Mary Genevieve Emery-Lacombe

Born: October 31st, 1912
Died: January 15th, 1987

Vee, Veva, Jen, Jenny, or as I endearingly sometimes called Mom -- Dods or Teeds. Actually those terms were used interspersingly, i.e. she sometimes called me Dods or Teeds. I am not quite sure where these nicknames came from but I am sure of one thing: they were always uttered with tenderness and affection, such as only can exist between a mother and a daughter.
On this day, 19 years ago, Mom passed away peacefully at St. Mary's Hospital, never awakening from a coma she slipped into after succumbing to a stroke on New Year's Eve sixteen days earlier. I am ever grateful to my dear friend Fran who accompanied me to the Hospital on the morning of Jan. 15th, when I received the phone call that my Mom had slipped away. Father Sinnell was there to receive us and I caressed Mom's neck, still warm to the touch, as Father led us in prayer by her side. They say the soul does not leave the body immediately but rather hovers close-by for a while to give the grievers strength. How comforting was that thought as I said goodbye to my Mommy.

I want to remember here some of the happy times. Being a horder, I still have letters Mom and I exchanged the summer of '65 when I spent five weeks with my friend Joanne as mothers helpers to a family at their country home in Pointe-La-Nim in Northern New Brunswick.

Monday, June 28, 1965
Hi Chrissie:-
I received your post card Sunday night when we got back home from North - it came on Saturday - sure takes long for mail to come from that area. Was so glad to hear on the phone and from your post card that you had a good trip. Hope when I get home tonight that there will be a letter from you telling me all the news and especially about your arm.
...
We bought a nice electric stove for the cottage which Dad got from a man in his office. It was too good a buy to pass up. Haven't installed it yet as we will have to enlarge the kitchen. We didn't make the steps yet. I am typing this in the office (Mom was working at Dominion Textile Co. then) but will have to wait till I get home to address it as I left your address at home.
I looked for your red blouse up North but didn't find it, threefore, it must be in the house somewhere.
I will show your postcard to Sue when I get home tonight.
...
I am anxious to hear when you saw (my first love) Gordie?
Am home now but no letter. Guess I'll get one tomorrow.
Love from Mummy & Daddy & Bill xxxx

Monday, July 5, 1965
Hi Love -
At last - we received your letter and cards. Our first concern was over your arm and were so pleased to hear that it's coming along. Dad said not to put anymore iodine if the infection is cleared up because iodine burns and you will burn the skin too much. Would imagine you could leave the bandaid off if it is healed enough so no dirt would get in but it's hard to tell without seeing it so guess you will have to use your own judgment on this.
Well we certainly enjoyed reading your long newsy letter (Dad said it was like a composition) and following same with the cards. What beautiful scenery! You are lucky to be at such a nice spot and we are glad to hear you don't seem to have to work too hard. If you get some pictures developed that you took at the Falls, like you said, could you send them to us?
...
Ever since you left Sue would come over every evening asking if I had received a letter from you. She said she was so anxious to get a letter so I said "don't give up hope - I haven't received one yet". Sue has been using my sewing machine - she finished the blue top and made white shorts - Her brother brought the machine back Thursday night and he told me Sue was spending a couple of days at her Uncle's, so therefore I did not see her to let her read your firwt letter, however, will probably see her tonight, and I hope you have written her. She told me she is so bored since you left and said "I was roaming around the house and my father said to me - "What's the matter Sue - Can't find another Kris"? and she said "No, I can't find another Kris".
...
Bill said he spent most of the weekend working on the boat, that is when he had time off as he worked Sat. and Sunday. He is off today and tomorrow. Said to tell you he's being a "good boy" and hopes you are "being a good girl".
...
(My aunt on Dad's side) Irene called and asked if I had had news from you. Don't forget to send (my cousin) Carole a postcard or you and me both will be in "their bad books". Will give you the address below.
...
I have a big sty on my eye and this A.M. my eye is practically shut. I look like something the cat dragged in and eeryohe is asking me who beat me up? I will bathe it tonight and see if I can't bring it to a head. Guess I need my holidays as you get stys from being over tired and it's ages since I had one. (a sty I mean).
Can't think of any more news just now. Will be sending you some pictures the boys (our friends Patrick, Wayne and Tony) took on their weekend up North. Will get them tomorrow and send them to you. Please write soon - give with the letters! Have fun and be a good girl and watch your little girls and boy well. Say Hi to Jo for me.
Bye for now,
Love and kisses,
Mum, Dad & Bill.