Elizabeth June Hatt

Elizabeth June Madeleine Hatt was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was considered the Matriarch of the Hatt Family. Many of her friends and family members thought of Elizabeth as a no-nonsense individual who made sure her family came first.

Elizabeth loved life, she loved her family and she loved helping others. She enjoyed a fruitful life exploring many opportunities that she was afforded.

Elizabeth will be remembered as being a highly organized, practical and realistic individual. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of community throughout her life.

Elizabeth was very much a traditional “old school” individual with strong moral values, which she instilled in all of her children. Everyone acquainted with Elizabeth knew her as a well-respected woman who loved her family, community and neighbors.

Elizabeth was born on July 31, 1928 in Toronto, Ontario. Her parents were Marion and Wilfred Leach. Elizabeth had two siblings, younger twin brothers, Robert and Bruce (older sibling Jackie passed away prior to Elizabeth's birth).

As a young girl, Elizabeth had to accept greater family responsibilities with the passing of her father at a very young age. Elizabeth cared for her twin brothers while her widowed Mom worked long days in a munitions factory during WW2 in order to support the family. Elizabeth learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith was an important aspect of her life; it was something that she carried throughout her life.

As a young girl, Elizabeth was tasked with a great deal of responsibility from her mother. She was like the sergeant of arms of the family, helping to make sure her two younger brothers did what they were supposed to do and avoided those things they were not supposed to do.

As a young girl, Elizabeth enjoyed being with other kids who shared similar interests. In her spare time, she liked to dance, play with cousins and loved to read. In school, Elizabeth was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. Elizabeth was always good at following direction and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or self-imposed. Elizabeth’s personal motto could have been, “Do it right the first time.” Elizabeth loved school. She enjoyed some courses more than others did. In high school, her favorite classes were History and French.

Unfortunately, during the war years, Elizabeth was forced to leave school and go out to work to help the family. She completed Grade 12 through night school at Eastern Commerce Collegiate. Elizabeth also attended secretarial school to enhance her skills.

Elizabeth was very sociable. She was always straightforward with friends and family. They all knew that what they saw was always what they got. Elizabeth enjoyed the camaraderie of friends and colleagues. The more social the better!

One of Elizabeth’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family or friends.

She was not afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, challenge them to-do the right thing or stay focused on the task at hand. Those close to Elizabeth came to love her candor.

Elizabeth had many close friends in her life, including Eleanor Whitney, Betty Jackson, Ruth Cannon, Joan Gibson (cousin), Francis Gibson (cousin), Marion Weatherhead, Ted Gibson (cousin), Betty and Bill Lambert, Mildred Hart, Red Bottomley, Merle and Braden Bullock, Corrie Vandenburg and Barbara McLean.

Elizabeth reveled in the security and love of her family. On June 26th, 1948 Elizabeth exchanged wedding vows with John Lionel Frederick Hatt at the Church of the Resurrection, in Toronto, Ontario.

Elizabeth was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Elizabeth would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see they would be safe and how they might benefit.

Elizabeth was blessed with 3 children, Diane, Janet and David, 7 grandchildren, Andrew, Patrick, Brandon, Kaitlin, Aislynn, Janelle, Charlie and 1 Great-grandchild, Isaiah.

Upholding family traditions and maintaining family connections was important to Elizabeth. Family gathered on Sundays (after church), for visits with Grandma, or relatives. Dinner was always in the dining room, often with extended family followed by the Ed Sullivan Show. Extended family was always invited to celebrate birthdays, New Years, St Patrick’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas

Elizabeth worked for more than 25 years at the Hudson's Bay Company in Toronto as a sales person in the perfume and cosmetic department. Elizabeth enjoyed her career immensely. Her supervisors told her she was a great problem solver, and praised her for the many improvements she made in the department. Later in her career, Elizabeth became a supervisor in the department.

She later retired in the late 90's to enjoy her family and social activities. Elizabeth was a person who could quickly make decisions, "except for picking out lamps... a little family humor to remember mom".

Elizabeth loved life, and in particular the social aspects of her life. Her favorite pursuits were reading, floral arranging, dancing, music, (especially Dixieland jazz), theatre, knitting, crocheting and going out to a fancy restaurant. Elizabeth was a very social person who loved spending time with her husband John (Jack) and their large social circle of friends.

Elizabeth enjoyed long walks, swimming, yoga, tennis and bowling. Elizabeth was generous with her time and energy, volunteering with a variety of groups and organizations. She enjoyed being a part of things. Throughout her later years, Elizabeth was an active member of Calvary Assembly Church and Alan Reuter Seniors Centre in Cambridge, Ontario.

Individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Elizabeth; rather, when she saw that there was a need to get something done, she was more than willing to give her time and energy in order to see it accomplished. In 2010, Elizabeth was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award by the Alan Reuter Centre.

Faith was important to Elizabeth. She was a long time member of The Church of the Resurrection Anglican Church, (1948-1963), where she supervised the nursery and participated in the Couples Club, as well as many other activities as time allowed. When Elizabeth moved to Scarborough in 1962, she attended St. Jude Anglican Church and later St. Andrew’s Anglican Church.

In her 2002, Elizabeth and her husband relocated to Cambridge, Ontario, and attended St John’s Anglican Church and later Calvary Pentecostal Assembly. During that time, Elizabeth could be found knitting hats and mitts for children overseas and volunteering with the Christmas Shoe Boxes program.

Elizabeth loved to travel. Elizabeth's travel motto was “Just give me 10 minutes to pack”! When her children were young, there was always a 1-2 week summer holiday to a cottage on a lake or maybe Myrtle Beach or Florida. Every 2-3 years there was a family trip to visit her favorite aunt in Nova Scotia. In later life, some of Elizabeth’s favorite vacations included Mexico, The Caribbean, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Paris, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Florida, New York, Boston and the Eastern Seaboard, Quebec City, Ottawa, The Rocky Mountains, The Selkirk's, Seattle, Alaska, California, Victoria, The Okanagan Valley, and Vancouver Island.

Elizabeth passed away on July 26, 2018, (5 days shy of her 90th birthday), from pneumonia and end-stage dementia. She is survived by three children, seven grandchildren and 1 great-Grandchild. Services were held at Calvary Pentecostal Assembly. Elizabeth's ashes were laid to rest with husband Jack's in Pine Hills Cemetery in Scarborough, Ontario.

All who knew her would agree that Elizabeth lived with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Elizabeth June Madeleine Hatt did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the opportunity to enhance their life and become a better person.

David's Eulogy

Good morning; I would like to welcome you this morning on behalf of my entire family to this celebration of life for our mother Elizabeth Hatt. I would like to thank all of our friends for their support and the wonderful luncheon they have put together for us after the service. I would like to thank my Sister-In-Law Jan Hillier and my Mother-In- Law Bernice Hillier for their love, support and for providing meals for our family this past week. I would like to thank my Church Family and Staff for their support, prayers and being there for us with a shoulder to lean on. In particular, Pastor Jeff Johnston, Pastor Prakash Jayakumar who is officiating this morning, our Worship Pastor Graham Kivell and Connections Pastor Lindsay Kivell. I also want to give a special shout out of thanks to the staff at Stirling Heights and Dr. Mueller for the care you provided to our mother. Making sure she had her earrings in and her pearl necklace on, making sure mom always looked her best each and every day. The tender touch and love you showed her will always be part of our memories. This past week as our mother became palliative the Staff at Sterling Heights not only took care of our mother, but also took care of family members as well. Providing food throughout the day and evening, checking in on each of us as to how we were doing, sitting with us, offering heartfelt prayers and at times an occasional hug. You are all Angels of Mercy, thank you. I would like to thank my wife Karen for being the glue to our family. Karen you had such a loving relationship with mom. You took her to many appointments that I was not able to make, checking in on her when I was out of town. You loved on her, you gave her a hug when she needed one. The love and care you provided mom especially these past few years, I am eternally grateful. Brandon, thank you for putting together all of the photos of your Grandmother or should I say GMA. Aislynn and Janelle thank you for sharing about GMA this morning. Brandon, Aislynn and Janelle GMA loved you so much. You all shared such a special relationship with her, you all have such treasured memories of your GMA that Death cannot erase. We lost my Father 11 years ago and that was tough, but losing your Mom, man that is hard. I feel at the moment a great void in my life, a large part is missing that should be there. Diane, Janet and I are now Orphans, and yes we have our own families, but the loss of your mother just does measure up. In row seven in the center aisle, there is now an empty seat. Mom loved Church, she loved to sing, watch our kids perform in Christmas or Easter Pageants. Mom loved being with her grandchildren in Church each Sunday. Mom also made it her mission to attend the kid’s baseball games, gymnastics events, field hockey games, karate tournaments and swimming lessons. All with knitting needles in hand. Elizabeth, a Sister, a Mother, a Grandmother, GMA, Nana, a Great Grandmother, GG.

Mom was an incredible woman, overcoming the loss of her father when she was only 11 years old, persevering through the Great Depression. Mom loved life, she was a very social person, she loved to go out and dance to big band music, loved neighborhood get-togethers and family gatherings. She loved to volunteer her time to help others whether it was helping out at the Allen Reuters Centre or sorting shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Mom received the Volunteer of the Year Award a couple of years ago from the Allen Reuters Centre. Mom loved to travel, it was her passion. Travelling to England, France, Spain, Portugal, Western Canada, Hawaii, California, the southern states, the Caribbean and Mexico. On one occasion I received a call from Mr. Benns one of my parent’s neighbors. My parents had gone on a trip to Boston. Mr. Benns said, "David I think your parents left a suitcase on their front porch”. Oh my, I had no way to contact my parents as they were in transit and we had no cell phones back then. I later found out my dad had left my mother's suitcase behind. I am pretty sure my poor father had a very expensive trip once my mother found out she had no clothes or personal items with her. I remember taking my mother to Florida one year with our family. I think she was about 85 years old. We stayed in a couple of low rise condos. It was very hot one afternoon and I thought mom was taking a nap. I looked up from the pool only to see my mom standing on her balcony in her bra and underwear. I recall going up to her room and saying mom you can't sit on the balcony in your underwear, her response was" David you worry too much, besides this is my balcony and I will wear what I want. It's too hot. I'll be fine no one's cares so just go back to the pool". One of my favorite memories of our trip to Florida was taking mom to her first ever Blue Jay Game. The Jays were playing Tampa Bay. As part of the experience she insisted on getting a foot-long ballpark hotdog, with mustard, ketchup and an Ice Tea. She had a great time. On another occasion Karen and I took mom on a little trip to Pelee Island, we stayed at the Hampton Inn in Windsor. Now if you have ever stayed at a Hampton Inn, you know they have a free breakfast for guests. Most people take a couple of items and in about 20 minutes you are done and on your way. Not my mom, she had to try everything, she ate eggs, fruit, cereal, yogurt, toast, bacon, had coffee and juice. After about an hour, we finally left, but not until she filled a little bag of goodies in case she got hungry mid-morning. As kids we always had some kind of vacation, whether it was going to a small cottage in Wasaga Beach, or driving to Florida or maybe Myrtle Beach in a car without air-conditioning, stopping on the roadside for breakfast and lunch being prepared on a Coleman Stove. I think you can appreciate that travelling to Florida in the summer, with no air-conditioning can cause some tension with kids in the back, complaining about things. Nobody ever wanted the middle part of the backseat, as mom had a great backhand, and at times her left arm would swing back and catch you upside of the head, even if you were not the problem child. Complaining that it wasn't you was useless, as mom would simply say “well that's for next time". Really mom! Mom loved Christmas, she enjoyed letting her kids, and grandchildren decorate her tree. She would invite us over for a “decorate the tree” party, and once we all left she would change ornaments to her liking. My Mother would often ask Karen to prepare a meat and cheese tray for the event, only to rearrange the items on the tray to her liking. Karen finally learned to bring the meats and other items in containers and just let mom do it. These past few weeks have been a challenge for all of us, watching our mothers' decline. I don't know how you get through these things if you don't have faith. God is so wonderful, he knows when we hurt, when we are stressed and once in a while he will throw you a curve to make you laugh or smile. This happened to me a few nights ago a Stirling Heights, I was feeling very stressed and I was walking towards the elevator, there was a dementia patient (Alice) who was on the wrong floor and needed to go to level 1, one of the staff saw me and asked if I was going downstairs, I said yes, "David could you take Alice to her residence on the first floor." I said sure no problem, I knew where she lived. So I said come on Alice, I will show you the way to go home, at that point Alice started to sing the song, show me the way to go home... As we exited the elevator she said "what is your name", I said my name is David, she said "are you sure I live here David", I said yes Alice this is where you live. Alice turned towards me and said, “thanks call me"! I want all of you to remember your personal memories of Elizabeth, sister, mother, GMA, Nana, GG, because death has no sting, it cannot take away your memories. The song writer David Crowder writes, "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal". Take heart that Elizabeth is seeing Jesus face to face in all of His splendor and glory. As I close my remarks I want to leave you with an imagery that I hope and pray will bring us all some comfort. As Elizabeth lay in her bed, God sent his Angel to her beside saying" The time has come to bring Elizabeth home"; and as mom gave her last breath, the Angel at her bedside said to her" Elizabeth don't be afraid I am here to bring you home". The Angel picked up Elizabeth and delivered her into the waiting arms of Jesus. As Jesus held Elizabeth in his arms, he placed his right hand on Elizabeth and as a single tear came down his cheek, a little smile on his face, Jesus said" Elizabeth rest, your body is healed, there is no more pain, there is no more fear, no more tears and no more suffering, you are home; well done my faithful servant." Amen.

Diane’s Eulogy

Good morning and thank you for joining us in celebrating the life of our mom, Elizabeth June Madeleine Hatt. Some of you will remember her as “Betty”. 2 or 3 years ago, Mom relocated to Heritage Meadows independent living residence and decided she’d like to be called “Elizabeth” from now on. Mom used to tell me she thought her mom wanted her to “be a somebody” with a name “Elizabeth June Madeleine”. Mom raised 2 daughters, Diane and Janet and a Son, David. She is the much loved grandmother of Andrew, Patrick, Brandon, Kaitlin, Aislynn, Janelle, and Charles and just last year, finally became a great-grandmother to a little firecracker, Isaiah, who decided he’d arrive early and share her birthday, July 31st! Elizabeth lived an interesting life; she was born less than a year after the passing of her 4 year old brother, Jack. Because her mom cried every day, she said that was the reason she cried so easily. Elizabeth was a godsend to her grieving parents and relatives. Elizabeth was a truly cherished and loved little girl. Shortly before her 5th birthday, twin brothers arrives quite premature and in such a flurry, that she told me she bit the midwife trying to get to her mom! Elizabeth’s little life changed with the early arrival and the ongoing needs of tiny twin brothers. Fortunately, mom was surrounded with loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents and her dad whom she spoke of with much love and affection. In 1939, at the age of 11, tragedy struck and Elizabeth and the twins lost their dad in a motor vehicle accident. It was “the depression” and times were hard. She had to leave high school to work and help her mom. During the pre-war and war years, she cared for her brothers before school and again after school while my grandma worked long hours in ammunitions factory in Oshawa. When mom and I watched episodes of “Bomb girls”, she’d say “that was my mom”. Later, she put herself through night school, completed grade 12 and attended secretarial school, in hopes of obtaining better employment. When mom talked about the hard times, she also smiled, describing fun times with cousins and grandparents. She once talk me how she sewed buttons on the bottom of her socks to make tap shoes. Mom said her grandparents were their family’s strength and saving grace growing up and she wondered if her mother would have survived without them. I often feel the reason my mom was such an incredible grandmother is because of her early experiences with her grandparents. Now, one Saturday night in August 1947, at the age of 19, Elizabeth and some girlfriends went to a dance at the Palais Royale in Toronto. That night, she danced with a 26 year old Englishman, new to Canada, wearing 2-tone shoes with $$$ in his pockets and speaking the King’s English in his lovely accent. He swept our mom off her feet with good times, gifts, and an engagement ring that new year’s eve. They were married in Toronto, at The Church of The Resurrection on June 26, 1948. It became the family church where all 3 of us were christened. Mom was always very involved in the church. She ran the children’s nursery for many years, participated in the couples club, entertained visiting church dignitaries, invited the minister for tea and made sure her children were properly dressed and in church every Sunday! Mom was the disciplinarian in our family and as the eldest, I was to set the example. You can imagine how that went! I always knew when I pushed too hard. She’d bite down on her bottom lip and oh-oh, out came that arm swinging with a hard hand at the end- But never mind! Mom loved to volunteer and volunteer us, even in absentia! I arrived home from work one day to find fabric and patterns sitting on the dining room table! Mom had volunteered me to sew an outfit for a friend, Betty Lambert, who was going on a cruise the next week. If you needed children watched or a bowl of her famous potato salad, you only need ask. There was always room at the table and a spare bed to sleep in. I remember lots of friends and neighbors who were either at our house or mom was headed over to theirs. The eyes were everywhere. We couldn’t get away with anything! Mom was also very good with us having friends over. She’d let us have parties and massive sleepovers that sometimes lasted 2 or 3 days. One year, for my 15th or 16th birthday, mom let me have a party with a live rock band (from high school) in our rec. room. I was always amazed at how mom stayed in touch with her 2 high school girlfriends. As well, she often visited cousins and relatives who had moved across the country. She made a point of visiting her eldest aunt in the Maritimes every 2 or 3 years. When her only sister-in-law passed away in 2006, she travelled to England at the age of 78 to say goodbye. Mom loved to dance and entertain. Mom and dad bought their 1st home in the early 50’s in Toronto. I remember mom and dad and their friends dancing it up in the dining room while the smokers sat in the living room on the turquoise nylon poodle loop sofa! In the 60’s, we moved to the suburbs (Scarborough) and into a house with a rec. room. Wow! If you wanted to talk, you do so in the living room. The rec. room was for dancing! Dad built a bar, put the record player downstairs and that was how it went until they moved to the Cambridge condo some 40+ years later! Every Boxing Day, friends, family, and relatives gathered for the Hatt’s annual Boxing Day bash, where food, libations, and dancing went on until the wee hours. I remember bringing a boyfriend home to meet my parents. During one of their parties, I found her dancing on a chair, like a maestro leading an orchestra. Over the years, I had the pleasure of attending a number of dances with my parents, always a good time! When we children were all in school, mom decided to go out to work. The Hudson’s Bay opened a new store not far from our home. Mom loved her job and eventually rose to a supervisory position in perfumes and cosmetics. We loved the samples and specials mom would bring home. When The Bay opened their flag ship store at Bloor and Young, mom applied for a transfer to work there. She was so excited when the store opened. She loved being where the action was. Mom always dressed beautifully and in full makeup on work days. She had the opportunity to meet Sophia Loren and Maggie Smith and enjoyed breakfast beside Oscar De La Renta at a perfume launch in Toronto. Who woulda thought! Mom loved nice things, especially bright colors and satin and oh, those satin tuxedo pajamas! She wore a fire engine red bathing suit in her 80’s and a lime green sensation in her 70’s/ Dad thought mom should have beautiful lingerie and clothing and did his best to ensure that happened. In 1987, he surprised mom with a full length black mink coat for Christmas in Edmonton. Mom missed her daughters and grandchildren who lived out West. She made sure to visit at least once a year, if not more. Mom would babysit in Cambridge, driving in from Toronto and believing it was more important to give her kids a break from parenting, just as her mother did for her. Our parents took trips with their adult children and grandchildren throughout their lives. Including, Disneyland and Disneyworld. As time went on, mom’s grandchildren visited independent of parents and enjoyed such things as ice cream and fruit loops for breakfast and trips to Center Island and Canada’s Wonderland. Later, when teenage grandchildren took on jobs, their visits lessened. But, that didn’t stop Elizabeth. Mom continued to phone, write, and visit for birthdays, Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving. Elizabeth managed to attend almost all of her grandchildren’s graduations. Mom loved opera and most other music and theatre. She would often attend concerts and jazz afternoons in the parks. Our parents loved to dance and in later years, you could find them dancing in a club on a Sunday afternoon! If we were ever stuck for a gift, 2 tickets to the theatre were a guaranteed hit! Mom loved to travel. She never tired of the Rocky Mountains, Victoria, and the Pacific Ocean. One autumn, a few years ago, she did the Western grandkids tour, visiting her grandchildren with “Cambridge Brandon”. Elizabeth visited Edmonton, Calgary, and Victoria, in just over a week! In 2010, Mom, my sister, and me, went on an Alaskan cruise. Mom loved visiting the Russian settlement and the beautiful blue glaciers. Mom danced down the hall to our room most nights. It was a memorable time for Janet and I. After that trip, the 3 of us met annually for a girl’s trip. Mom attended Octoberfest in Leavenworth, Washington, a trip to Ottawa, Quebec City, another 2 trips to the Selkirk and Rocky Mountains, and a trip to Victoria. Mom took many trips to England and also visited Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and the Azores. Later, she toured Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey on a Mediterranean cruise. She also loved the heat and the tropics. Mom visited Mexico, Hawaii, Cuba, the Caribbean, Nassau, Bermuda, Florida, and numerous states in America. Mom made 3 trips to New Orleans. Her love of music also took her to Branson, Missouri, and Nashville, Tennessee. More recently, her travels were limited to day trips in Southern, Ontario. Mom enjoyed the countryside and going out for lunch. Do we miss our mom, you bet we do. But, what I know is this; her blood is in my blood and in the blood of my siblings, our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She will always be with us and our descendants. And it comforts me. There is no love, like a mother’s love, no stronger bond on earth. It’s a precious bond that comes to a woman, when she gives birth. A mother’s love is forever strong, never changing in all time and when her children need her the most, a mother’s love will shine. When her days on earth are over, a mother’s love lives on through many generations with God’s blessings on each one. Thank you, Mom.

Andrew's Eulogy

Good afternoon, my name is Andrew and I'm the first born of Paul and Diane and Grandson to Elizabeth. My first memories of Nana Betty were either from a birthday party or a summer trip with my family to Toronto. These memories are filled with happiness and family togetherness. It turned out, family celebrations and summer trips became a common theme for when we would see our grandparents and extended family. Family was everything to Betty. Anytime, anywhere, family-time was to be cherished, valued and prioritized. In 1984, Betty became Nana Betty. In 2017, she became a great grandmother! These future generations of her family filled Betty with joy as she embraced everything it meant to be a grandmother! She balanced firm rules for behaviour, etiquette and respect towards others... with a healthy dose of fun-inspiring, grandchild-spoiling, teeth-rotting cool grandma kinda stuff whenever we hung out. When I was 8yrs old, I recall flying to Ontario by myself and being met at the airport by Nana and Papa. They signed up to quarterback and co-host a multi-stop, see the whole family over two-weeks with an 8 year old "vacation!" She loved being a grandma. As I reflect on some of the memories, lessons and experiences I have had with Nana Betty, I realize how much of an impact she had on my core values...the same values she passed on to everyone in her circle. She had a wonderful gift of sharing her joy and kindness with everyone she met and inspiring them to pass it on. Today as we celebrate her life, her family and her legacy, I ask you to do something in her memory... Betty believed in the power of human connection. And Alzheimer's Studies are showing the remarkable memory preserving benefits of maintaining long term friendships, relationships and family connections. I use the analogy of a hiking trail, the more it gets used, the easier it is to find later. Today I ask you to reach out to an old friend, share a story from long ago and maintain those memory paths and the human connection that goes with them! As Betty would say, "God Bless" Thank you.

Aislynn and Janelle's Eulogy

Aislynn:

We first would like to thank everyone for their support in coming here today as well as the support we have received through text messages, phone calls, and prayers for our Grandmas passing. Secondly, we would like to introduce ourselves, this is my younger sister Janelle, and my name is Aislynn. We are the two youngest granddaughters of Elizabeth. Janelle and I would like to paint you a picture of our life with our Grandma.

Janelle:

For many years we have referred to our Grandma as GMA. When we were in middle school we started to call her GMA because she was very different than any other Grandma. She liked when our music was loud in the car, loved going to the movies, she always wanted to know about gossip, and was always ready to dance. All of our friends know her as GMA, and today that is how we are referring to her.

My son, Isaiah, is GMA’s first great grand-child. She harassed me for many years for a great grand-child and I mean harassed. You would think being the youngest grandchild I would get a break… but nope. I promised her I would give her one great grandchild before she turned 90. Tomorrow would have been her 90th birthday and she has one great grandson and another on the way. Since GMA had such a unique name from us, she needed one from Isaiah too. So, Isaiah called her GG. On her last day Isaiah waved goodbye to her and pointed to her and said “G” and that was a very special moment for me.

Aislynn:

I wanted to start out by talking about our early years with GMA, as Janelle does not remember some of the stories. When we were younger, GMA made us her princesses. She did everything in her power to make things special for us. GMA and our Grandpa spent many days and nights with Janelle and I when our brother Brandon was sick in the hospital. As devastated little girls being away from their parents and brother, GMA and Grandpa always knew how to put a smile on our faces whether it was bringing us to Laura Secord at 10am in the morning or letting us wear GMA’ s expensive jewelry and makeup. I can distinctly remember being at GMA and Grandpa’s house in Toronto. Every morning Janelle and I would go down to the toy room, GMA would put Madeline on the TV for us and would serve us breakfast on trays…. And if that wasn’t special enough she would bring us down glasses of milk and the chocolate syrup on the side…. GMA told us to put as much chocolate in the milk as we wanted…. I’m pretty sure mine was always a 1/4 milk and 3/4 chocolate. Each visit to GMAs house we always discovered new toys. GMA’s friend Corey own a used toy store. GMA would always go pick new toys for Janelle to discover and that was pretty special. If we got antsy in GMA’s house, she would send us next door to Mrs. Raibles house to play her piano.

Janelle:

GMA believed in allowing us to feel independent. She would let us use sharp knives to cut carrots and celery or the cucumbers soaking in vinegar for lunch. At night she would make us a bubble bath with overflowing bubbles, and an ice-cream float whether it was ginger ale or coke… whatever was in her fridge. I can remember one time when Aislynn and I were supposed to be having quiet time in the pink room on droxford. Aislynn and I were jumping on the bed, and GMA came storming in and said “Diane & Janet get down from the bed” we started giggling and instantly she was no longer angry. At this stage in our lives, we did no wrong in her eyes. GMA always looked at all of her grandkids as a huge blessing.

Aislynn:

One thing we always appreciated about GMA was her presence in our lives and our passions. GMA rarely missed a baseball game or field hockey game. GMA would pack herself a sandwich and her knitting and would watch us play the sports we loved. Gotta love Janelle’s efforts but athletics were never her strong suit. But if you asked GMA, Janelle was just wonderful!

Speaking of Janelle being “just wonderful” in GMAs eyes, Janelle always joked that she was GMA’s favourite, and Brandon as we all know was GMA’s and Grandpa’s sunshine boy… so I don’t know where the heck that leaves me but I always made sure to get attention whether it was tormenting my sister, crying when my Dad went out, or being a bit rebellious. For instance, Mom and Dad went away on vacation. GMA and Grandpa were taking care of us at the house. It was a Friday night, which meant Youth group. I told GMA that Janelle and I were going to youth group and would be home around 10 but not to wait up for us….. Well, I decided to keep Janelle and I out with friends until 2 am…. As we assumed they would have gone to bed at 8… well to our surprise GMA was waiting for us…. As she was about to start on us, praise be to God Grandpa took over and said “the girls are home safe, everyone go to bed.” And we thought “wow that was easy.”

Janelle:

GMA and I had a really special relationship. I could confide in her about my high school crushes, heartaches, and fights with my Dad. GMA always listened and gave the other side the benefit of the doubt. GMA reminded me that what seemed to be the end of the world was such a small problem and that it would pass. GMA and I were not always hunky dory though, we both went out of our ways to pick at the other. Whether it was GMA telling me I put on a bit of weight, or me playing with GMA’s hair right after she got a perm. One story that I would love to share with all of you is from when I was in grade 12. I had started dating my now husband James. Prior to dating I would go and watch his football games. My best friend and I would bus to GMA’s house, we would make dinner together, and she would drive us to the football game. One particular night, GMA was picking at me more than usual. I grabbed a jug of juice from the fridge to have as a drink, GMA’s back was towards me and I shook the jug of juice at her, not knowing that the lid was not on. I literally soaked my GMA from head to toe in five a live. My friend sat at the kitchen table, jaw on the floor, I was ready to get smacked, and GMA turned around and said “I just got my hair permed.” I felt terrible but she got over it quickly and we all laughed.

Aislynn:

In college we had the privilege of traveling to Florida with GMA for family vacation. Fortunately for me, GMA split a hotel room with my friend Rachel and I. GMA loved Rachel, she loved to dance with Rachel. On this vacation I saw many different sides of GMA…. some that may have scarred my brain like the time I looked up at the balcony and GMA was sun bathing in her Bra and underwear…. Wow that was a sight I thought I would never see. But in all jokes aside this trip was filled with wonderful memories. One night we took GMA to the Olive Garden for dinner, GMA ordered a small sangria and it came out with a sangria that was about 16ounces, she was in heaven. We also took GMA to the Tampa Ray baseball stadium to watch the blue jays play. She not only loved dancing in the stadium with Janelle and Rachel but man did she love the footlong hotdog and she ate the entire thing.

Janelle:

One special thing that I want to mention was how accepting GMA was to our husbands. GMA was the matriarch of the family, she had to feel the boyfriends out and she made it clear if she accepted them or not. Aislynn’s first boyfriend she would be friendly with, however when he wasn’t around she would say “well he’s different” “I’m not so sure about him”, Aislynn’s second boyfriend, GMA had no use for. She use to say “he’s too full of himself ““we’ve got to get rid of him.” Aislynn’s third boyfriend, was Nick. Nick was quiet, caring, and respected Aislynn. She must have liked him because he is still around.

James was my one and only boyfriend. GMA used to always say she had a sparkle in her eye for him. One day I remember calling GMA and saying “what are you doing” and she said “I was watching my James on TV” I didn’t know what she was talking about. Until she began to explain that she watches mike Holmes renovation show because he looked like James. When she was thinking of James, she would turn the TV on to see him. GMA used to tell me, if things didn’t work out between James and I, she was next in line for him. James loved GMA just as much as she loved him. James and I would take GMA out for supper at least once a month. She would hold his hand walking in to the restaurant and I would walk beside them. One time we took her to Applebee’s, and GMA ordered a bacon cheeseburger with fries. When the server brought the food to our table, they put the cheeseburger in front of James and a sandwich in front of GMA. GMA said “excuse me, that is for me.” The server came back later with takeout boxes and GMA had buried the burger and all of the fries. The server was shocked and asked James and I if we helped her eat it. GMA said “THEY DID NOT, I CAN EAT THAT ALL BY MYSELF.”

Aislynn:

When GMA developed Dementia, it was hard to take in. Brandon, Janelle, and I have had three Grandparents who had some form of Dementia including GMA. We knew things would be different and that it was our turn to start taking care of her. We made frequent visits to GMA’s place to have coffee with her, paint her nails, listens to music, or just sit and hold her hand. When GMA was no longer communicating verbally, she still showed us her thoughts and feelings through touch, and facial expressions. When we thought we were taking care of GMA, she was in fact taking care of us… providing us with some form of communication that we could hold onto. When we were told that GMA was done fighting, Janelle and I went to visit GMA and we asked her “do you want us to paint your nails so they will be beautiful when you see Grandpa,” GMA looked at us with full intent and shook her head yes. At that point Janelle and I knew GMA was ready to go home. Through the week of GMA’s battle at end of life, we prayed with her, played her favourite songs, told her it was okay to let go as she would be seeing her wonderful husband, our grandfather Jack. We spent many hours of each day with GMA, helping her through the week. GMA passed away peacefully with her children holding her.

Janelle:

Unfortunately, I was not there when GMA passed. I had gone home to rest for the afternoon, when I got the call from my sister around 10pm that I had to get to Stirling Heights quickly. When I walked in to the room, it was too late. When Dr. Mueller came in to pronounce GMA, she came up to me and hugged me. She said, “You weren’t here, were you darling?” I began to cry and Dr. Mueller said, “I think your Grandma did that on purpose. She knew she had to protect you”. Even at the very end of her beautiful life, she was still taking care of us.

Unfortunately, Janelle went home to rest that night and missed GMA’s passing. When we called her, she was just devastated and rushed to Stirling heights to be with GMA and the rest of the family. Dr. Mueller arrived to pronounce GMA, and looked at Janelle and said you weren’t here, were you darling? Janelle began to cry and Dr. Mueller said, I think your Grandma did that on purpose. She knew she had to protect you. Even at the very end of her beautiful life, she was still taking care of us.

Aislynn:

GMA go rest high on the mountain, as your work on earth is done.

* * * * * * * * * *

ELIZABETH (BETTY) JUNE MADELEINE HATT

Born July 31, 1928 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; passed away July 26, 2018 at the age of 89 years while residing at Stirling Heights long term care. Elizabeth is predeceased by her beloved husband John (2007), and brother Bruce (1994). Elizabeth is survived by her brother Robert Leach and her 3 children Diane Dique of Kelowna BC, Janet Jackson of Bragg Creek, Alberta, and David Hatt of Cambridge, Ontario; son-in-laws Paul Dique and Robert Jackson; daughter-in-law Karen Hatt, and niece, Christina Young of New Zealand; 7 cherished grandchildren, Andrew Dique (Stephanie) and Patrick Dique (Michelle); Kaitlin Jackson (Greg) and Charles Jackson; Brandon Hatt, Aislynn Hatt-Lamarre (Nick), and Janelle Hilborn (James); and her absolute delight, 1st great grandchild, Isaiah Hilborn, who turns a year old on July 31st! Elizabeth loved life and made the most of every day. She loved to dance, travel, and spend time with her family. A celebration of life will take place on Monday, July 30th at 11 am, at Calvary Pentecostal Assembly located at 127 Hespeler Road, Cambridge. Fellowship to follow in the church hall following the memorial service. A heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation to Dr. Mueller and the wonderful staff at Stirling Heights for the care and love of our Mom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo Wellington or Calvary Pentecostal Assembly Missions Fund. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with T. Little Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, Cambridge, Ontario. Online condolences may be made at www.tlittlefuneralhome.com.