Alice Elaine Pearse

From Josiah

I was my grandma’s first grandchild and she was more of a second mom to me, so I felt it was my duty to say a short speech today in her honour. As we all prepared to say goodbye over the past few days it hit me how lucky I was to have grandma in my life for the past 37 years. Gram was truly on of a kind; she was by far the most kindhearted, most selfless, generous, beautiful women I’ve ever met. Grandpa often boasted about how he found a diamond in the rough from Hawk Junction, Ontario, and she truly was...

Growing up, 286 Rossmore Road was my favorite place in the world and I think I speak for everyone in our family. It was sort of the family headquarters and Grandma was the glue that kept everyone together. No matter what the occasion was Grandma went all out! Grandma's passion was her gardening, she’d spend countless hours manicuring her plants, pruning her flowers, and picking out every last dandelion to perfection. She also loved nature and animals; birds from all over frequented her house as well as squirrels, cats, foxes, rabbits and anything else she could help feed and shelter.

I think for most of us Grandma was our “Rock”. She probably knew every each and every single one of her families problems because I am pretty sure we all vented whatever issues we had to her whenever we needed someone to talk to and she always listened and tried to bring out whatever positive advice we needed to hear to help moving forward (Grandma kept a glass a water on standby for some of these lengthy calls).

Some of my best memories growing up were hanging out with Grandma; we did it all, I would routinely bring home whatever fish I caught in a nearby stream or pond and regardless of the smell in the house, Gram would whip them up in the frying pan with some homemade potato chips and never once complained. That’s how she approached everything. I am sure everyone in our family could provide a similar example of how selfless she really was and how important it was for her to see everyone else happy.

Aside from all that she was very simple! She loved her telly, Wheel of Fortune, crossword puzzles, and she always had a Star Magazine and a Women’s World in front of her to keep her up with the latest Hollywood gossips and newest fashion trends. In her day she had a nick knack, a cup, a broach, jewelry, matching shoes and sweater for every upcoming occasion that matched perfectly as well as a square dance dress to compliment Gramps’s outfit for any event or theme they were planning on attending. They probably should have won an award for the best dressed couple because of all their beautiful matching outfits over the years.

Gram lived 1st Class, she got everything she wanted and she truly deserved it. She is the only person I know who went to the hairdressers 52 times a year and she did that all my life. I can remember her taking me to the hairdressers on Korah Road for my first professional haircut. Those were the days...

Being as close as I was and gramma being as tough as she was it never hit me how ill she really was until the day prior to my wedding, she ended up getting admitted to the hospital and the doctors really wanted to keep her there another couple days. And she said quote “I got to get out of here, I got a wedding to go to” and sure enough she walked me down the aisle the very next day and never showed a sign of any pain. That was the most grateful thing she has ever done for me and the best day of my life.

Throughout the process of her illness I never heard Grandma complain or show any signs of not being well. Grandma was a proud women and wouldn’t have wanted to burden to anyone. I want to take a moment to thank and show my appreciation to my mother and my two aunts who made sure grandma was kept comfortable and did whatever was required to ensure she was well taken care of until her last breath and until she was in God’s hands. Thank you.

Some of the things we will also always cherish and remember Gram best for were playing the piano at home and at church on Sundays, being a Sunday School teacher, her amazing baking and her ability to whip up the best soup you’d ever had from scratch in 15 minutes with her pressure cooker. The soup was never made with anything but the best water which Grandpa hauled every second day from the Artisan Well where he grew up on Moss Road around the corner. Otherwise Grampa would say it wasn’t as good. If you ever wanted a treat or a candy there was never a shortage in the pie dish Grandma left on counter which she made when she took ceramic classes. And we can’t forget the weekly trips across the river that were planned to get discounted eggs and milk which would usually result in Grandma filling up the entire Buick Lesabre with everything in it but what she went there for. She was truly a classic and I could go on and on forever about stories such as the time she bought an ironing board and had to nearly hang it out the window to get it home but I am going to close this speech now...

When we love someone, it’s hard to let them go. Nothing on earth is eternal except our love for family; when we keep them in our hearts and remember all the good memories we had together, they can live forever in our life. I know Grandma would be happy to see us all gathered together today (Family & Friends), comforting each other and remembering her through these difficult times. I know she will continue to watch over all of us until we meet her again in heaven.

From Shelley

Grandmas only hold our tiny hands for a short time but they hold our hearts forever.

I am the youngest granddaughter of 13 and have had the privilege of sharing a special relationship with Gram. I made a lot of cherished memories at her home on 286 Rossmore Road. Many sleepovers in the “pink room”, shopping trips around town, playing games, dressing up in Gram's crinolins and shoe collection, going to the pond to feed the ducks, going for walks, and sharing many meals together.

Grandma was a beautiful woman… she was arguably the best dressed grandma I ever saw and had an outfit for every occasion. She was generous with her time, always willing to open her door for a visit, and when you left she always said, “Come again!”. She never left you without a few treats for the road and some magazines to read too. She loved her Woman's World. She was very kind and thoughtful, there was never a birthday, graduation, or celebration that went unnoticed. Gram was always smiling and had a positive outlook on life. She was strong and never complained. She was a very talented woman. She square danced, played the organ, took care of her flower garden, was a great home cook, and decorated her house beautifully for every season or holiday. She had a great sense of humour, loved her crosswords puzzles and game shows, and had a love for animals- especially birds. Most of all, she loved her family. Dedicating more than 65 years of her life to grandpa, raising her four children, and then extending more love to her 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

My child’s heart breaks knowing grandma is no longer with us. Our family will not be the same without her. But I know Gram is now in Heaven and because she put her faith in Jesus, we will be reunited one day. Grandma, I look forward to our visits in heaven.

John 11:25-26- Jesus said:

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”

* * * * * * * * * *

PEARSE, Alice Elaine (nee Kennedy) - Passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at the age of 86.

Beloved wife of Jack Pearse for 65 wonderful years. Loving mother of Debra Firth (late Stewart), late Billy Pearse, Sherri Pearse Johnson (Steve Johnson) and Pamela Lawrence. Proud grandma of 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents Ashton Kennedy and Mary Kennedy (nee McPhail). Dear sister of the late Arnold Kennedy (late Margaret), late Ronald Kennedy, Lillian Trimmel (Herman), Arlene Laschinski (late Kurt), David Kennedy (Darlene), late Michael Kennedy (late Bernice) and the late Dennis Kennedy. Alice will be missed and fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and friends.

Friends are invited to visit at the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522) on Saturday, November 6, 2021 between 9:45am - 10:45am. Funeral service to take place in the chapel at 11:00am (Maximum 80 and covid regulations apply) with Pastor Rob Quinlan officiating. If you are unable to attend the service please visit www.funeraweb.tv and select Alice's name. The service can be viewed online starting at 11 am on Saturday, November 6, 2021 and can be viewed anytime up to 90 days. Memorial contributions payable by cheque or online to ARCH or Galilean Bible Camp would be greatly appreciated. Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence as a keepsake for the family.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Marianne Beduhn, Dr. Mary Wilson, Bayshore nurses Stephanie and Cindy, Shane with Medigas, Laura Moss with Home and Community Care, Shoppers Drug Mart - Second Line Pharmacy Team and Jon's Medicine Shoppe.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."- Matthew 5:4