Lily Anna Ezitis

Our first home was one of Rendall’s cabins at the far end of Harrison Hot Springs. Soon after mom and dad sponsored Grandma to come to Canada and then we moved into the big white house across the street. At this time Dad worked at Fleetwood logging co and mom worked at the Harrison Hotel. Dad spoke English and it didn’t take long for mom to teach herself to speak , read and write English.

In 1956 Dad acquired some land on Hardy road and started to build our first home. During this transition time we lived in a 3 room garage that dad had built on the property. We had all the comforts of home – an outside well where we had to pump our water and an outhouse down by the creek. I’m sure some of you can relate to these good old days. As money was very limited mom and dad did most of the building of the house themselves and by hand including the digging of the basement. Those big piles of dirt were the best sand boxes we kids could have ever had. Dad finally banned us from playing on the dirt piles as we ended up kicking more dirt back into the basement than he was shoveling out. Besides his full time job and working on the house dad would also help one of the local farmers, Mr. Knoop, with his haying. Dad would come home and rave about Mrs Knoop’s homemade bread. Not to be outdone, mom decided to try her hand at making bread. She proudly served Dad her first attempt. Dad took a bite, smiled at her sweetly and said, well Lily, if you made a few more loaves, we could build a brick fence for the house. Needless to say, it was a long time before mom tried her hand at bread making again. Several months later our house was finally finished. What a thrill it was to wake up in a warm room and not to have to put on a coat on to go to the bathroom. This home held a lot of good time, good friends good laughs and good memories. My only complaint was the ¾ acre lawn that I had to cut in the summer.

In 1968 Dad was building his second house when he suddenly passed away from a heart attack. I left school to come home and be with mom during this difficult time and together we made it through. It would have been easier for mom to keep me around but she was never one to go that route so after about 6 months she told me you have to get out and get on with your life or you will never leave

I left and moved to Vancouver, met my wonderful husband and started our life together. Agassiz was always my go to place and we always looked forward to coming and visiting mom.

I think mom had given up on having grandchildren when Tara finally came along(we’ld been married 7 years by then) Tara spent a lot of time with her grandma while she was growing up. She spent most of the summer with mom and for the most part they had a good time. The odd argument would erupt but mom had her way of dealing with it. “ Pack up your bags , Im calling your mother you’re going home.” That was usually enough to bring on a lot of Im sorry’s and I don’t want to go home – I’ll be good. I think Tara developed her love of shopping and a good bargain from mom. One time when Tara was about six they went shopping and mom was looking for a dress. Tara kept pulling out dresses for mom to look at but all in small sizes. Mom, not really paying attention said no, Tara those are all to small. Tara with an I’ll fix this attitude, marched up to the sales lady and very matter of factly said “ excuse me but you have to find my nanny a bigger dress – none of these little ones fit. Yup – out of the mouths of babes.!!

My Grandma had moved back from Toronto and was living with mom until 1981 when she passed away. Mom then sold the house on Hardy road and moved into Agassiz on Morrow road. She was very happy here. She had some wonderful friends and neighbours and from what I hear was involved in some real good parties. Bill and I attended several New Years festivities at the friendship house and believe me these folks know how to party.

Mom loved to travel. In 1986 we travelled to Germany to attend a National Latvian Folk Festival. It was a wonderful bonding experience for Mom and I and we had a wonderful time. Mom has been on several cruises to Hawaii and Alaska and has also visited New Zealand twice once with her granddaughter Tara. This was a great experience for both of them.

All those who knew Mom also knew that she seldom went anywhere without her “best friends” – her little dogs. Over the years she had 3 little Sheperkees – Tiki, Scats and Gidget. These wonderful little creatures brought her love, joy and great companionship.

Mom was always involved in community activities. She really enjoyed her floor curling and went with her team to the BC Seniors games on several occasions

She loved singing with her choir as music has always been a big part of her life.

At her TOPS group she made some great friends and they helped her maintain a healthy life style and positive attitude.

As you know, mom loved to talk so volunteering at the Historical society was right up her ally. As a resident of Agassiz for over 60 years there wasn’t much about Agassiz that mom didn’t know and she enjoyed sharing her stories with the people that came to visit.

My one regret is that Keyanna, my granddaughter didn’t get more time to spend with mom. I know she felt the love, I just wish there had been more time to share it.

Mom had a wonderful life here in Agassiz. Truly great friends that look out for and support one another and I and my family thank you all so much for that.

One of my activities at work was to write poems for special occasions- for Christmas parties, when someone was leaving – things like that. I would always read them to mom to get her opinion. Of course, being a mother she always said they were god – she had to – she was my mom- that was her job!!. She would always say to me – when are you going to write me a poem and I would always ya ya I will. Well as I learned too late – don’t put things off – you don’t always get a second chance.

So Mom – I know you’re listening – this ones for you,

MY MOTHER’S HANDS

Firm and strong with gentle touch

My baby cheeks she stroked with love.

Through life’s journey, always close

Her tender hands and loving voice,

I hold My Mother’s hands.

Through childhood as I grew and learned

Her wisdom guided my every turn.

Words of praise when I did well

And arms to hold me when I fell.

My Mother’s hands.

Encouragement and faith she let me fly

Although we didn’t always see eye to eye.

She taught me independence and an inner sight

In her hands I knew all would be right.

My Mother’s hands.

A giving heart and gentle soul

She inspired many I’ve been told.

A smile so bright and zest for life

In all things Mom found great delight

My Mother’s hands

A new life-a beautiful daughter to love

And now Mom’s a Grandma with thanks from above.

A loving strong bond with the two of them grew

As the years passed by, our daughter knew the love of

My Mother’s hands.

Into our life another angel came

And now Great Grandma was Mother’s claim

And the family grew stronger, together with love

Blessed as we were from God up above

And the love in My Mother’s hands.

A song, a dance, good times, good friends

Each day brought a new delight.

From pounding nails to sewing veils

Mom’s hands encompassed life.

Now the Sun has set, and you’ve done your best

In God’s Hands now you have come to rest.

We’ll cherish sweet thoughts and memories.

And in our hearts with love, we’ll ever be

In My Mother’s Hands.

D.Callahan

June 11/2015

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Lily Ezitis passed away on May 5, 2015 at the Cheam Village in Agassiz at the age of 88 years. She was born in Riga, Latvia on June 26, 1926.

Lily is survived by her daughter Dzintra and son-in-law Bill Callahan, granddaughter Tara Callahan and partner Rodsen Mercado and great granddaughter Keyanna Mercado. She was predeceased by her husband Karl Ezitis and mother Lina Neidris.

Lily worked at the Harrison Hotel for close to 30 years and an active member of the Agassiz Community for over 60 years. She was involved in the Royal Purple, the Multicultural choir, the Agassiz Tops group and volunteered her time at the Agassiz Historical Society. She will be dearly missed by her family and her many friends in the community.

A memorial will be held on June 11, 2015 at 11:00 am from the Agassiz United Church at 6860 Lougheed Highway, Agassiz, B.C., V0M 1A1.