Dear Marilyn and Linda, and families,
What a beautiful tribute to your mother. I'm sure she would have been so delighted and honoured, to read such a tribute. The writing was so beautifully and lovingly expressed. What lovely photos you used, and it gave me a greater perspective to see both photos. She was stunning as a young lady, and I can certainly see the resemblance that you each have to her, as well as some of Joyce's grandchildren! It was also a very nice photo taken more recently, with her lovely gaze and smile.
I learned so much about her that I hadn't known previously, including her sewing and handiwork skills and so many interests that she followed throughout life, including opera and theatre and puzzles! I hadn't realized how much she had travelled.
I always appreciated her warmth when I visited your home, in our teens. She was so often smiling and interested in others, and I always felt so graciously welcomed and comfortable in her presence. I liked her laugh and twinkle, and how she would roll her eyes at times, with such a bemused expression! What a legacy of love she has left. She certainly embodied the promotion of marital stability and of family values. She also saw the value of childhood lessons of domestic, artistic, and athletic skills, and of the importance of lifelong learning, and such values have been passed down through several generations.
I plan to honour her life by attending her service, and have made all necessary arrangements. ( I know that there will be many others also wishing to do the same, and I know that this will not be a time for personal visiting, so just know that I don't expect that and refuse to be an imposition in any way for you or for any other family member!) I just want you to know that I really cared for your parents, and that this is how I can show that.
Much love,
Elaine Drysdale
