Dorothy Janet Rivard Congdon

We have stories we want to share about our memories and recollections of our mother and grandmother. Mom had so many qualities that we admired and we have had a chance to share and laugh and cry about over the last few days. It has been both cleansing and cathartic. 61 years ago Dad was attracted to a beautiful 19 year old roller skater and fell in love with a woman who was graceful, strong and determined who knew her mind. We would like to think that we have inherited the best of all that was our Mom.

She was first and foremost protective of us all. One time mom was willing to take on and almost tackle a Fan at an Edmonton Eskimo Football game who came too close to a pregnant Kathy when she got pushed on the stands. Another time Kathy’s Music teacher suggested that she would not pass the 7th grade Royal Conservatory Music test. Mom defended Kathy and had her take the test anyway; receiving an Honors rating. On another occasion we were berry picking and Sherry stepped in a Hornets nest and got stung 11 times. Mom had the hysterical girl stripped naked and out of harm in seconds as the Hornets were working their way under her clothes.

Mom was also fiercely proud of our accomplishments. She wanted us to do it all. She knew our limits, yet set high standards. She wanted for us what she couldn’t have for herself; like a college education. She may not have told us she was proud of everything but she had a subtle way of letting her pride show and a tear in her eye when we met our goals. She had a soft side that involved a little quiver of her lip and a gentle tear that she tried to hide.

She was tolerant of our quirks. She never questioned Sherry’s imaginary friend, John. She brought out two lunches and never said a word as the second ice cream melted on the step in the summer or dared to sit on “john”. Marlys always had the cleanest room in the house! Whenever she and Marlys battled, Marlys would go to her room to “pack” and plan her escape. She would clean out her drawers and start loading her stuff in suitcases but mom would never let her get to the point of actually leaving.

Mom was always a willing participant. As kids, mom and dad would take us out to the lake or the river to roast marshmallows and cut a tree for Christmas and skate on the ice.

Mom taught us all about tradition. We have all carried those traditions on with our families. At her apron, we learned to bake Christmas cakes and puddings. We tromped into Christmas morning with the 8mm camera humming in the background and the bright lights shining in our faces to the delight of unseen presents that she had been hiding for months in secret places, that we all knew about, in our footed pajamas. We ate kidney and bacon on Christmas morning and Baked Alaska for Desert because that’s what she wanted. We snuck frozen cookies from the basement that she had been baking for months. She was a wonderful cook and because of her, so are we.

We spent every summer at the cottage. She met us at the curb of school on the last day with the car packed and ready for the summer. This was always so special. We only lived two blocks from school and could easily have walked but this was our tradition and we all thought this was such a wonderful thing that she did with each of us.

We all read because of mom. When the weather was rainy, Leslie would whine to her “I’m bored”. Mom she said “Don’t you have a book to read”? Leslie said “No”. So she went through the Harlequins till she found an “Appropriate” story for a 12 yr old. Leslie read that book and never looked back. Mom taught us a love of literature; no matter whether Romance or fantasy or mystery. She believed that we are never too old to learn or to try new things. She encouraged use to take on some of the most challenging things in life. For Leslie, going back to school to become an optician or to learn to play the Violin; for Kathy going to DeFry.

She loved music and filled our house with old fashioned songs and ditties from the commercials. She had a song for everything. Songs like “yes, we have no Bananas, we have no bananas today” Or When you asked her if you could do something she would reply “Someday….” She loved the Pops Orchestra and the Symphony and we each at an early age went with her to concerts.

“Start as you mean to go” she told us. She was strong and enduring and taught us to have backbone and not to complain. She was always “Fine” no matter what and so are we.

As we grew to be women we each developed our adult relationships with our mom. She became our confidant and our friend. We shared our fears and hopes and dreams. We called for advice and just to have her listen. We know we will all miss those weekly Sunday calls, or the lunch outings, or the book sale or the trips to the farmers market or any and all the ways she touched our lives in her sweet, happy, smiling, gracious way.

To send condolences please visit: www.mem.com

Memories

Funeral Home & Crematorium

Reception Centre

780-454-9111

* * * * * * * * * *

CONGDON, Dorothy Janet

February 14, 1948 - July 19, 2010

It is with great sadness that the family of Dorothy J. Congdon (nee Rivard) announces her passing on July 19, 2010 at the age of 82 years.

Dorothy will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by her husband Bud of 61 years and her daughters; Marlys McCullough (Laurie), Kathy Pasiechnik (Jim Hussey), Leslie vanHuuksloot (John) and Sherry Stillman (Randy). She also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and her brother Phil Rivard as well as her sister-in-law Marlys.

Dorothy was an active member of the Good Sam Rover RV Club. She was a lady with old fashioned values and her compassion and loving nature was a source of strength for all those that loved her dearly. As a family, we have lost a warm smile and an always affectionate & loving hug.

At Dorothy’s request, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will be held at Memories Funeral Home, 13403- St. Albert Trail, Edmonton, on Friday, July 23rd, 2010at 10:00 AM.

To send condolences please visit: www.memoriesfuneral.com

Memories

Funeral Home & Crematorium

Reception Centre

780-454-9111