Dear Lynnell, Joanne, Brenda and Jim,

I’m sorry to hear this saddening news upon our own return from Calgary. I cherish the memories of living next to you all in earlier years, although I must admit a lot of them center around photos from the time. I have a scar across the palm of my right hand that always reminds me of when your mom rushed over to help my mom after I fell onto some pottery in our back yard. I’m sure I was screaming bloody blue murder, and I don’t remember anything about my mom’s role in this, but I do remember Mrs. Mellard calming me down and tending to me at the kitchen sink, cleaning my hand and wrapping it up in a tea towel before we headed off somewhere for some “stitches.” Our young selves were secure knowing that your mom and my mom and all the mom’s together cared for us equally anytime we were in need. I guess we’re on our own now, but your mom is partly responsible for my feeling safe in the world. I’m grateful for her inestimable gift.

Deep condolences to the family on the death of your mother after a long and interesting life. I met her last at the grocery store near Cummer and Bayview where she had an apartment many moons ago. My mother, Thelma, and she had a good “chin-wag”. We were very fortunate, thanks to our parents, to grow up where and when we did in such a loving, secure environment.

Lynelle, I have been trying to get in touch with you for many years. I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s death. Even when it is expected, it brings with it such sadness and unexpected loneliness. Anne Wilkinson Haines from our nursing class alerted me to your Mom’s obituary. Hope we can be in touch. There is so much to catch up on. Murray and I live halftime in Vancouver, halftime close to Huntsville, Ontario. Please let me know your whereabouts.

Fondly,

Marilyn

Dear Lynnell, Joanne, Brenda and Jim,

My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom. I have such fond (and fun!) memories of “Mrs. Lynne” from my childhood, and I know my brothers feel the same. She was also a wonderful neighbour and friend to our mom, Ruth. We are all lucky to have known her.

Jean (Bangay) Mills

The Australian part of the Mellard family connection send their love and sympathy to all of you during this time of your sad loss. She was a wonderful mother and we all loved her here in Australia too. I have such lovely memories of Lynne and my mother Winifred Kirkwood having a cup of tea and a good natter comparing all their life experiences and notes about our respective families. May it comfort you to know that we are thinking of you from afar. Our love to you Brenda and all the family.

Love from Jennifer Locke, Rohan (Karen) Melissa (Christian) Kate (Ben) Hayden (Rebecca) in Sydney (Australia)

So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. When we talk about the neighbourhood, which we often do, your Mom and the whole family are always a part of our memories.

The original house at the corner of Hillcrest and Estelle may be gone, but the property to us is still the Mellard’s.

Judy, Pam and Hilda Marshall

Very sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. We Bangay siblings were blessed to grow up where we did, almost as if we had multiple parents. Your mother was a big part of that. Ted Bangay, Milton, ON

I spent so many happy hours at “Mrs. Mellard’s” house, playing Barbies with Brenda on the shady back porch on sweltering summer days, riding horsie-bikes to Hollywood P.S., and climbing the maple tree at the back of the Mellard’s yard. Neighbours like Mrs. Mellard always opened their door to the neighbourhood kids and made us feel welcome as we whiled away those endless days of summer. She was also a good friend to my mom Joyce. She will be missed!