24-Nov-1930 - 18-Dec-2022
In loving memory of our dear mother who passed away on December 18, 2022 at Southlake Hospital in Newmarket. Her mind wanted to carry on but her body wouldn’t listen.
Mom celebrated her 92nd birthday in November. In 2019 after a cardiac event, her cardiologist said that her heart might last two more months, fortunately for her family & friends we shared another three wonderful years together. Her goal was always to live another day and if that happened, she was blessed.
Mom was born on November 24, 1930 in Liverpool, England. She was born into a large family of siblings including Millie, Mattie, Edie, Elsie, Dave, as well as two brothers who died at birth and another brother who died very young. Growing up during World War II was a challenge. At 9 years old mom spoke of life in concrete bomb shelters that dotted their street. Each family had one and because they were shaped like igloos, they could crawl back and forth to each other. Food was rationed, no heat or light in the shelter other than a candle. Money was made by searching for wood after a bombing and they’d try to sell it.
Later on Mom worked at Tate & Lyle (sugar products) in the U.K. where she was able to meet the Queen! They had to practice how to curtsy and the proper way to address the Queen. It was the highlight of her time there. During this time she doubled dated with her sister Edie and they both fell in love and married. Moms husband Ernest who served in the British Navy and then learned a trade as a welder, had a dream to go to Canada. In their late twenties and with daughter Sue (5years old), they emigrated to Canada. Sadly her husband became ill and at the age of 39, mom became a widow. With two daughters aged 17 and 10 (Sue & Kim), she worked hard and endured many long days to support them.
Our mom was an incredible person; her strength, her wisdom, her funny stories. She was a very keen follower of current affairs and could hold a very insightful discussion on these matters. She enjoyed watching the ticker tape at the bottom of her TV screen to catch the price of bank shares and then discuss with one of her son in laws. British politics, the Royal Family and of course Coronation St always started conversations.
Fondly known as Auntie Em, Momma Richardson and GG, she touched many people’s hearts in her quiet ways and never wanted grand gestures. She was happy with a roof over her head and her wool. She loved The Barton Retirement Home where she felt like part of the family. She was soon known as the crochet lady. Most residents and staff had a blanket made by her or baby sweaters and bunny sets. She’d say “go to my room, go in the drawer and pick a blanket and shhhh, don’t say anything”. Our mom made so many special friendships during her time there and we know she’ll be missed.
She will live on in the hearts of her loving daughters Susan (Tom) and Kim (Ash), grandchildren Sean (Stephanie) and Justin (Krista), great-grandchildren Christian, Lucas and Kenny.
“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they are gone the light remains” - Unknown
Arrangements entrusted to Taylor Funeral Home