ELIZABETH LUNDGREN

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• My husband and I only had the privilege of meeting Elizabeth one Christmas, but it was very obvious to us that Elizabeth's love for her granddaughter was strongly returned. It was also obvious to me that my son felt that when he was accepted by Elizabeth, he was truly accepted into her family. That Christmas, it felt to us like two families were one. I offer our sincere condolences to the family. I am glad that Kathleen was able to get back to Winnipeg to be with her beloved grandmother at the end. - Posted by: Cynthia & Karl Furr (Other (in-laws of granddaughter)) on: Nov 05, 2014

• Grandma, How do I express just how much you have meant to me throughout my life? Well, I will try by capturing some of my fondest memories. I was your first grandchild. You would tell me that with my birth, you finally had your girl. As a newborn, you were one of my first visitors. Anxious to celebrate my new life and entrance into the world – you travelled from Winnipeg to Ottawa to welcome me. Recently, I travelled to Winnipeg to be with you, to celebrate your long life, and to be with you as you departed this world. All of my life, you have been a constant, loving and welcoming presence. Never needful, but always there if needed. You were there as I grew up, visiting various towns and cities across Canada to be with me, there to commemorate my graduation from University, there to participate in the excitement of my first home, there to listen as I shared with you my experiences and travels while working long hours at my career, there to warmly greet my partner, Steve. Always, I looked forward to your welcoming face, the happiness in your voice when we spoke, and your reassuring and sustained words of praise and encouragement – urging me to “see everything and do everything”. You were strong and stubborn and I admire you for it. You had a love of family. You cared for your sisters and opened your home to them as young women – a gesture for which they are forever grateful. You were proud of your three sons – having raised a banker and two police officers with your beloved husband, John. You spoke lovingly of your grandchildren and great-grandchildren, worrying about them as they grew. You had a love of music. You sang in your church choir and played the piano. For years, you entertained all with your harmonica and bell ringing – a past-time you and Grandpa enjoyed together. You had an interest in different cultures, always open to learning and experiencing other people’s traditions. This was most evident from observing the deep caring shown to you by your long time friends and neighbours, the Macapagals. Adopting you as their own, they lovingly referred to you as “Lola Beth”. There were funny times too, like when you and Grandpa sent me a cheque for $300.00 in the mail. When I inquired as to why, you told me that you had been waiting to put it toward my wedding dress. However, with no prospects on the horizon and a granddaughter unconcerned with tying the knot, you explained that you thought it best not to wait any longer for that day to come! Most of all, throughout the years, I loved our many chats. We spoke often and discussed a wide variety of topics. The transitions between subjects made easy by your inevitable words “and another thing...”. Jokingly, I would tease you by ending many of our conversations using these very same words. So today, once again Grandma, I end our chat by saying...”and another thing”... I love you. I miss you so very much. You have meant the world to me. - Posted by: Kathleen Lundgren (Granddaughter) on: Nov 03, 2014

• Elizabeth, my wife Kathleen talked about you often. When she did so, I always thought of you as my own Grandma Lundgren. From her reminiscences I could picture you in the little house on Queen Street -- which she so proudly showed me on a trip to visit you at Kiwanis Courts -- warmly welcoming relatives and neighbours in that special way that you had. Though you were never overly sentimental, when you greeted me or anybody else, you gave the sense that there was nobody you would rather see that day. I can picture the smile your expansive "Well, hello, dearie!" over the phone line would bring to Kathleen's face every time she called. I can see this too in the reactions of your sisters and nieces who miss you so dearly. While I joined the family late in your life, you welcomed me in a way that showed how happy you were to have me join the family, and even though your memory was starting to fade, you never forgot to ask "and how is Steve doing?". In your last weeks, even though this Steve had faded from your memory, when I was introduced at your bedside as your grand-daughter's husband, there it was again, that warm welcome: "Well! In that case, it's so nice to meet you then!" Grandma, you will be sorely missed. - Posted by: Steve Furr (Grand-daughter's husband) on: Nov 03, 2014

• Roger and I send our sincere condolences to Beth's sons and daughters-in-law, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her sisters, all the other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved and will miss her. From as far back as I can remember, Auntie Beth was the doting mother hen to a brood that included family, friends, neighbors and anyone else who needed her attention. Her cheerful "Hello, Dearie!" whenever we would visit made us feel welcomed and cared for. There was always room for one more at her table and in her heart. We are happy that she is finally reunited with her beloved Johnie, whom she missed so dearly. No doubt Beth is fussing over her parents Velma and Albert Rolfe, brothers Martin, Steve, Ken and Albert, and sister Abbie who were waiting to welcome her home. Hugs and kisses Auntie Beth. We love you very much. - Posted by: Danita Brisson (Niece) on: Oct 13, 2014