In a little over two years, 43 years ago, you and your family enriched my life as if I were with you for ten years. I still think of all of you fondly and now I pray for two of you.
Love, Christopher Turner

Hi Mom:
I say hello because even though I was with you when you “shed this mortal coil” I still feel your presence as strongly as ever. Your photograph on the wall over my desk reminds me of your wisdom, grace, humour, and love. In traditional Chinese beliefs, our ancestors continue look down upon us after they have departed, and I now know that they are quite right. Your love has always been a source of strength for me. When I was a young traveller, in some remote part of the planet, feeling lost and alone, I knew with certainty that there was at least one person who cared about where and how I might be, and that was you. You were independent, intelligent, and always eager to learn (you travelled right across the Indian subcontinent, from Bombay to Calcutta, to study French language and literature and obtain your degree in Education, something so rare for young women in your day). Your strength of spirit was amazing (leaving behind the comforts of a privileged life, you hauled four children half way across the world to start a new, self-made life). You were adventurous, curious, and had a joy for life, always ready to travel to some interesting part of the country, or to new countries, to try new foods, listen to new types of music, to sing and dance. You were generous of spirit, because you always tried to include us in your adventures. I know, Mom, without a shadow of a doubt, that whatever is good in me, and in all of your children and grandchildren, has its source in a small portion of what you were. I most definitely see sparks of those qualities in my daughters, Kristina, and Isadora, and know that those sparks will burst into flames as they grow. That is the greatest legacy that you have bequeathed us, for you continue to live within each of us. Now, if only my love of music was matched with your proficiency at making music. . . .

You were gracious and beautiful to the end.

Miss you Mom.
Last night I heard you singing as I remembered you did while you baked 20 different kinds of goodies for Christmas.

On my birthday, this planet lost a most amazing woman - someone who exemplified what all of us aspire to be as human beings. Her name? May Rodrigues - Grandma May to my daughter Kristina. Within the long list of words that describe her, you will find - loving, humorous, kind, beautiful, vivacious, passionate, intelligent, helpful, adventurous, and generous.

How generous? While I was a struggling single parent of one (Kristina), she funded not only Kristina's and my flight from the west coast out to Ontario, to enjoy her hospitality in her home during the Christmas season, but she also flew Kristina, myself, her son Hilary (Kristina's father) and her two daughters Delyse and Ninette to Cuba for an oh so wonderful holiday. 

So many of her traits she has also generously passed on to her sons and daughters. I rejoice in having known and spent time with her and her family.

Heartfelt thoughts of you and your family at this time. I agree with Bonnie, a great tribute to your Mother !!!

On December 18th I lost the most important woman in my life. My mom protected me, believed in me and loved me unconditionally. She was an amazing woman, ahead of her time, a teacher in times and locations when women rarely worked. So much I learned from her and I am grateful to have been given a chance to thank her. I am comforted to see her pass peacefully and to have had my wonderful husband and brother and sister with me and with her.

OBITUARY

May Antoinette Rodrigues

13 June, 1919 – 18 December, 2013

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