SONIA GULBIS

Condolences & Memories (1 entries)

• To my Gramms …. Thank you for sharing the last 47 years of the incredible 99 you graced this earth – I’m privileged to be your granddaughter, and have many fond memories filled with laughter, fun, smiles and wisdom, and I cherish each and every one. You always had a kind word, and a twinkle in your eyes that followed; and when you smiled, it lit up a room, likely followed by a giggle or two. From the early days of ‘helping’ you wash dishes while standing on a chair, to baking cookies and cream puffs and meringues, and Sundays waking up to the smell of dollar cakes and BeeHive syrup. You were a wizard in the kitchen – to that all of us can attest Those famous meatballs and spaghetti sauce, and perfect pickled beets … mincemeat pies like no other! And a penchant for chocolate-covered ginger, Toffifee, Russian Mints, Skittles and those lovely fresh raspberries…. It’s “dessert-first” as a rule. And of course some lovely orange pekoe tea, with a little lemon (perhaps even a little milk and honey). Our fun times doing crosswords and playing cribbage and Scrabble games; watching your favourite Blue Jays play out a winning season, and perhaps a Sunday to bet on #10. Fishing at Lockport dam, with a stop for a whistle dog and a little rainbow ice-cream. It feels like yesterday that I was shelling peas into that pail in the garden (while I listened to you and Aunty Elsie giggle between the corn rows)…. Or ‘helped’ you two colour your hair – thru watery eyes ..tried to help you rinse it in the tub lol. Picking out a favourite lipstick to wear. Nightly regimens of Oil of Olay, and always making sure it ended with ‘The Lords Prayer’. The days of lingering in the flower garden, admiring the snapdragons and marigolds. And later years smelling the lavender, roses, and those pom-pom hydrangeas! On a hot day, having a sit on the step together while Gramps tended to the weeping willow and his prized blue spruce… with ice cold lemonades and ham & ketchup sandwiches to share … enjoying the gentle breeze. The many times we had to stop to catch our breath from laughing so hard we could only wheeze! Looking at family albums together, seeing the pictures of you & Gramps ‘painting the town red’ as you walked down Portage Avenue – so elegantly dressed with smiles that lit up the block! The fun you two had on that BC trip you took. Stories of the farm, and Baba making sure a neighbourhood family always joined you for Sunday dinner. And all those fun years at the ‘Santa House’ next door … surround by your family and friends, laughter pealing up the stairs… songs and stories shared with all of those held dear. The big trip down to Chicago – so much fun at the Sox game, and time with family! Having fun bowling with friends and doing your nails while you caught a good movie on your fav’ TV. Our shopping excursions and love of the Vinyl Diaries, and fun nights out for Chinese food – so many memories to share. The fun excursions this summer, at the Zoo, and out for dinner (wine? Who knew that would happen at 99 ). Adventures at the mall and spending time with Higgsby and in St Andrews with Mom and Dad for a pickerel feast – so much love in the air! Just spending time with you was a gift, and I’m grateful that throughout it all we made time to be and remember together – that is something I’ll always have with me… a part of you, in my memories. So today I honour all that you are, and the beautiful soul that is now going ‘home’. Where you can listen to ‘Major Tom’ (P. Schilling), and I know many loved ones are waiting for you, and I will be with you again someday. Until then, just know you are always cherished, and I thank you for loving me and making my life incredible by just being you, every step of the way. Love Shan-Shan xo - Posted by: Shannon Charney (Granddaughter) on: Nov 08, 2022