the war were of food and clothes rations, something our children today would have a hard time dealing with. In 1948, their first son Andrew was born. Martin followed in 1951 and Robin in 1953. In 1954 they moved the family to Devonshire which is a beautiful part of England. In April of 1958 Chris was born to complete the family of 4 boys. Devonshire was a hard place to make a living farming, so in March of 1960 Dad fulfilled a life long dream and moved his family to the wild west of Canada. They arrived again with very little money, but a great love for each other and their family. This was not the life Mum grew up in but she endured and never complained. The train ride across Canada was eventful and the family loved it. On one occasion when Dad left the train to buy groceries and was late getting back Mum stood toe to toe with the conductor and bluntly told him she was not leaving without her Robert. The train left the station a half hour late that day, family intact. In 1963, Mum and Dad persuaded a wonderful bank manager to let them purchase a cheap piece of land with a million dollar view. Mum loved her gardening and her family. The old house we lived in had stove pipes that would build up with soot and would periodically catch on fire. On one particular night, I was unable to wait for the fire to burn it out and so I took it upon myself to take 2 pails of water onto the roof and dump them down the chimney. The fire was out and the mess was left for mum to clean up as I promptly left for a dance. Work was hard and Mum spent many years as the Avon lady to bring in some extra dollars. Although delivering perfume and such is not a manly thing to do it did allow for Robin and Chris to learn to drive on wonderful country roads. Martin and Andrew went to the same driving school as Mark. As her boys grew, Mum looked forward to weddings and the wonderful girls each of her boys was bringing into her life. As each of her 13 grandchildren was born she would knit afghans and sweaters for each one. Many of these treasures are now tucked away in hope chests. She would encourage all with cards, small presents or just a phone call. A birthday or important event was never missed. It has become a tradition for over 30 years for the whole family to meet for Boxing Day festivities at Mum and Dad’s house. Skating, sledding, presents and of course, food. For years, we would all gather in Mum and Dad’s trailer out on the farm, and somehow squeeze around the living room as we each opened our gifts. Now, being a group of over 40 people, we have to rent a hall to accommodate everyone. Now the grandchildren are all adults and have blessed her with 15 Great-grandchildren. Even in her last years, she stitched a bit each day in an effort to make a cross-stitch picture for each great-grandchild, but eventually found that she could not keep up. Mum will be remembered for her patriotic passion for the royalty of England and her love for the Golden Retrievers that led to a marriage of 56 years to a special man. Together they had a vision of a better life for their boys than their homeland could provide. We grew up not having but never wanting. We were given the opportunity to better ourselves and we have. Mum showed an acceptance and love for each of her daughter-in-law’s, and they in turn loved her dearly and took special care of her for many years, especially after her bypass heart surgery in March of 1991 and during her last month here on earth. In the summer of 2002, Mary and Robert moved to the Wainwright Lodge where she lived for the next two years as Robert’s health had declined. After Dad passed away she moved to the Dr. Hemstock Residence in Lloydminster in 2004 where she renewed old friendships and made many more. Our mother will be remembered by her grandchildren for the many sleepovers at her house. Breakfast cereal, porridge and grapefruit with sugar – lots of sugar. Cross-stitched pictures, Afghans and sweaters. Walks around the garden and to the edge of the hills. Iced tea on the deck and farewell waves until you were out of sight. Playing Dice, Sorry and O.K.O. The playroom that was always stocked with paper and books. Her attendance at birthday parties, sporting events, piano recitals, and any other opportunity she had to support her grandchildren. Her great-grandchildren will remember her for her cuddles in her big blue chair, her eagerness to read them a story, her jelly-beans or Smarties, and of course rides in her walker when it was time to go. Her great-grandchildren’s knowledge and love for her will continue to grow through books, pictures and stories from their parents and grandparents. Mum encountered many challenges in her life (as we all do) but she pressed on with determination and faith. During her last battle here on earth with cancer, we as a family prayed for a pain free journey to the finish line. Her last month was spent in the hospital surrounded by her family. Even as the end grew near, Mum would still greet everyone with a smile and she would always have a wave at the door when they left. On that final night when she went to be with the Lord, we held her hands thanking God for answering our prayers by keeping her pain free and for giving us such a special mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is now with her beloved Robert, At 2:30, on Sept 18, a service was held at Dr Hemstock Chapel for all residents, staff, and friends that shared in Moms life over the past five years there. Reverend Connan Kublik officiated, with Trent Wennekamp, Kendra and Amber Willis, and Jean Weeks sharing in the service. A private family service was held on Sept 19, 11:00 at the Paradise Valley United Church with Pastor Lois Greenlay-Burwash officiating. Active pallbearers were Glen Garton, Doug Heath, Ian Parsons, Jim Teasdale, Pat Laird and Alan Eggen. Special music was provided by Naomi Broemeling. Interment was held at the Paradise Valley Cementery. Memorial service was held, at 2:00, at the Paradise Valley Hall with Pastor Lois Greenlay-Burwash and Reverend Connan Kublik, grandson in law, officiating. Scripture reading by Trent Wennekamp. Eulogy was read by oldest son, Andrew Willis. David and Sandra Babcock shared their gift of music. Amber Willis read a poem written especially for her Grandma. Amy and Scott Willis honored their Grandma with a power point picture journey down memory lane. Kendra Willis shared her love, for Grandma with the song ‘Flew Up To Heaven’, accompanied by Terry Thorsen. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd. of Lloydminster administered the funeral arrangements. Card of Thanks The Willis Families would like to express our sincere thanks for all the blessings from families, friends and neighbors with their gifts of food, flowers, phone calls, visits, cards, gifts, prayers, love, support and generous donations to the many charities. Thank you to the doctors, nurses and hospital staff of Lloydminster Hospital who provided Mom with compassion and care during her stay there. Thank you to all who shared their gifts at all the services. Thanks to the Word Church ladies who served lunch after the service at the Hemstock and to the United Church ladies for their lunch in Paradise Valley. Special thanks to the staff at the Hemstock for all their love and support shown to Mom and to all of us. Also thanks to McCaws with their support and professional handling of everything. Thanks to God for providing Mom with such a special journey in this life and for taking her home in such a gentle way. Love and God’s Blessing Donations in memory of Mary may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.