Condolences
I met Dee about 48 years ago when I met Sherri in High School and ever since that time, I was welcomed into the Makin household. Dee and Jay would even do the "Makin Cheer" when people arrived .... loved it! When I visited, the house was always filled with laughter. I felt the Joy in just having family members together.
I always loved listening to Dee's stories, while enjoying a glass of Oyster Bay with her. With Dee's quick wit and 'smarts,' I would find myself giggling but also trying to keep up with the conversation and hoping that I knew as much about current events as she did!
After my mom and dad passed away, Dee always acknowledged me as her "third daughter". Her kindness touched my heart. Dee and Jay raised three amazing children who have taken such special care of their mom and dad. I believe the Makin Family is a very Special Family and I am grateful for the sense of belonging they created for me.
Love you Dee.
The light is shining on you and you are shining as brightly as ever.
Lots of Love,
Jacki
I remember lots of great Friday nights in the back yard with Jay and Dee, eating Swiss Chalet after Dee's shift at the race track. Dee was one of a kind, a lover of life.
One of the best neighbors we’ve ever had ! I’m so glad I had a quick visit and cut your hair a few weeks ago ! Rest easy beautiful girl , you’ll be missed by many!!
Dee Makin, the matriarch of the Makin clan. I first met Dee when I started courting Sherri. I’m not sure it was in Victoria or in Calgary but I do remember Dee loved to party and be the centre of attention. With a few glasses of white wine she and Jay would help get the furniture moved so they had room to dance. Many a dinner party ended with the living room cleared for the dancers. She was blessed to have a husband who adored, loved and took care of her. That love has never wavered over the decades. Right up until her passing, Jay’s first concern was for his bride, Dee. I take pride in the fact that I was able to bring smiles to Dee’s face when I donned my gardening clothes and battled the yard in Calgary under close scrutiny by Dee of course. When the work was completed, Dee would inspect the work and big smiles would break out. She loved her yard looking ship shape so the neighbors wouldn’t be chatting about them behind their backs. Rest in peace Dee, dance when you can.
Three lessons
The first image and memory I have of Aunt Dee was her visiting us in the late 50’s when I lived in Ottawa with my parents Bill ( her eldest brother) and Margaret. Aunt Dee would have been in her young twenties. I vaguely remember a ride in their car Uncle Jay & Aunt Dee. For some reason I think it was a convertible .Either the back plastic window was broken or gone ,or the heater wasn't working, as it was cold as heck in the car as we drove down Riverside Drive. I think we were singing “ All I Have to do is Dream” by the Everly Brothers,.When we lived in Verdun on Woodland Avenue we would visit Aunt Dee and Sherri during the afternoon. Lesson one she gave me my first guitar lesson (the bass run to the theme song to Bonanza )Then there was the Chateguay days .We would leave the Island of Montreal drive from Pierrefonds to cross over the Mercier bridge ,that always seemed to be under repairs, and stop for some cheap gas and cigarettes in Caughnawaga on our drive in. There always seemed to be lots of food and good times. Either at Nannies or their house. I recollect l when Auntie Dee and Uncle Jay came over for a barbecue and a party to our house in the West Island that it was always fun. When they dropped there would be good music and dancing .Lesson two The grown ups were all doing the Twist to Chubby Checker and I couldn’t get the hang of it. She grabbed a towel and moved it back and forth behind her .She told me to imagine your drying you bum. Dancing all of a sudden became even more fun. I board with my Aunt Dee and her family in 1974. I just showed up at their door in the late summer after a Festival Express journey on the train from Montreal to Edmonton. I hitchhiked south to Calgary. My last ride was a Cheech and Chong ride in a typical 70’s converted Shag Wagon. I didn’t know where my aunt and uncle lived or how to get there. I suggested they drop me off at the Library so I could find a map and directions. It wasn’t the library it was the police station .they dropped me off I had an Eric Forman moment but was able to get it together and got directions via the bus to their house.( first women bus driver and mail person I had met ever met chatted me up and gave me the exact directions to their house) Aunt Dee welcomed me, the hippie nephew, with open arms( long hair big beard and my orange knapsack) She probably convinced Uncle Jay to get me a job at the construction company where he was supervisor. My short visit ended up a long stay with a job as a carpenters helper for the fall season. I fondly remember how she loved to dance sing and have a good time. I remember listening to her Jim Croce LP with her and introducing her to Bob Marley via an LP I bought Natty Dread. I am sure we dance to Lively up Yourself a few times. Lesson Three The short version I had a girlfriend coming out to visit me. I was going to get a hotel for us. She after questioning me a bit said why don’t you call Carol and let me speak to her Mom. That never happened .I called Carol and cancelled the the trip and told Aunt Dee Carol wasn’t able to make it. She knew what really happened and said to me Bobby” I have two daughters and would want to know.” Oddly enough enough I ended up with two beautiful daughters and I know you do anything to protect them. She taught me to question my actions and foresee the consequences. Basically do the right thing as hard as it may be.
I would end up saying RIP but I somehow that doesn’t seem to fit for Aunt Dee . I am just gong to say I know you are singing and dancing having eternal fun!
P.S.I still play guitar, dance and question my actions.
While I didn't have the opportunity to meet Dee in person all that many times, when I did, she left a lasting impression. A friend of her family introduced me one late evening, and within minutes Dee (and Jay) had made me feel comfortable and welcomed in their South Calgary home. Over time, I sent a few baked goods to them, to add to their menu. Even later, I made a cake that fast became one that Dee enjoyed eating as much as I enjoyed preparing for her. I was happy to add a little excitement for her in the daily rigors of eating and cooking!
Here is what I learned from my meeting Dee (and Jay). It's not the number of times you meet, or the length of friendships that matter as much as the quality of those times and the laughter and conversation you share. We can all gain from that lesson for sure.
My condolences to Jay and the entire family. I send my deepest sympathy to you in this sad time.
Kevin Bauer
I am thinking of so many memories growing up where your home was seamlessly the same as my own, whether in Chateauguay, Oakville or Calgary. Where family, food, music and laughter reigned. Auntie DeeDee you were amd will remain a one of a kind star in our universe. I love you. My love to Uncle Jay and my Makin/Bain family. Xoxo
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