Obituary of Ms. Isabella R. Oram
Isabel was born in Toronto at home in 1925,to join Frederick,Stanley Roderick,l and Margaret as the sixth child,including Charles the first born son,who sadly died at age six. Betty and Issy were only fourteen months apart and delighted in doing everything together. running in the fields in their bare feet, collecting wild flowers was a favourite in the summer. So different in nature,and yet this powerful bond would last for the remainder of their lives. Three more sons join the clan. Basil, Michael and Martin, thought to be the last,but enter Kathleen, a beautiful baby girl. The sisters were over the moon.including all the brothers I'm sure. The family of nine living Oram children was complete.
DEPRESSION IN CANADA
NEW LISKEARD PIONEERS 1932
The family signed with a Government program to be farmers, to clear land, build a house etc.they are given animals. The house is a tarpaper shack, they.nearly freeze to death ,eat all the animals the first year. With help from their neighbours,they all manage to stay alive for four years. A serious accomplishment for the times!
RETURN TO THE CITY
Isabel loved being in school. there was little chance to go in the North. The recovery of the economy was very slow,jobs scarce. so she had to quit school to work and help the family. It was her biggest regret. Even though she and most of her siblings didn't get much schooling it is remarkable how all of them learned trades , taught themselves ,married and raised successful families.
world war 2 isabel's teenage years
Isabel loved to dance to the Big Band music at the Palais Royale Ballroom. She was 16 years old when she met Rene Lemieux there in 1941. They were married in1942 he left to join the Navy and Sandra was born in1943. She made 2 separate trips to Halifax with the baby to join Him, but it was lonely too and she was homesick, So she came home to help her Mom with the young children as her 3 eldest brothers were serving in the war. Grateful they all came home safe. Basil (Bill) went to war in the American forces,met his love Virginia and raised a lovely family, we all got to meet much later.
1950 SCARBOROUGH PIONEERS
After the war three sons were born. The late Stephen Lemieux,the late Daniel Lemieux (died shortly after his birth) and Ronald. Lemieux. When Ron was 18 months, we moved to Phillip Avenue Scarborough, where we lived for seven years,built a house,sold it,lived 4 years in St Catherines Ontario, then back to Toronto. Their marriage was coming to an end. They separated
.
For the next few years Isabel lived mostly on her own after her son Ron married..She got a job, an apartment,and had the company of her sisters and family and friends. Still a very attractive woman, she dated a little, until one night at a legion dance she met Owen Higney. (the love of her life). The feelings were mutual. The life she never thought was possible was here.They shared the next 30 years together in love.
In 2008 Owen took a terrible fall, and passed away in hospital with Isabel at his side. Her grief was inconsolable. The further loss of her son Stephen and her sister Betty also took a huge toll. .
During this very difficult time, the love and caring and attention from family kept her going. Unfortunately the pandemic and the isolation.was hard She missed playing Euchre , playing Bingo,and winning, visits in person.with her Grndchildren & Great grandchildren, and having her annual Boxing day parties..
The response to her 95th birthday from everyone.pleased her so very much. I know She would like me to acknowledge the thoughtfulness of Donna, Stephen & Sharon Atticus Stevie (the parking lot singers plus) Darlene & Marie( patio parties plus) Nancy helping at home. Ron shopping & fixing.
.Sandra lived in the same building,taking care of her needs. for almost three year,.vaccinations, ,banking, outings,groceries, Birthdays, Xmas and keeping her company. She still bravely maintained as much independence as possible right up to the end.
She was proudly the last Oram standing of her family at the age of "96" She will be missed.
