The following was written by Rebecca Bernard, Mom's youngest granchild, and read at Mom's memorial mass:

Rebecca’s Memories of Gramma – Oct 30, 2017

I never thought I'd be writing something like this. I never thought I would ever have to say goodbye to you. Throughout the years we've had our beautiful moments together, such as when you used to kiss my hands, and tell me how much you loved me, and that is something I will always hold in my heart forever.

I can't believe you are gone. I don't know how my life is going to play out from here.  It's going to be a lot different without you physically by my side every step of the way.

My Dad tells me about the time you first held me in the hospital. How excited and happy you were to be able to hold your new grandchild for the first time. Our special bond and love for each other began at that moment.

One of my favorite memories that I have of you, is when my Dad used to leave me outside your room at Weston Gardens, and try to trick you into thinking that I wasn't actually there, but a few seconds later my Dad would open the door and let me in, and I would say “Hi Gramma”, and your face would light up and I would hear you say “Oh, Rebecca’s here!”  That is one of my favorite things I'm going to miss.

During our visits I loved that you always asked me if I had enough chocolate, and I would reply “Yes Gramma”… you would soon ask again, “have you had enough chocolate Rebecca?”, and I would reply “Yes Gramma”, and so on and so on until I would finally say “I’m so full”, and then you would stop.  And you always reminded us over and over not to forget the little yogurts in your fridge that you’d saved for us, and we’d walk out with about 100 of them.  And I also enjoyed loudly repeating word for word what my Dad would say to you so you could hear it.  We would chit chat for hours, and have the best conversations.

I will miss your great cooking, like my favourite chicken soup, and of course our dinner and Survivor nights.

I will miss whenever I told you some amazing news, and your reaction would always be “Noooooo!!!”  I will miss early days of hanging out by the pool and cuddling in bed reading stories.

I will miss our traditional Christmas Eve dinner and #1 present, which was always a nice new pair of pajamas.

You always enjoyed dressing up and putting on your fancy jewellery, and taking me to your favourite restaurants like Ruth’s Chris and Red Lobster. And you would always let me taste what you ordered.

Memories I will cherish and hold in my heart forever. 

You helped me through some things that no one else was be able to, and you did it with such grace.

You were the true definition of what a Grandmother should be. You were kind, loving, selfless and generous. You were always concerned about everyone else before yourself.

Now you are surrounded by all your family in heaven that missed you for so long. Even though you're not here with me on earth, I know you are in my heart. Even though you were 93 it was still too soon to leave me.  You are my guardian angel now, I love you my gorgeous Gramma.

I am going to miss you so much. I wish I could get one last kiss on my hand from you. I will love you always.

Your sweetheart,

Rebecca