Rilla Fern North

In Mom’s words she was born to goodly parents Fern Victoria McLean Evoy and Percival Howard Evoy whom she loved, adored and had such respect for. Mom was the 6th of 13 children. A Halloween baby born Oct 31st 1923. Uncle Frank told her “that she was the worst trick every played on their parents”. She loved and forgave him!

Mom loved her large family dearly and treasured her many memories of being raised on the farm with her many siblings, cows and horses. She told wonderful stories of family farm life, games they played and pretended, of family gatherings, picnics, attending a one room school, and going to dances. She had so much love and respect for her parents and a desire to never let them down.

She told the story that one time, her mother had gone to visit relatives in Iron Mountain Michigan. Mom and Aunt Edith were left to be responsible for making sure that breakfast was ready for “Daddy” and the hired hands. Prior to the chores being done Grandpa went upstairs to make sure the girls were getting up. But as the girls had gotten home late from a dance on St. Joseph Island they were of course still sleeping. After chores were done, the men came into the house expecting breakfast, but no breakfast. Grampa proceeded up the stairs once more, only this time with of ladle full of nice cold water and threw it on the girls. Well of course Mom was horrified that she had let her “Daddy” down, Edith on the other hand said “My how refreshing”, and if you know these two ladies both the reactions were very fitting for each of their personalities.

Mom was always trying to help. Some of you may have heard about a cow named Cherry, the women hater. Mom had been home for a visit, and was on her way back to Toronto, and we all know Mom had to look her best which of course she did.

Wendell and Gerry were just very young and gramma had asked them to put the cows in another pasture. Mom said she would go along to help them. As they were herding the cows, this little red cow named “Cherry” charged at Mom who in instinctively grabbed her horns. The cow threw Mom up and over her. Mom said her life flashed before her eyes and she was sure the cow would turn around to stomp on her. Dazed and startled she realized the buttons on her blouse were ripped off, her shorts torn, her shoe buckles missing, and she had bruising everywhere.

And where were Gerry and Wendell? Sitting on the gate clapping for the great rodeo show she had put on for them. Needless to say, she didn’t catch the train that day.

Mom always spoke of her fond memories with her many cousins including Lola and Harvey Evoy and her cousin Lois Evoy they shared many adventures together. In 1945 Lois and mom went to work at Northern Pulp and Paper Mills at Michipicoten Harbour. They waited tables, tidied up and washed many dishes. Still they found time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, including hearing and seeing the large boats coming into the harbor. About 30 of the men working there were Prisoners of War, merchant seaman mostly of German descent from Argentina. Mom wrote that while there they” heard the wonderful news that the war was over!”

In 1946 Lois and mom moved to Toronto they worked in a candy factory which mom said was boring. She came home for Christmas that year and stayed until after her “daddy” passed away in February of 1947. She then returned to Toronto and met dad while working at Purity Flour Mill. Mom and dad were married June 8, 1949 in Bar River. My brother George was born June 17, 1950, Bonnie came along Nov. 23, 1951 and Steve born July 17, 1953. Then after 9 years of Bonnie begging for a sister I finally came along.

We have many wonderful memories of growing up in Bar River. Mom had an open door policy for all our friends and family. Many evenings were spent playing cards, or canasta taught by David Johnston, drinking coffee or hot chocolate with buttered bread, and listening to Gordon Lightfoot, all while George’s fur pelts were drying behind the oil stove. In 1968 Mom’s first grandchild was born, and Sandra Lynn brought new joy to our family. A few short years later, in 1971 Mom and I moved to Belleville to join My Dad and Steven.

After visiting with her sister Verna, Mom investigated the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and found answers to many of her religious questions. She and I joined the Church in 1971. Here we met many lifelong friends, including Kathy and David Olsen and their young family, and many young missionaries whom she has kept in touch with thru all these years. One19 year old missionary Doug Bowen was like another son to mom. Kathy, Doug and their families have been such an important part of our lives. Their friendships so special, that Doug has travelled from Utah to be with us today.

Sadly Mom and Dad’s marriage was dissolved, we returned to the Sault and mom was in need of a job. She had not been in the workforce for 25 years. Mom was scared but she loved the Lord and put her faith and trust in him. She found part time work in K-Mart pharmacy and sold Fuller Brush products to make ends meet. She paid her tithing first and saved both, a little money and food storage. With her families support, her trust in Heavenly Father, her own bravery and stamina she was ready to move on. Here was a woman, with no driver’s license, a grade 8 education and very little self confidence in her own abilities. However at one of the businesses she worked, her boss wanted her to take over managing his store in the Sault. Mom was sure this was a mistake and she could not do it. She would not be able to manage the store, hire the right staff, place orders and fly to Toronto to attend training meetings. But Mr. Thompson assured her she was the right person for the job and wanted her to take over the management and that he had every confidence in her. So for the next 8 years Mom managed Leisure World Store in the Station Mall. She did an amazing job, and hired amazing staff. Mom never forgot to thank the Lord for watching over and helping her. One of those amazing staff members was Cheryl Bernardo. Their friendship was cemented during those years and they have continued a beautiful loving caring relationship. Cheryl now lives in Ottawa. She too is here today to celebrate Mom’s life.

Mom has always been a person to keep in touch, write letters send cards (maybe even 4 for the same occasion) make phone calls and loved to visit. There are many who call our mom “Mom North” or “Gramma North”. She so loved and enjoyed time with her siblings, and being able to reminisce of the old days. She loved time with her children and grandchildren. AND she got to do a lot of that! We have been so lucky to have our Mom these many years. Always loving and so willing to give freely of her time to help us with our children. Mom loved coming down to spend time at our homes, and so enjoyed going for a drive anywhere, but especially in the fall, thought the backroads of her old stomping grounds .(Even if it was just to the dump)

Over the years mom has kept many journals, and enjoyed doing family history. She loved to piece together jigsaw puzzles, do crossword puzzles, and read. She loved picking anything, blueberries, strawberries, cherries. She also loved to do dishes and ironing. (I did not inherit her love for this)

I found this in her belongings

Things I like:

Trips to the temple

Travelling by car

Summer and Spring

Fall and Winter

Birds and frogs singing

Smell of fresh hay

Vegetable, fruits and flowers

My children, grandchildren and great grandchildren

Sleeping between clean fresh air dried bedding

Going to work

Horses, horses, horses

Picking blue berries

Letters from friends

Musicals and most music

Attending church services and functions

Being with my family

Visiting with my sisters and brothers

McLeans tooth paste

Eating!

Used to love to dance

And Chocolates! Yes! Yes! Yes!

Don’t like:

Spiders

Being cold

Vacuuming

Smell of Seafood Yuck!

While looking through some of her papers Steven and I found a note that said Mom “hoped that she would be remembering for her kindness and unwavering faith”

A devout member of our Church, she rarely missed a Sunday and lived her convictions daily.

After a year and a half of retirement, Mom decided to take on a new challenge. She served an 18 month mission at the Chicago Illinois Temple for our church. She loved being able to serve the Lord in this way, and again thanked Him for all that he has done for her.

Mom lived in her own apartment until she was 86 and that is when she started having health problems. For the next 3 years she lived with my siblings and at age 89 moved into Pathways Retirement Home. In 14 years of working and being very frugal, mom managed to save enough money to allow her Retirement living. She loved her life at Pathways and the staff and residents there. She was glad to call it home. Never a day went by without her telling us how much Auntie Marie meant to her and how good she was to help her get to meals and the events held there. One entry from her journal states, “I am so glad to have Marie for a friend as well as a sister-in-law. We are good friends” She was so happy that Auntie Madge had moved to Pathways as well and now she could see her daily. To see them together was truly beautiful.

Mom has been an amazing example to her family of unconditional love, faith, and trust in the Lord. She has had a hard but rewarding life, full of the people she loves and who love her, always knowing that Heavenly Father would be there for her, if she stretched herself and became who he knew she could be.

Mom made it known to all of us including her grandchildren, that she had no fear of passing and frankly looked forward to her reunion with family and friends. She lived her life to be able to live once again in the presence of Jesus and her Heavenly Father.

When we picked up her scriptures there was a purple ribbon marking a page. The highlighted verse read

Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many: but endure them, for, lo I am with thee, unto the end of thy days. Doctrine and Covenants 24:8

In closing let me read from the book of Mormon-- Mosiah 2 verse 41

And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

We Love you Mom and will miss you terribly. But we know you are happy to have gone home, that you are pain free, and have so many friends and family to spend time with. We know you will be happy to get back to work, with whatever assignment Heavenly Father has for you to do.

Till we meet again,

Love Nelda

What am amazing kind lady

What a sweet sweet lady

What a kind, friendly lady. It was always a pleasure to chat with her, she will be missed

Growing up in Bar River my sister, brother and I were blessed with the kindest, sweetest neighbor ladies on either side of our house—Lola Cook on one side and Rilla North on the other—fondest memories of Rill from my childhood- a life well lived- God bless her on this final journey

RIP Mom North

Know she knows you all will miss her

95 years is a good long stretch but still tough to say goodbye

Great big hugs my friends from both of us…. She was such a sweetheart

Such a wonderful long life lived

Such a lovely lady –you will be missed

Rilla will always hold a special place in my heart, such a loving and thoughtful lady

Awe, loved my Aunt Rilla, Heaven has gained another angel

What a wonderful long life she has lived

Such a wonderful spirit

A very special lady

Loved Aunt Rilla

Heaven gets another good one

I loved visiting her at Pathways, so full of energy and life

Loved Rilla

She will be dearly missed

These are all messages received on social media, and Rilla Fern North, our mom, gramma and great gramma… this is what we all thought too.

On behalf of George, Rilla’s oldest son, George, Vanessa, Daelyn, Carlee, Al, Maxx, Rhett, Jeff and Kelsey I would like to reflect on the impact mom made on our lives.

All through our married life George has told me many stories of his childhood… his Toronto life, and Bar River life. One thing was always in the forefront, Mom made a great home for him and his siblings no matter what the circumstances. The undivided attention of his mom to her children, the attention was not always appreciated, but never the less, there were many lessons of life learned.

I first met Rilla in 1972 and even then, I knew we would have a great relationship. At first I struggled with what I should call her, but it did not take very long to call her mom. Over the years mom has spent a lot of time with us and at times made our home her home. She always wanted to be helping. She really loved to do dishes that was her specialty. During those dish times we all had an opportunity to really get to know mom. Funny how things are shared when doing dishes.

As Nelda has mentioned she also liked to iron, and I too did not mind at all to have the ironing done… it was always to perfection. I must not forget the dusting, when living with us I certainly did not have to worry about that chore, again done to perfection.

Gram spent countless hours rocking Georgie and reading to him, babysitting him and Becky at our home while we all went to work. As more grandchildren came along, somehow mom was able to give each one of them her special attention. Mom was on a day off from Leisure World, December 9th, 1986 and I called to tell her that we were adopting a little girl, she was so happy. I am sure God heard her many prayers for George and I to expand our family. Thank you for that Mom.

Mom, Carlee was really torn, she and Al and the boys planned a trip to Cuba… should they go or cancel their trip? We all told her go, Gramma would want you to…. So this is from Carlee.

“Till we meet Again…. There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved… words could not speak more truth about gram… She was loved by so many, whether it be her large extended family or by her family of the church. She too also loved hard for all who were a part of her life and for that I am sure we are all grateful to have had her in our lives. She was a kind, caring, loving and understanding women and grandmother. Memories of her baking, cooking and her good nature for never letting things go to waste such as wrapping paper will be in stilled in my mind when I think of her. In the wise words of Helen Keller “what we once enjoyed deeply, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” So gram this is not goodbye, but merely a Farwell and till we meet again!!! Love you to the moon and back XOXOXO.

We made another call to mom 5 years later when we were living in Blind River, to her very great surprise and ours, she was going to be a gramma again! Jeff joined this wonderful family mom started for us.. Jeff was sad that he was not able to come home from BC, but I am sure gramma is okay with that. Jeff loved spending time with his gramma North. He especially remembers spending time at her apartment if he was sick or had an appointment in town. He thought it was great that his gramma took time to play ball with him, play Crokinole and board games. Jeff especially liked gramma’s famous Scobie Doo meal and her soft Ginger Sparkles cookies. Funny how life happens, I remember when mom was living with us in her late 80’s and Jeff would say to mom.. . “Gram, did you take your pills? Instead of her caring for him, he was now caring for her.

Mom loved to be at our home in Bar River, she was so close to her family home. She loved watching the horses, and Krohn’s cows down the road. She loved our cat, or I should say Carlee’s cat… Mr. Grey she called him. She spoiled him terribly, always making sure his food was pulled down in his dish and always petting him. Mom accompanied George and I many occasions, whether it was to one of the many Johnston get togethers, Christmas Eve at the Bar River United Church and then back to our house, visits with Chuck and Joy in Blind River, or visiting with my mom and grampa in Bruce Mines, going to Garry and Susan’s or many of the Martineau family functions, she was always so welcomed. Mom was a pretty likeable person. She could easily engage in conversation and make everyone feel very comfortable. I am sure our many friends and family would attest to that. As Nelda mentioned, mom would jump into the car or truck and go for a ride anywhere. She just loved adventure.

She would reminisce about places and homesteads of years gone past, but always very interested in the happenings and goings on of the present. Mom also took great pride in her appearance; she was one of those women who always looked put together. When packing up her things at Pathways of course I found the famous curler bag. Many times in her journals I read about her washing and setting her hair. To the bitter end, even when requiring help with bathroom duties, she picked up her hairbrush to run it through her hair.

Mom has left a wonderful legacy for the NORTH family. A couple of nights ago, I believe Nelda and I counted 53 including spouses, and 1 more one the way. Not too shabby.

Mom you will be greatly missed.

In mom’s own words from October 19th 2017 “The months are slipping away and one of these days so will I, then all the aches and pains will be gone.”

Enjoy your next journey mom, pain free….. Love you, Merri Lee

My Gramma North was the most selfless, kind and caring lady. She was the person for as far back as I can remember encouraged me to be polite, grateful and compassionate towards everyone. Gram would always tell us kids that we needed be helpful and respectful to our parents and she always encouraged us to be grateful and give thanks for all that we had. She was a true Matriarch, who was the center of our family and the reason why our cousins are like our siblings. Family, faith and good character were the values that she instilled in all of us. She would often reference times when she was growing up and the expectations that were placed up on her and her siblings. She told many stories of the work on the farm and also the consequences for misbehavior or lack of work. These memories that she often shared were little life lessons for me.

I always admired her faith and devotion to Heavenly Father. My siblings and I often pushed her to explain her beliefs and reasons for her unconditional commitment to her church and her faith. She loved these discussions and would reference and give us examples of why it is so important to be good in this world. And although we may not have belonged to the same church or believed in all the same things, Gram taught us that being a good person was the theme of any good belief system and we all try hard to follow that. Many of her lessons were simple life lessons that validated our need to be kind. Whether we were discussing a clipping out of the reader’s digest, or she was sharing a story of a friend from the church, or having a meal with the missionaries, she was teaching us. Teaching us to listen to other’s stories and to be compassionate and caring to those in need.

Gram would talk to anyone without judgement. All of my friends and my sister’s friends would always talk about how much they love “Gramma North.” Throughout the years Gramma opened her heart and her home to her grandchildren. Most of us grandkids have even lived with Gram at some time or another. My own children have spent countless hours at her humble abode on Lake Street. My daughter Mya was just a newborn and my mom was still working, I wanted to continue my schooling so my Gramma offered to help out. She kept Mya at her apartment while I would run back and forth to and from Algoma University. She made it possible for me to graduate on time and continue my path to my career as a teacher. She was so amazing and I couldn’t have done it without her. Mya has fond memories of picking up the colored tiles from the outside of the building, a tradition that all the grandkids had participated in at some point. Six years later when my son was born she was still active in helping out with the great grandkids. My son developed a love of puzzles, “cuzzles” as he called them, and birds, as he spent time with my Gramma when she moved in with my parents for a time. My mom Bonnie, shares stories of my son Brady, as a toddler, accompanying her and my Gramma to her blood work and various appointments and he would always very lovingly and caringly hold my Gramma’s hand. My kids (and me) enjoyed listening to Gramma’s journal entries, my kids liked hearing about what I was like as a child and I loved hearing about some memories that I may have not remembered about my own children when they were young. When my sister and I were young and Gram would put us to bed, she would always tell us a bed time story and sing us songs. We would request song after song to stay off our bed times and those songs became so important to me that I in turn sang them all to my children.

Gram also had a sense of humor and spoke freely about her willingness and desire to go to be with “Heavenly Father.” I would get cross with her as she labelled dishes and explained that the dishes would become ours one day when she had passed on. Her comfort with death and what happened after death would spark questions in me and I would often question her and ask “but how do you know what is after this.” I am the type of person that wants a sign and last night she sent me one…letting me know all is well and she’s with us. I was at a dinner and the first song of the night from the artist playing his guitar was “Golden Slumbers.” I immediately smiled and my eyes welled up with tears…you see that was one of my favorite songs that my Gram would sing me and one that truly made my eyes heavy as a child and I would often finally fall asleep. I spoke to the musician after and explained why I was emotional and he replied that he doesn’t usually sing that song but it’s one of his favorites so he decided to on this particular evening. I knew right then and there she was with me and more than likely telling me to go home and go to bed because tomorrow would be a busy day…

My Gram finally got her wings she so longed for. She was an angel on earth first and I am so grateful for the memories, wisdom, and love she shared with us. Gram taught us that kindness and compassion are the most important virtues and that nothing is more important than family and faith.

I love you Gram (Becky)

Sandra’s thoughts of Gramma North

My Gram was such a special person. When I was just out of school and wanting to live in the city and get a job, Gram let me move in with her. I know I was more than a handful to deal with, but she was always there for me with good advice, encouragement, and lots of love. When I needed her the most she opened her arms and showed me true kindness and generosity. For this I will always be grateful.

When I was a little girl I would beg, bother and pester Gram to sing to me, especially at bedtime. I wouldn't go to sleep until she'd met my demand to "Sing them all"!!!!!!! She would always give in and sing to me until she was hoarse. I learned all the words and would sing along with her. Now I hope to have grandchildren that I can sing those songs to. I'm so happy to know them all but even more than that, I will always hear her voice when I sing them. This is a true blessing.

I love you Gram

I’m Steven and I am the third child of Rilla. Over the past few days I have had time to reflect on my childhood, teenage years and adult life with mom. In those early years I remember mom singing songs about trains, and telling George, Bonnie, myself and 9 years later Nelda about her childhood.

Mom has always loved horses, I remember especially Nancy and Babe.

You know being from such a big extended family, mom had her share of preparing Big Christmas meals at the homestead, while we kids helped with the farm chores. We did lots of Blueberry picking behind and around the quarry. We were her lookouts, because mom was afraid of Bears.

One thing that sticks out in my mind was that after mom made our many pots of coffee she would throw the coffee grounds out toward the garden area, but guess what? They usually ended up on the roof!

I have many wonderful memories of growing up in Bar River. Some of which Nelda has talked about.

When I was 17, I moved to Belleville, Ontario in September of 1970 to be with dad. Mom and Nelda followed in January. I had made some really good friends by then, and guess what? Mom treated all of my new friends just like she did in Bar River, welcoming them all with open arms. Yes, mom was just like that. Actually one of my friends Rob, who some of you have met, called to say just how sad he was to hear of mom’s passing.

Mom loved to pamper me. I remember that she would make me up a supper plate and bring it to me so I could continue to watch my favorite TV show. I hope I have remembered to thank her. You know something else that came to mind while reminiscing, we moved from a big house in Bar River to a two bedroom apartment in Belleville. Mom was always concerned about too much noise. So many times I would pretend to pass some big noisy gas and then holler, “Mom or “Rilla” well mom would be mortified and not want to face our neighbors in the hallway. I heard “SHHHH Steven” quite often.

Once I was living back in Bar River with a growing family, mom loved to come down and visit the grandchildren. Mom was not one of those grammas to just sit and visit. She wanted to be active with the kids. On one occasion while playing badminton in the front yard, she tripped on a rock and broke her wrist.

She would do just about anything for her grandchildren. The kids loved their Gramma North so much!

Unfortunately Richard my oldest lives in Alberta and was not able to make it home, but this is what he had to say about his Gramma. (Granna, is what he used to call her)

“My heart aches with the passing of such a beautiful soul. But I am happy to know that you are at peace and reunited with so many of your loved ones that have passed on before you. Your wisdom, kindness, love, strength, compassion and teachings will continue to live on through your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. It brings me peace and joy to know that you were able to continue your 95 year journey long enough to meet your newest great granddaughter and my newest niece Logan Ashley Rilla, before you reached your final destination. I love you Gramma, and I can only hope I will see you again someday”

Roberta says

“Gramma , you were an angle from the beginning. We have all benefitted from your love, wisdom, kind heartedness and gentle soul. Your sense of humor and subtle wit have always put a smile on all our faces and through your memories will continue to do so for years to come. Our hearts ache in your passing but are comforted in knowing that you have so many waiting to welcome you.

We will love and miss you always XOXOXO

Brennan:

Grandma, I miss you. I am going to miss your warm hugs, smile and the softness of your voice. Your kindness and compassion is something that I have always admired about you. Your patience and teachings, I will carry and show every day. There are so many memories and stories I will hold in my heart… Your Same Old Thing dinners and homemade fudge will be a meal I will never forget. Our favorite movie, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, while playing Rummy together. You have shown us a lot and taught us a lot, and I will be forever grateful for that. I am also grateful that Grandma was able to be in the our lives long enough to meet my children, Jalyn, Mackenzie and Logan. Even in passing, she met my youngest and newest daughter, Logan Ashley Rilla who was born in the early morning hours of January 3rd. And a short time later Grandma passed into the spirit world, and in a whirlwind of emotions, it was beautifully bittersweet.

Logan was able to sit with her great grandmother and start her journey, while Grandma’s journey was ending. It makes our hearts smile with love that they both made sure they got to their destinations safely. Rest easy, Grandma… We love you

Brian’ message is

You will always hold a special part of my heart. I never felt judged in any way by you, and only knew support that was unwavering. Although you will be dearly missed, I take comfort in knowing that heaven will finally have such an angle back in its presence. I so look forward to seeing your beautiful smile at some point in the future. Thank you for all of the love that you gave.

Love Brian, Tammy and family

After Mom’s fall and she was now in Palliative Care, I was feeding her soup and joking about the fact that she had done the same for me for a few years, and that it was the least I could do for her.

In the latter part of mom’s life she would share that she was ready to go and would pray to Heavenly Father to take her. I would then point out to her that while she was praying for him to take her, her four kids were praying for her to stay with us longer. But in the end her faith was stronger and Heavenly Father heard her prayer.

I have been blessed to have her as my Mom for 65 years. Love you Mom!

Read by Bela Kusic

Look for me in Rainbows

Time for me to go now, I won’t say goodbye;

Look for me in rainbows, way up in the sky.

In the morning sunrise when all the world is new,

Just look for me and love me, as you know I loved you.

Time for me to leave you, I won’t say goodbye;

Look for me in rainbows, high up in the sky.

In the evening sunset, when all the world is through,

Just look for me and love me, and I’ll be close to you.

It won’t be forever, the day will come and then

My loving arms will hold you, when we meet again.

Time for us to part now, we won’t say goodbye;

Look for me in rainbows, shining in the sky.

Every waking moment, and all your whole life through

Just look for me and love me, as you know I loved you.

Just wish me to be near you,

And I’ll be there with you.

Vicki Brown

Memories of Grandma

Lisa’s memories are that gramma was always willing to take us for the day if mom brought us to town, no matter what she had to do. She also spent so much time at our home.

At Christmas time gramma practically lived with us. Mom did baking orders for people and with so many dishes to do Heaven forbid she would miss out on that fun! She LOVED to play games whether cards, board or ball with us in the backyard. I love how she made us enjoy what she liked simply because she liked it so much. Like those old movies and Chinese Checkers and rummy. Morgan and I both had the opportunity to live with gram while we attended college. Many long days after school and 8 hours of work I’d come home to start my homework, she would have treats on the table for me. She also often woke me up from that table the next morning to make sure I made it to school on time. Any of the days I didn’t work were my favorite. I’d bring her home a Peanut Buster parfait, we would watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy two of her favorite shows. She would read more from her journals and letters from her mother and sisters back when she had first left home. I can’t imagine having to wait a week or two to find out I had a new niece or nephew. Its no wonder she was always so anxious to receive her mail.

She lived such a simple life yet had so much to offer us. There was always Five Alive nice and cold in the fridge. And her treated, boiled, filtered water.

Gramma was so generous she would give you the shirt off her back or her brazier if that’s what you needed in order to hold the pail in the tree to get the prized cherries. I loved to go picking with gram she told the best stories. And when you got home she would pick all the leaves out of your berries.

Morgan’s memories of time spent with Gramma: Gramma would always have a puzzle on the go, her journal on her table and fix us our favorite request for Scooby Doo noodles and cheese. She taught us to wrap gifts precisely. Although unfortunately that has not followed me. Gramma loved to read to us her treasured journals and would always read to us before bed. We loved the stories of her and her siblings growing up on the farm in Bar River. I'm so amazed at the life they lived. She sure was a hard worker and the most kind, thoughtful and helpful woman. Even when time aged her and she physically couldn’t walk down stairs to get a basket of laundry, she would ask us to go get it for her so she could fold it as she loved helping others. Time also took some of grammas short term memories. Well most, to be honest. But gramma had the best sense of humor about it all. She would often catch herself and say, "oh, you've told me this already!" Or realize she had told me something several times. Then somehow make a funny joke of it. I will always hold on to how calm and at peace she was with the end of her life approaching. Our grandmother had incredible faith in what was awaiting her. She was truly ready and will be a beautiful angel to watch over us all.

Jules recalls her favorite memories were of playing Rummy, Triomino’s, Snap and Chinese Checkers. I loved to spend time at Grammas and often would go and take my cousin or a friend with me. Gramma was so very important to me that I asked my two grammas to be the witnesses for Bryce and I at our wedding in December 2017.

We will all miss you gramma. Thankyou for the many years of memories and your unconditional love.

Remarks for Rilla North’s funeral service in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on January 7, 2019

I want to thank the North family for the opportunity to say a few words today about Sister North. I feel is an honor and as I thought about what I might say today, I recall the feeling I had when I met this fine woman back in 1972 as a young 19 year old. I was serving a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ontario and my first assignment was in Belleville, Ontario where the North family then resided.

I became good friends and fell in love with Rilla and her family, as I spent many hours in their home in Belleville. We had many opportunities to discuss our individual lives and our love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I only spent 3 months in Belleville, so my actual time spent with Rilla and her family was very short, but our friendship continued to grow throughout the next 21 months of my mission and then continues after I returned to my home in Salt Lake City, Utah.

When I married my wife Debbie in 1975, Rilla and Nelda came to visit us a couple years later as newly weds. Our friendship between our families continued to grow. Rilla and Nelda became precious friends for my entire family. We looked forward to Rilla’s letters and then in recent years to our long talks as we caught up on what was happening in both of our families. She always expressed her love of her entire family and was so proud of every member including her siblings and their families and her own children and grandchildren. She was never judgmental of anyone but was very proud of all of your accomplishments and what you were doing in your lives. We always looked forward to those precious times and I will certainly miss talking with her about all of you. I truly feel like I know most all of you because of the events that Rilla has shared with my wife and I over the past 46-47 years.

There were many attributes that I loved and admired about Rilla. She was one of the kindest people I have ever known. She lived her life with a positive attitude and a love that I admired. She was never one to complain about her circumstances, but rather always spoke good about her love of her life and the blessings that she had. Sometimes she had a good reason to complain about her aches and pains, but she lived and died with great grace and dignity. I am so grateful for her wonderful example.

I think I even learned a lesson from her today! On my way over to the funeral parlor, I became stuck in the heavy snow storm. I was only 4 blocks away, but got stuck really good on Brock Street. There was no way I was getting out. My little car was pushing snow and would not move. I tried for over 45 minutes with no progress. While I was out in the storm, I recognized another vehicle that had been parked on the other side of the street. She was also trying to get going, so I went over and got her out and going. She then offered to help me, after realizing I was the guy stuck across the street. We tried for about 15 minutes without any progress. She was driving my vehicle while I pushed. I was about ready to give up when she asked me where I was going. I told her I was on my way to a good friend’s funeral. She then looked at me and asked, “Are you some kind of preacher?” When I replied, she then asked if I had said a prayer, and I told her I had said a couple. Then she said “Well do you mind if I give one? I told her of course I would appreciate that. She proceeded to give this simple, lovely prayer. “Lord, we could use your help, would you please send down some angels to help us get this auto going! Then both of us said Amen and we went back to work. I do not know who came to assist us, but I know those angels came. When I got behind that car and pushed, I was not the only person pushing and with just a couple pushes, my car was out and going. I am Thankful that the Lord sent this wonderful faithful lady to assist me and I thanked her and the Lord for their assistance. Some people may say this experience was just a coincidence, but I know otherwise. This was an example of just one of the many tender mercies that the Lord provides us all, throughout our lives if we but ask with true humility. Rilla would have had that same faith that this good woman showed me today.

Rilla had strong belief and knowledge of the existence of her Savior Jesus and Heavenly Father. She shared these words with me some 40 years ago. I quote “I believe with all my heart that Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ live and that our lives can be guided by the Holy Ghost if we live worthily.” I testify to all of you that she did indeed live worthily, and that her life was led by the Holy Ghost.

I am so thankful that I had the privilege to know and be loved by Sister Rilla North. I will miss her deeply and pray the peace of the Holy Ghost be with her family at this difficult but joyous occasion. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

In the early morning hours of January 3rd, 2019, Logan Ashley Rilla made her entrance into our lives. Her birth was fast and emotional as she had a beautiful woman, who was slowly stepping into the Spirit World, guide her way and ensure her entrance was made in perfect time.

Logan was born with her veil – en caul. A very rare occurrence in birth, which signifies good luck and a deep connection to the Spirit World. Some may call it a divine intervention and some cultures believe being born with a caul can be placed with a dying person in making their passing easier.

Logan started her journey into our world sitting beside her Great Grandma Rilla’s bedside, and we strongly believe that they both gave each other strength to do the hardest thing they both had to do – be born into our world and pass peacefully into the Spirit World.

Logan holds Grandmas name – Logan Ashley Rilla. It is a beautiful name, name with pride, passion, softness, and love, a name that this little girl will carry with honor. Though they have never met in person, they met in Spirit and that is a beautiful and powerful connection to each other.

We strongly believe that with Grandmas strength and beautiful love so strong, she made sure her Great Grandbaby made a beautiful and memorable entrance into our world.

With faith, Logan Ashley Rilla North was born January 3rd, 2019 and,

with faith, Rilla Fern North went to the Spirit World January 3rd, 2019.

A day our family will remember with happiness and tears.

NORTH, Rilla Fern (nee Evoy) - Peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at ARCH at the age of 95.

Loving mother of George (MerriLee), Bonnie Grisdale (Peter), Steven (Bela) and Nelda Kent (Stephen). Awesome gramma of George (Vanessa), Carlee Nolan (Al), Jeff (Kelsey), Sandra Thompson (Mark), Becky Grisdale (Randy), Billi Grisdale-Briski (Chris), Richard, Brian (Tammy), Roberta Tallon (Lindsay), Brennan (Cheyenne), Lisa Kent (Darryl), Morgan Mills (Jeff) and Juliana Hurley (Bryce). Great gramma of 19. Daughter of the late Percival and Fern Evoy. Dear sister of Madge Hill, Edith Darou, Gerry and Wendell Evoy and predeceased by William, Beula Palmer, Verna Infanti, Frank, Tony, Ben, Della and Nelda Evoy. Sister in law to Marie, Leona, Kim and Elaine. Survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Friends and family may visit at the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E., 705-759-2522) on Monday, January 7, 2019 from 4-6:30 pm. Funeral service to follow in the chapel at 7 pm. Bishop Todd Vary officiating. Spring Interment Laird Cemetery. Memorial contributions 'payable by cheque' to ARCH, Bar River United Church or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Rilla loved her home at Pathways for the past four years and the family are grateful for the care she received. Special thanks to Dr. Beuhner and staff at ARCH. Messages of condolence may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com

* * * * * * * * * *

NORTH, Rilla Fern (nee Evoy) - Peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at ARCH at the age of 95.

Loving mother of George (MerriLee), Bonnie Grisdale (Peter), Steven (Bela) and Nelda Kent (Stephen). Awesome gramma of George (Vanessa), Carlee Nolan (Al), Jeff (Kelsey), Sandra Thompson (Mark), Becky Grisdale (Randy), Billi Grisdale-Briski (Chris), Richard, Brian (Tammy), Roberta Tallon (Lindsay), Brennan (Cheyenne), Lisa Kent (Darryl), Morgan Mills (Jeff) and Juliana Hurley (Bryce). Great gramma of 19. Daughter of the late Percival and Fern Evoy. Dear sister of Madge Hill, Edith Darou, Gerry and Wendell Evoy and predeceased by William, Beula Palmer, Verna Infanti, Frank, Tony, Ben, Della and Nelda Evoy. Sister in law to Marie, Leona, Kim and Elaine. Survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Friends and family may visit at the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E., 705-759-2522) on Monday, January 7, 2019 from 4-6:30 pm. Funeral service to follow in the chapel at 7 pm. Spring Interment Laird Cemetery. Memorial contributions 'payable by cheque' to ARCH, Bar River United Church or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Rilla loved her home at Pathways for the past four years and the family are grateful for the care she received. Special thanks to Dr. Beuhner and staff at ARCH. Messages of condolence may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com