Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Q: How would you describe Mrs. Marie to someone who had never met them?
A: Forever, Your Grandson
I'll never forget the seventeenth floor of your old condo. It was the heartbeat of our family for decades. The Matriarch of our family. Always helping to get this busy family together for the holidays. Smiles, joy, laughter, reconnecting, hearty and delicious dinners, sports in the living room for the guys, a beautiful den space for the ladies and the children. Providing the family with your love and generosity, especially when my father was struggling. You always put others first, you made it your goal, mission. Loving my siblings like they were your own grandchildren, you made them your own grandchildren. Giving this little boy the best upbringing you could. Helping your son shape your grandson into the man I am today. Your heart of gold passed on from generation to generation. My father was blessed with it, and now me. Always encouraged my dad and me to come up and have dinner with you. Our dinners for 3 were honestly some of the most important and well-treasured moments of my childhood. When I was a kid, I used to try and race you both when we were eating dinner, because wow, you both sure could eat in a timely manner! Taking me to McDonald's for chicken nuggets and French fries, oh I knew we were sharing those fries! I used to love to go with you and Auntie Margaret. You would both order your garden salads, fruit & fibre bran muffins, yogurt parfaits, and coffees, while I lived my childhood out in the ball pit making brief friends and having fun like a child should. I was never a big fan of going to church, unless I was going with you, grandma. You were devoted to your church, and so well-loved there. I always felt like I was walking in with a celebrity! Singing in the choir, you had such a beautiful voice. You always made sure it was heard. Taking me to the Bazaar to find some good deals and play grandad's spinning wheel game was always a blessing. I remember my dad working late nights and needing babysitting. You never even hesitated. You would make me my favourites. M&M meatballs, meat pies, sunny side eggs on blueberry waffles with butter and maple syrup, special K vanilla almond cereal with milk, and you always had fruit, chocolate, sliced almonds, and ice cream for us to enjoy. Watching the news with you, or a good crime detective show, and your favourite, Coronation Street, were always a fun task for us to bond together. Going swimming in the indoor and outdoor pools at your condo were always a blast! Warming up in the jacuzzi and sauna were a blessing. When dad would make roasts and let them perfect in the oven, we would enjoy festivities downstairs in the water. I loved it when you made the family clothing. You were so well versed in a lot. Sewing and knitting beautiful garments. Another fun moment of my childhood was getting to go to The Scott's Mission Camp that you helped set up with my dad. I remember having a lot of fun! I'm happy to know that you enjoyed travelling and skiing with your husband, my grandfather. Knowing you're with your husband and son once again will bring many of us peace. You were the best grandmother this boy could've asked for. Until we meet again. 99 years strong. Rip Marie Ogle (Grandma). ♡
