Last Tuesday we put Elsie MacKay to rest in New Germany. The following is the eulogy I wrote for the memorial service in Truro’s United Church. It’s put here for reference purposes only.
Hi, mom, aunt, nan, Elsie,
Four days ago, you took your last breath,
leaving all of us behind: your children, sister and brothers,
your cousins, your grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, friends and in-laws
Your sudden illness has left us with many questions. Some of them have been answered.
Some of them will never be answered.
But you left us peacefully and all that rest us our the memories.
We fondly remember your laughter, voice and smile
We fondly remember sharing gifts, presents and surprises
We fondly remember your wit, courage and strength
Above all we remember your kindness, humbleness, and your love
for everybody who was around.
No matter how many shortcomings we had, you loved us anyways.
So today we not only mourn the loss of a truly remarkable person,
we also remember the person that was you. We’ll remember you, think of you and carry you with us. Until we meet again.
We miss you already.