ANNE SCHAPANSKY

Condolences & Memories (1 entries)

• My fondest memories of GG (as we called her, short for Great Grandma) were always involving family gathering and dinners in Stoney Mountain at Grandma Adena and Grandpa Jim's home. She would come and help cook food and serve, making sure everyone had enough to eat and was happy. She would also allow me to listen to her hearing aid whistle upon quite request, which was one of my favourite things. When my Dad passed away in 1994 she came to live with us for a period of time, I personally don't remember much of the time she was there, just that she was and there was always that feeling of love and safety within a our then turmoltous household. Eventually we had relocated and our visits were few and far between, however when we did see GG in her little apartment in Stonewall there were always delicious M&M cookies and often chocolate mossue to be eaten. Flowers were another staple in her space, freshly cut and blooming, often coming from Grandma Adena and Grandpa Jim. Her favourite were tiger lillies, which are also a favorite of mine. One summer we had a family reunion up at the family cabin on the lake and along GG came. We eventually talked her into going tubing in a giant inner tube, which she did as long as Grandpa Jim drove slowly and she could keep her knee high socks on. He obliged with a smile and a "Yes Mum." which he always called her as long as I can remember. She rode the tube like a champion, her feet never touching the water, only dry land once the ride was over. Sadly Grandma Adena passed away and while we would all miss her, the flowers that she sent to GG would continue to come and the visits would continue to be held as long as Grandpa Jim was there to have them with her. In the spring of 2015 my mother Sheryl and my then infant son Korbin had taken a spontaneous trip to Manitoba from Alberta. We had the pleasure of seeing GG on that trip. When Grandpa Jim made his way to her and took her hand, a giant smile spread across her face as she clasped his hand. You could see the love and recognition in her eyes as she looked at him. So much love between the two. Then came my mum, touching her gently on the shoulder and smiling at her. She almost squealed with delight when she saw mum. With a quite "Hi Grandma." she accepted a wet toothless kiss. She didn't know me or Korbin which was to be expected as I had seen her since I was a small child, she did however get a huge kick out of Korbin and thought he was my mums baby, squeezing his chubby little foot and laughing when he giggled at her. At that visit we were able to get a 5 generations photo, all including GG, Grandpa Jim, my Mum, myself and Korbin. It was quite an amazing moment to behold. Although my memories of GG are few, I will always remember her as a caring and loving woman, who was always ready with a hug, kiss and maybe a snuggle after a big dinner. She was an incredibly strong woman, showing all of us that true strength comes from within, even when all the world seems against you. She over came so much in her long life. It is an honour to be apart of it, keeping her memory alive through our own kindness and love for our family. We are stronger together. Much love, Meg Braye Calgary Alberta - Posted by: Meg Braye (Reiss) (Great Granddaughter ) on: Jul 19, 2016