Condolences
We, the Wescott Seamstresses Group, came to Canada in 1975 and we were so blessed to have known the Gaston Family - Manang Toning, Manong Leding, Francis and Dinah. As newly immigrants, they welcomed us into their lives and although they lived in North Battleford, they always found the time to visit us in Saskatoon and we were always happy to see them during their visits. They are thoughtful, generous, compassionate, and loving family and Manang Toning is so well known as a great cook and baker and always brought us delicious dishes, cakes and Filipino "kakanin" that we enjoyed so much.
We were all saddened when Maning Leding passed away so soon in 1976. He was a loving husband, father, and friend to all of us who knew him.
We missed Manang Toning and Dinah when they moved to Alberta but we were so happy to see them when they visited Saskatoon many times in the past.
During the past few years when Manang Toning was no longer able to travel, we look forward to our yearly visits to Calgary prior to the pandemic and we treasured the times we spent with her and Dinah. She brought so much joy to all of us during those visits and we will miss and remember her always.
With sadness and deepest sympathy to Dinah, Francis, Dale and to all their families and friends, we say goodbye to our dearest Manang Toning...and the LORD grant her eternal rest with her beloved departed.
With much LOVE,
Wescott, 8th Street and Saskatoon Group/Families
Mely, Susan, Millet, Meg, Uchie, Angie, Violy, Hermie C. and Families
I first met Toni, Leding and their children in late August 1974 in what was then called Port Simpson where we were all teaching; they being seasoned teachers and me being a neophyte. They were to quickly become my close friends and mentors, feeling more like family than merely friends and I have considered Toni a mother figure and Dinah a little sister for all years since. Leding's early and unexpected passing was a huge blow.
The Gastons were gentle, compassionate, gracious and loving people who made certain the bachelor teachers in Simpson were well fed and immensely loved, something for which I will forever be grateful. They were also extremely forgiving especially when my dog stole the Thanksgiving turkey off the counter. I was embarrassed and humiliated that my dog would do such a thing. Perhaps because Dinah was so close to Quinn, the dog, Toni was able to forgive him for his poor behaviour and rescue most of the turkey.
I learned compassion from them early as Toni and Leding faced unbelievable racism at the hands of one of the other teachers because of their Filipino background and accents. Many tearful conversations at the time got us all past the slights.
I have spent the past few days reliving many special memories of time spent with Toni and family. I am a better person because of them and I will be forever grateful that they were a part of my life. Forever in my heart, Toni. I love you!
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