SADIE MARY PETERS

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SADIE MARY PETERS On Sunday, June 15, 2008 our beloved mother passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by her family. She died on her own terms, with grace and dignity, just as she lived her life. She was predeceased by parents, James and Daisy Forsyth; grandparents, Nan and Mate; brothers, James and William Forsyth; sister-in-law Ruth Forsyth and niece Joan; brother-in-law, Ernie Mort and mother-in-law, Susan Peters. Sadie will be remembered by Wes Peters, the father of her children; brother Don Forsyth (Jean); sisters-in-law Bernice Mort and Mary Forsyth and many loved nieces and nephews. She is survived by her four children, Lynda Johnston (James), Janet Karan (Gregg Weston), Diane Peters (Vincent Martin), and David Peters (Mary Akins-Peters); fourteen grandchildren, Tannis and Mark Johnston (Ivone), Sean Karan (Isabelle), Heather Trudell (Shawn), and Garrett Weston (Natalie), Courtney Marchant (Wil), Stephanie Tokarchuk (Rob McCorriston), Blake Tokarchuk, Caitlin Rose, Nicole (Matt) and Chantal Martin, and Steven and Catherine Peters; and by 12 great-grandchildren, Breyanna and Kailey, Katrina and Isabella; twins Tristan and Chloe, Paige and Macarthur, and Owen, Noah, Liam and Mycah. Sadie's grandparents in Scotland flipped a coin to determine whether they would immigrate to Canada or Australia. Mom had many happy memories of spending summers at Sandy Hook with her grandparents. During her last few weeks she repeatedly said how much she would like to dip her toes into the lake. As a young woman, mom worked at Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and prided herself on her shorthand, a lost art. During the Second World War, mom and best friend June, volunteered with the war effort. Her brothers, to everyone's great surprise, ended up side by side in hospital beds in Italy after being wounded. Up until her final few days, she daily prayed for soldiers and their families. After marriage, she left her job and became a devoted mother to her four children. She had high expectations for us to go to university and become independent and contributing members of society. Mom later in life, enjoyed working at the International Inn arranging conferences and wedding receptions. Our mother was an intelligent, well read person who was up on politics, World News, religion, sports, geography and she loved good conversations, especially with her brothers. She kept her mind active with crosswords, playing cards, math puzzles and she always read two books at a time. She knew the meaning and spelling of any word in the English language and often other languages. Mom was a generous but private person. She supported Doctors without Borders, the War Amps, Artists without Limbs and Heart and Stroke. Mom had fond memories of trips to California, Paris, London, and Scotland and passed on stories about The Royal Family, from her mom, born in England. Mom's father wore a kilt and played the bagpipes. Her gift for storytelling and singing old time songs became a family tradition. The sound of a whistling kettle followed by strong tea was another comforting tradition. Bad news was followed by, I'll put the kettle on. One of our fondest memories is walking to church on Easter Sunday when we were children. The three girls wore Easter bonnets, white gloves, a new dress and white shoes and socks. Little brother was dressed in his Sunday best. It was a very joyful time for our family. Mom taught Sunday School for many years at Silver Heights United Church. She taught us to be kind and inclusive. It is very difficult to say goodbye mom, but this poem reminds us that you are never far. And if I go, While you are still here... Know that I live on, Until then, live your life to its fullest And when you need me, Just whisper my name in your heart, ... I will be there. In accordance with mom's wishes, a private family gathering has taken place. Chapel Lawn 885 - 9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2008