Lisbet Liz Bodil Larsen Agnew

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AGNEW, Lisbet (Liz) Bodil (nee Larsen)

June 28, 1949 – Naestved, Denmark to July 4, 2013 - Calgary, Canada

Lovely, loving Lisbet passed away after having lived life to its fullest for 64 years, including 18½ of them as a cancer warrior and a hero to the rest of us.

Liz is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband David; sons Sean (Cheryl), Sam/Ian (Velvet); grandsons Kyle and Justin; sister Kirsten; brothers John (Marilyn), Peter (Irene) and Niels (Marlene), as well as many, many nieces and nephews and their families. Liz’s legacy is the positive affect her life has had on so many people. In this age of instant communication, her many wonderful attributes are best described in the words of those who knew her well and who have responded to her passing – “a truly great lady”, “amazing and inspiring”, “thoughtful and talented”. “a warm positive personality”, “a joy to be around”, “an inspiration to us all”, “she never gave up”, “precious and beautiful”, “a very special friend”, “what a trooper”, “a heroine”, “ a terrific role model”, “such a positive attitude”, “fought like a warrior”, “a woman of strength, always so joyful, so inviting, a fantastic cook and a beautiful lady”, and “the biggest inspiration”.

A Celebration of Liz’s life will be held FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choosing or specifically for cancer research in Liz’s name, care of the Alberta Cancer Foundation, 710 – 10123, 99 Street N.W., Edmonton, AB, T5J 3H1 (albertacancer.ca/memorial). The family wishes to thank the entire staff of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre for the care and attention they bestowed on Liz over the years. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL

FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM

Telephone: 403-297-0888

Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial

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HERE IS THE SUMMARY OF THE "CELEBRATION OF LIFE" CEREMONY

HELD FOR LIZ at FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL

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The family entered the chapel to the music of Josh Grobin’s “You Raise Me Up”.

Opening Introduction – Bonnie Roddis, Celebrant

Heroes don’t always wear uniforms, fight fires and terrorists. Heroes like Liz Agnew count too for she fought the terror of cancer, the diagnosis, the prognosis, and once diagnosed, she set about a battle plan, one that brought her own personal army of her beloved family and friends, caregivers and fellow patients together, who all refused to become simple statistics. And for 13 years, not 3 as the medical profession decreed, but 13 years, Liz proved cancer patients are far more than test results, chemo, and losing your hair. Liz proved life is to be lived now in the moment, lived as fully as possible each and every week, day or moment, and in doing so she became the poster child, if you will, for courage in the face of disaster, grace and dignity in the face of destruction, and she showed that if you have determination and a little stubbornness, you can defy the odds; change the odds; and so many who have journeyed with Liz will tell others newly diagnosed with cancer and their families that 3 years may be the rule of thumb, but we know of a lady who proved us all wrong.

During this journey of courage, Liz has taught us so many lessons. First and foremost, don’t make statements you can’t back up, such as the 3 years. Liz’s tests, treatment, happiness, determination proves one thing – love conquers all, for she loved all of you, and shared love to enrich your lives, give you her encouragement, witness your journeys and successes. These lessons, these years are an inspiration to everyone, and not just about the cancer, for Liz was dynamic, driven and determined to live her whole life to the fullest. She got the best out of life and gave her best in each and every role she played in her life. And she was and is still and inspiration.

I am honored to be here with all of you today to celebrate this remarkable woman who was a beloved daughter and sister, a wonderful wife and mother, who was dedicated to her roles and to Dave and their sons Sean and Sam, and Grandma to Kyle and Justin, Mom-in-Law to Cheryl and Velvet.

These roles alone made for a full life and yet Liz did a great deal more. She was a fabulous cook who nurtured with outstanding meals, special occasion for the boys’ birthdays and whose multi-course feasts at Christmas still have people’s mouths watering, even today as we remember.

Liz was active in her community, present in her life and the lives of others. As a career woman, again she was the best she could be. As a world traveler alongside her beloved husband Dave, she pointed out the beauty, just looking across the sea, or the flavors she was experiencing in the buffet line. Inclusion was a huge part of her life. Liz was involved, part of everything in life. As a co-worker, she was intelligent, engaging, quick and supportive, in point of fact the lady you all honor today with your presence, laughter, memories and love was vibrant, with an unquenchable zest and thirst for life and in getting the best out of her day. Liz helped others, saw the positive “now” side of life, taking each moment, each opportunity, each challenge as something she can change, accept or alter to make it even more positive. Now ~ in this moment, in this situation. These examples, taught lovingly, sometimes unknowingly, have moved others forward, improved and impacted others’ lives, and even in her journey with cancer, Liz taught us how now to fight, dig in for the long haul. And no matter where in the world you were with cancer, Liz reached out, advised, comforted, and shared how to plan for success. Doctors, nurses and patients have all learned from Liz and we here today thank you for enriching our journeys, for the moments, the beautiful smiles, and the love that shone for others through those beautiful green eyes.

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At this time Lisbet’s sister Kirsten would like to tell us about the girl she grew up with, sang with and the woman she proudly called her sister and best friend.

Tribute to Lisbet

Lisbet was the last born of 5 siblings. The first 4 came along inside of 5 years---she was born 3 years later ----and a preemie. We all remember standing on tip toes looking at the doll in the incubator.

Our parents were advised to leave her at the hospital, to gain some weight, when it came time for mom to go home. The story goes that---mom and dad said they felt confident they could manage her care ---as they had done 4 times before with the rest of us.

After 3 boys and a tomboy-- Lisbet took the seat of princess. Being the youngest had its advantages---if at odds with her siblings a small yell and our mom would come running to settle things- in Lisbet’s favour---much to her delight as she rode off on Mom’s arm with a little grin on her face.

Photographs were not something that happened very often back then. One had been taken of the four older siblings with our maternal grandmother before Lisbet came long. Sure enough when she was old enough to notice she confronted mom with “where am I?”----you were not born yet, was not good enough. So mom cut and glued a baby picture to the photograph and Lisbet was satisfied.

Growing up on an old fashioned mixed/-dairy farm we had a full, fun, involved childhood. This meant taking a cup to the barn at milking time to have a drink of fresh milk---straight from “no shelf at the supermarket”. When Lisbet was 4 years old, 2 goats had the freedom to roam. Perhaps because she was not much taller than them, as soon as she was half way across the court yard one of these goats would knock her down and sort of head- butt her. This only happened a couple of times—and- cost the goat his life

Being farm kids we were 4-H members. Lisbet’s first charges were two guinea pigs. She soon graduated to caring for a Holstein calf---which quickly grew to be a bit bigger than herself.

Elementary school was about a 12 minute bike ride from home. When she was learning to ride a 2 wheeler she had a little trouble with balance---so when she started school she had mom promise that if necessary she would run along beside her all the way.

In 1958 after much discussion---allowing all of us input—our parents with the 5 of us in tow immigrated to Canada. First stop was Winnipeg where we went to a little red 1-room school house for 3 months. Next stop, Stratton Ontario— a new experience was getting to school by bus---real pioneers we were. Of course lunch had to be brought and not in a brown paper bag. I think the 2 - Zorro lunch boxes Lisbet and I ended up with must have been the only ones left on the shelf at Co-op.

One year later we moved “into town” that would be the town of Fort Frances where Lisbet finished her education until the end of Grade 12. I had the opportunity to take grade 10, 11, and 12 in Winnipeg so as Lisbet entered grade 8 we pretty well saw each other only during school holidays.

After grade 10 I was able to hold down jobs during “no-school’ days in Winnipeg so our paths crossed less for a few years. But we always had a connection. I remember her school class coming to Winnipeg for some educational purpose and I having a few days off hitched a ride to Fort Frances .Boy did they have fun with their battery operated record players and------well it was laughter all the way.

Then slowly we saw more of each other as we both became moms. We shared joy and laughter at the expense of our kids, as they provided us with lots of entertainment.

And now a little poem from the four of us

Lisbet, dear Lisbet

Our dear little sister

We want her to know

How already we miss her

If you can hear us

And we believe you can

Why did you have to leave us

We do not understand

Lisbet, dear Lisbet

The last one of five

The day you showed up

Caught our mom by surprise

You arrived in a hurry

Greeted the world

Born prematurely

A pretty little girl

An oxygen tent

Was your first destination

How could one baby

Be such a small creation

What a mystery truly

In both time and space

Your little eyes closed

But a smirk on your face.

That smirk was an omen

Of what came to be

A child of cheerful nature

Of laughter, smile and glee

On the farm in the country

Where our childhood belongs

We always could hear you

Singing a little song

Before you were school age

In the barn and on the land

In coveralls and rubber boots

You were our parents’ hired hand

You could milk a cow

A mere Bagatelle

And drive horse and wagon

In the fields just as well

You did paper route, gymnastics

Dancing, piano and ballet

Wish to be a school teacher

What more can we say

You had many talents

And energy to spare

Whatever the challenge

You were sure to dare

But for a baby sister

Starting out smaller than small

You grew and at fourteen

Could look down on us all

There must have been magic

In those cokes and fries

It was your favourite diet

For sure we tell no lies

Lisbet in life you taught us

To love live and show it

For one day we will be gone

And we won’t even know it

Your presence was sunshine

You were fun with panache

As you travel before us

We wish you Bon Voyage

Lisbet, dear Lisbet

We shall never forget you

From you may we learn

To treasure each day

While our candles still burn

A Little Lullaby

Sov duke Lise----------------------Sleep my doll Lise

Sov og bliv stor---------------------Sleep and grow big

Medens du sover--------------------While you are sleeping

vover din mor--------------------- your mom watches over you

Intet saa ondt din---------------------Nothing hurtful

vugge wil naa---------------------your cradle will reach

More r jo hos dig-----------------------Mom is with you

og passer paa---------------------to take care of you

This is a lullaby which our mom sang to us, I sang it to my kids, grandkids, my nephews and great nephews. When Lisbet was having some anxious moments, some real downers we would sit and cuddle on the couch I would sing this song, it calmed us both.

One of Lisbet’s favourite sayings was “S H _ _ happens ---------and soon we would both be back on track.

My sister loved the colours Red, White and Blue-----so as a comeback to one of her smart remarks I would call her my Yankee-Sister----and wouldn’t you know it she took to her wings on July 4th

The following is a letter from Lisbet's niece Rachel, who took the time to write what Aunt Liz meant to her. I know all of the nieces and nephews would agree that Aunties gracious welcoming to our presence, acceptance of us and loving kindness toward us , unconditionally, will remain warm in our hearts forever,

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Dear Auntie Liz,

Although you may not know you have been a large influence on my life, who I am and who I continue to want to be. I have nothing but fond memories of our overlapping vacations in Fort Frances, from your place with the view of the ski jump to the many trips that brought me to 64 Harvest Lake Crescent.

You (and uncle Dave) always greeted me with a warm hug and big smile no matter who my traveling partner was! You have such a way of making someone feel comfortable and important no matter what you had going on at the time.

When I was younger you gave me confidence and helped me to feel comfortable with who I was.

It amazes me how one person can be so kind and so strong. You will always have a special place in my heart and I will never forget those hugs. Your body may have failed you but your spirit and love won’t be forgotten.

Love Rachel

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As we go through life our lives are at times separate phases within the whole and of course one of the best for Liz Larsen was in high school when she met her destiny, Dave Agnew. As they stood there looking at one another, a thought was forming, one that would be easily defined in a popular song. “You’re the One” by the Vogues became THEIR song. The strains of that song have played on in the background of their lives ever since. Sometimes the notes and words have played out full blast, other times just a note or two has come through, but always “You’re the One” has been their vow, their mantra, in getting through life.

Have they had ups and downs? Of course they have for they are only human, and yet they married on October 14, 1968, have given birth and life to two remarkable sons who carry within them many of their beloved parents strengths and maybe a little of that cancer fighting stubbornness. Yet no matter what Liz and Dave have shared, they have ALWAYS shared a deep pride in these two brilliantly talented young men. Both have chosen the career that fits them best and combined with the strength of character that comes from a Mom’s unconditional love, an attitude that nothing is too much for the boys, Liz’s sons are men to admire, respectful, kind, strong and fabulous artists whose work is as individualistic as they are. Mom was always proud of their art and encouraged them in each and every piece. Dave has been the recipient of several pieces and you can see they are beyond priceless.

Liz’s sons have their own favourite memories of time with Mom, whether it was in Australia to son Sam, or Sean’s favourite memories of cuddling on the couch in front of a fire and sharing stories and a closeness that still bumps him up on tough days. Liz was a selfless mother, a working Mom who even worked at the boys junior high school. So nice to see Mom there, and before that home lunches every day broke the stress of peer pressure and math exams.

Her cooking talents too were above par, like everything else Liz took on. She made sure to make extra dressing for her turkey dinners for Sam, and you never, never left Liz’s table hungry or her home without a care package for later. As a sports Mom too, Liz was there – soccer, baseball, rugby, football, lacrosse – Mom supported it all, and when her boys were in tournaments, like the 90th anniversary one for lacrosse that Sam was in, there was no holding back the pride. The pride in family was huge and rightly so, for each family member had their own incredible positive success and attitudes. Dave is even more proud and amazed at Liz and all she accomplished while making every day look easy, since he has had a fair dose of doing it ALL in Liz’s final weeks. Yet he still says “You’re the One’, and today, this one last time, the song that meant so much.

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Please listen to “You’re the One”

You're The One

(Dave and Liz’s Lifetime Song)

Every time we meet, everything is sweet

Oh, you're so tender, I must surrender

My love is your love, now and forever

[Chorus:]

You're the one that I long to kiss

Baby, you're the one that I really miss (yeah, yeah, yeah)

You're the one that I'm dreamin' of

Baby, you're the one that I love

Keep me in your heart, never let us part

Ooh, never leave me, please don't deceive me

I want you only, you must believe me

[Chorus]

I adore you and no one before you could make me feel this way, yay

Since I met you I just can't forget you, I love you more each day

(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

[Brief instrumental with scat "you're the one" and "yea, yea", etc.]

There may be some tears through the comin' years

Ooh, all the while I know you'll be smilin'

Your love will guide me through ev'ry mile 'cause

[Chorus 2x]

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Dave shall always pay tribute to his beloved wife for all she was and gave, as will her sons. Today their tribute to Mom is in the words of Linda Ellis.

A Bouquet for Mother

In these busy, hectic lives we lead too often we forget,

to be thankful to the person to whom we owe our greatest debt.

Because roses will wither and then slowly fade away,

instead I’ll send a dozen thank yous in this gratitude bouquet.

Thank You, Mom for passing on what you’ve seen with your own eyes,

sharing years of your life’s lessons, so insightful... and so wise.

Thank You, Mom for the words you spoke while catching tears that I was crying.“ Even though you did not win the race, I am so proud of you for trying.” Thank You, Mom for always listening when I need to unburden my heart and somehow always piecing together what I believed had fallen apart. Thank You, Mom for the open arms that always chased away my fear,

for the loving embrace of a mother can make the whole world disappear.

Thank You, Mom for the many tears that you shed on my behalf

and for pretending that my silly jokes always somehow made you laugh.

Thank You, Mom for sharing the disappointments when I’d failed

and the pride of my accomplishments in those times when I’d prevailed.

Thank You, Mom for creating the bond that time or distance cannot sever

and for making family memories that will be a part of me, forever.

Thank You, Mom for the encouragement when I’d put my ideas on a shelf,

for instilling in me the courage it takes to always believe in myself.

Thank You, Mom for the guidance through all my years of growing,

for somehow molding the way I’d live my life...without my ever knowing.

Thank You, Mom for your patience and understanding all along,

for those years I thought I was always right and that you were always wrong. Thank You, Mom for letting me occupy that special place within your heart that lets me feel the love you have for me even when we’re far apart. Thank You, Mom for teaching me the most valuable lesson I would learn, that you can love someone with everything and expect nothing in return. There is one more show of gratitude I must thank someone else, too

for the greatest blessing I’ve received. I thank God...who gave me you!

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Sean’s tribute to his mother

Everyone in this room has known my Mom’s kindness and friendship, but Sam (Ian) and I have been truly blessed to have known her as a mother.

As a kid Mom was always the peacemaker and if Dad, Ian and I were rough housing the only safe place in the house was beside Mom. Throughout my life my Mom was always a safe place to fall, a place where I could be vulnerable, but always loved and accepted. Accepted seems to be a consistent adjective when describing my Mom; she made everyone feel welcome and respected, her kids, their spouses, her grandkids and countless family and friends.

My Mom and I always had a close relationship; we shared a lot of similar spiritual philosophies. Mom always had a positive attitude about life and her cancer. Her spirituality came from a combination of Christian values, books such as the “Power of Now” and “the Secret” as well as the Dali lama. We often shared books or passages with each other. I personally embrace the Buddhist belief that death is the process of reincarnation in which the spirit is reborn until a state of ultimate enlightenment is attained. Determining where your soul resides is based on karma, or the accumulation of all your actions during a lifetime. Positive and compassionate deeds allow your soul to be reborn in higher, more pure levels of existence until the ultimate state of nirvana is reached.

I think my mother’s life was filled with selfless love for others, compassion beyond compare, and a positive and inspiring outlook. If the soul improves with each reincarnation as the Buddhists believe I know that the people who surround her in her next life will be truly blessed. I know that not everyone believes in the idea of reincarnation but it soothes my soul to think that she is somewhere out there and will be enriching the lives of more people than those of you in this room.

I will miss my Mom with an ache that never goes away, but I know her legacy will not be forgotten. My Mom wasn’t one to demand attention, but I do think she would be pleased that the values she held so dear are the same values that made her life so remarkably memorable for those of us still here.

Another joy in Liz’s life of course was her grandsons, Kyle and Justin. Once again Liz gave that role her all, even while struggling with an illness that was as determined as Liz. Grandma knit afghans for lots of babies, the most precious of course were the ones for “her boys”. They were stitched with Grandma’s love, so each one would be especially warm and cozy. They say that grandchildren are God’s compensation for our growing older, and if that is so we can be sure Liz felt very well compensated indeed. She had some very significant men in her life and they, all five of them, were her life. She is truly unforgettable for all the things she has done, for the time shared so selflessly. And the memories made with Liz, as you all know and have said, are everlasting. Just as the candles sit alight today by Kyle and Justin, speak to the powerful enduring light of life and love this beautiful lady shared so generously with her family, friends, strangers and fellow cancer patients. That light is a symbol too that one day we will all be together again.

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Kyle’s tribute to his Grandma

This is a tribute to all the special time I have spent with who most of you know as Liz but I know as Grandma, I have been close to Grandma since I was born

.

With so much energy and so much enthusiasm it was so exciting to have someone in your life that supports you that much. I can remember at an early age asking Dad over and over if we could go visit Grandma - we were always excited to see each other, that’s the kind of relationship we had.

We grew closer and closer the last couple years. I had been given the privilege of starting to mow the lawn over at Grandma’s house, and after only a couple weeks I was able to ride my bike over by myself. Sometimes I would ride over a couple times a week just to sit and visit with Grandma.

It sometimes felt like I spent the whole week at her house hanging out and talking. Having this time together created a strong unbreakable bond between us even as she got sicker I would be by her side comforting her as much as I could.

It is hard seeing her go but our love is so strong I will never forget her.

I love you Grandma.

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Justin’s tribute to his Grandma

Grandma had cancer before I was born but I feel blessed that I was able to have her in my life for 12 years.

One of the things that made Grandma special is that she always cared about others more than herself, she accepted me for who I was and loved me for being me.

Grandma was always up for trying new things, I remember once I convinced her to play Call of Duty with me and when she was finally able to shoot me she started cheering and giggling. I loved that she would play games with me or watched the show I liked.

I remember Grandma letting us play with her spices so Kyle and I could make potions, then when we finished she told us we had to take a sip, Kyle took a sip, but I took a big gulp - it was really gross and she just laughed at me when I made a funny face, I love that she let us have fun in her kitchen.

I will miss grandma so much, I miss hearing her laugh and seeing her smile but it helps that I have so many good memories of her in my heart forever.

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As is evident, Liz was a people person long before the phrase was coined and she was a forever and always friend. She was a friend to her parents, her siblings and their children. She befriended co-workers, sales clerks, strangers on cruises, and we can honestly say there are people from around the world who mark Liz’s passing today and yet as they reflect on their own special time with Liz they remember the 1000 watt smile that could and did light up the room and the space between you.

Attractive, dynamic, lively, engaged, a beautiful singing voice that soothed her sons and made being near Liz so comfortable. She drew others to her like a magnet right into the warm and enduring light she had and today as we see everyone gathered together to honor a beloved friend, we see there are far too many friends to mention each one individually here today. So today we say on Lisbet’s behalf, thank you, thank you all for the laughter shared, memories made and cherished, and be with love love until we meet again.

It was easy to be friends with Liz, it only took a moment and yet its effects of acceptance, approval, encouragement and fun were unconditional and everlasting. Whether you shared block parties as your children grew up, whether you worked side-by-side, or visited on the ball diamond out back, or flew kites, or shared a meal, you felt the love and that is a great testament to this lady.

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Now further testament to Liz’s own special brand of friendship has been prepared by Jan Avis.

Our Friend Liz

It is with great sadness that I stand in front of you today to celebrate the life of our dear friend.

Liz was taken away from us too soon and it is hard to understand why tragic things like this happen to such good people. However, this is a question without an answer, so instead of dwelling on the loss of our dear friend, wife, mother, grandmother, and sister let us celebrate her life today and remember what a remarkable person she was and the inspirational way she lived her life.

Liz was a beautiful, intelligent, talented, and very thoughtful person. Her family was the centre of her life and although she worked outside her home over the years, her favorite “job” was being Mom to her two sons and Grandma to her wonderful grandsons.

One of Liz’s many wonderful traits was that she always lived her life to the fullest and loved to laugh and smile. She was an excellent cook and I think she had more cookbooks than anyone I know including me and that is saying a lot. She was so creative and designed her own greeting cards to include with the many afghan blankets she made and gave so generously as gifts.

Liz bore her illness with unbelievable grace, dignity, courage and tenacity and she was determined to do everything in her power to fight and stay strong. She was always researching and looking for more effective ways to battle her illness, keeping an open mind to both conventional and naturopathic methods of treatment. Who will forget Liz when she turned herself orange through her carrot treatment! She was determined that her illness wasn’t going to define her and she took control of every aspect of her treatment with optimism and courage.

The thing I will remember most about Liz was her great capacity to love. The love she had for her husband Dave, her sons Sean and Sam, her daughters-in-law Cheryl and Velvet, her grandchildren Kyle and Justin, her sister Nan, her brothers and the rest of the Larsen and Agnew families, as well as her many, many friends. I also admired her kindness, sincerity and her general belief that everyone is good and means well. She saw the best in people and never had a mean or harsh word to say about anyone. What an example for all of us to follow.

Liz and Dave had a passion for travel and over the years they cruised the oceans on eleven different occasions, exploring too many countries to count. She made friends with so many people as they travelled around the world. And more often than not she would bring me some little gift from somewhere on her journey to let me know that she had been thinking about me. Any time she gave a hug she would hold on just that little bit longer, just to make a person feel special. What I miss most is not being able to pick up the phone to call her and share my day with her.

Liz taught me a lot over the years. She taught me about strength. She lost her hair from chemo on at least three occasions, but didn’t let losing her hair ever get her down. On the days she felt like wearing a wig, she tried having fun by deciding to either be a blonde or a brunette and on other days she showed her strength by not feeling the need to hide her illness and would often go without wearing one. The first time her hair grew back it came in blonde, the second time it came in curly, and the last time it came in a beautiful foxy silver color and she enjoyed every one of those incarnations.

Liz also taught me about determination. As I mentioned earlier, she was determined to manage her illness and not let it dominate her life and the relationships she had with others. She was determined not to make other people feel sad, so she always tried to keep a smile on her face and often intentionally changed the conversation away from herself and her illness.

Liz taught me the value of sharing. She shared her grandchildren with me every chance she could. She knew I missed seeing my grandchildren because they lived in Edmonton, so she would include me and Brian every chance she could, including family gatherings or birthdays. She wanted me to share in her experiences with Kyle and Justin. Liz loved those two boys with all her heart and I always enjoyed listening to her talk about them and what they were doing. In turn, Liz loved my daughter Lori as if she was her daughter and she was always interested in what was happening in her life. What a beautiful gift she gave me.

She taught me to love the color red. Liz loved the color red. She was so excited when Dave surprised her with a brand new red car, and she bought every red appliance she could, loved red flowers and had many red outfits. She knew I loved navy, so when I bought a red jacket she just smiled and said “nice coat”!

Whenever I was feeling down and needed a friend to lean on Liz was there for me. We have been through a lot over the years but no matter where life took us we knew we could count on one another.

As you all know, Liz was the best friend anyone could ask for and she had a lot of people who loved and cared for her. Liz made friends in all the communities where she lived, from Fort Frances, to Edmonton, Drayton Valley and Calgary. These were true and sincere friendships that lasted a lifetime.

It is not possible to put into words the importance of friendship and how much Liz meant to us all. She positively influenced our lives in so many ways and we will miss her with all our hearts.

Liz, thank you for your friendship, your kindness and your love. We will all miss you forever.

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Now a video has been prepared for today. Please watch with us now.

Video Tribute – Making Everlasting Memories

Lady in Red by Chris de Burgh

White sandy Beach by Isreal Kamakqwiwo’ole

Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Isreal Kamakawiwo’ole

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Even as an employee Liz was outstanding, always a cut above, whether at the Calgary Board of Education or lunchroom supervisor for the boys, working at TransCanada Pipeline, Calgary Crude, her efficiency and diligence was always appreciated and effective. She even went along with Dave on ERCB field trips and of course she continued to be Liz. For all those wonderful experiences Liz felt very fortunate indeed. And being with people she admired, respected and befriended made her battles in life easier. The Power of Now was a philosophy that Liz embraced for herself. She lived, breathed it, and believed it and we know that it worked for her for a very long time. It was there, in every fibre of her being, in her battles and in how she treated all who came into her world. Liz enriched each life she touched even for a moment, days or a lifetime and that we all give thanks for. Even animals came under Liz’s spell, including Granddog Cooper.

Liz gave her sons roots and wings, love everlasting and the courage it takes to be true to yourselves, your heart and your destiny. She shall always watch over her grandsons, and surely she felt great comfort at life’s end knowing all you will be there for her beloved husband and family as they journey on, until they meet again.

Even at life’s end, Liz’s kindness and selflessness go on, for her final gift of generosity was the gift of vision, and Dave is so proud of her for that, for the woman she was for choosing to spend her adult journey with him. Their love is not ended, the memories go on. We who have known Liz are all better people for our association with her, her beautiful voice is now gracing another choir. We give thanks for Liz’s lessons, love, life and determination. We have all been blessed to be within her special light of life, and until we meet again, may she watch over us all.

Dave’s last promise to Liz can best be described n the words of a poem by Sacha from Wintersun:

For the Both of Us

As long as I can,

I will look at this world for both of us,

As long as I can.

I will laugh with the birds,

I will sing with the flowers,

I will pray to the stars,

For the both of us.

As long as I can

I will remember how many things

On this earth were your joy,

And I will live as well

As you would want me to live

As long as I can.

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We close with the words of Robert Louis Stevenson.

To have lived well,

laughed often and loved much;

to have gained the respect

of intelligent men and women

and the love of children;

to have filled a niche

and accomplished a task;

to have left the world better

whether by an improved poppy,

a perfect poem or a rescued soul;

to have appreciated Earth’s beauty

and not failed to express it;

to have looked for the best in others,

and to have given the best of yourself.

That is achievement.

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Following this Celebration of Lisbet’s Life, Relatives and Friends are invited to meet with the Family in the “Fort Calgary Suite” of Foster’s Garden Chapel and following that, please join Dave and his sons for hugs, tears and beers at the Kensington Legion.

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The family left the chapel to the music of Anne Murray’s “Save the last dance for me”.

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Additional Tributes to Liz that were received by the Family....

From Carol Olson:

Gifts from Liz

~ Her beautiful smile that made everyone feel welcomed and special.

~ Her unwavering and unconditional love of family.

~ Her sense of fun, adventure, and love of travel.

~ Her wisdom, ever inspiring.

~ Her calm and peaceful energy always felt in her presence.

~ Her support and comfort to friends experiencing challenging times.

~ Her indomitable positive attitude during her own challenging times.

~ Her courage and love of life which kept her soldiering on when most would have fallen.

~ Her laugh.

~ Her ability to ‘stay in the now’ and the power this has given us and others we have shared it with.

~ Her hugs. Plentiful, comforting, and empowering.

~ Thank you Liz. These gifts will live on in all of us who were privileged to know and love you.

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From Wendy French:

For Liz

A journey must be traveled by more than a few

Full of sorrow and suffering, and hopefulness too

A battle best fought not by weak but by strong,

With courage and such strength you kept holding on.

Some days were not easy; some days were so hard,

But never a falter, just kept moving forward.

A true brave believer, from beginning to end,

Making all who once knew you, so proud my dear friend

But always we knew that a plan was in place

Now your pain and your fears have all gone from your face.

We’ll miss and love you for the rest of our time

And will think of you often, when we see the sun shine.

For you were a true hero; so strong and so brave

Our love will go with you, right into your grave.

One day we’ll again see you, of this I know

And we’ll then be together, but now you must go.

So sleep safe and peaceful, and though we’re apart

Please know that you’re always right here in my heart.

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In summary... It was a beautiful ceremony. Thank you for all who attended.

I love you Mom, I miss you with all of my heart. Love, Sam

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