Parcourez la nécrologie de Eileen Laidlaw July 18 1922
November 15 2023 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
Obituary
Eileen Marie Laidlaw
1922-2023
Eileen Marie Laidlaw, at age 101, spent these past few months in eager anticipation of that final trip. She was more than ready for a reunion with her husband, Howard R. Laidlaw (2000), brother Elgin Cunnington, sister Marilyn Pinkney and a wide circle of friends. Her flight finally departed on November 15th.
It has been recounted that Howard was attracted to Eileen Cunnington, at a Huttonville dance. It was a great match, as both of their families were committed to leaving a legacy built upon integrity and honesty, while contributing to their respective communities.
Over the ensuing decades, following their wedding in 1946, Howard and Eileen became prominent members of their community, church and Holstein associations, raising both a family and building an international profile.
While Howard had been the bold print member, earning deep respect, most notably as an inductee into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame, Eileen was his behind-the-scenes director, crew manager and detail person, enabling him to laser focus on the Holstein breed front, as judge, master breeder, mentor and national president. She assisted in welcoming an ongoing flow of international breeders, Junior Farmer and 4-H Club members, all of whom had come to view the illustrious Peel Lodge herd. They were a dream team.
As a member of this particular Laidlaw clan, even her pastries had to be top notch. This group was known for both apple orchards and The Laidlaw Picnic, featuring the best pastries. There was a learning curve, but she made swift work of it. While Howard was the Holstein breeder icon, Eileen held her own when it came to butter tarts. When the Peel Lodge herd arrived at Brampton Fall Fair, CNE or Royal Winter Fair, Holstein exhibitors always greeted her with resounding enthusiasm. Eileen with her butter tarts were show stoppers.
Fast forward to Mom’s decision, at age 87, to sell her country retirement home. Her family could only assist as she led the way, selling her antiques, arranging the sale and move, then signing the contract at her new retirement residence. She expressed no regrets, as the decision was hers, alone.
How perfect that she was able to secure a garden suite on the former Dale Estates property, once owned by her great great grandfather Dale. By the time she was born, Dale gardens under glass (greenhouses) supplied half of Canada’s cut flowers production, roses in particular, and were worldwide distributors . Such recognition led to Brampton becoming known as the Flower Town of Canada. Understandably, staff was especially loyal, as Dale Estates, aware that so many were in need, added around 1000 Brampton residents to the payroll, during the Great Depression. This company left a legacy of giving generous support to many citizens of Brampton.
Mom loved nurturing, and eventually just viewing, her private, container garden. Some declared that she and her family were still farmers as we worked at keeping it fresh and lovely. Additionally, she was occasionally referred to as Mrs. Brampton, as her roots were deep. There was no doubt that living on her ancestors’ property brought back warm memories of earlier times.
The world changed for our lovely Mom, these past 101 years. Yes, she remained beautiful, warm and engaging. Yet, younger generations may not fully understand her recollections of poor folks at her parents’ door, knowing that they would receive food, or her dream of a can of white paint to make a tired looking spot fresh, during rationing days. Nor will they fully appreciate her wonder and joy upon learning that her private caregivers could take a photo of her during the daily calls and immediately send it to daughters Linda and Ruth Ann and niece, Marsha, while she chatted. Indeed, we loved seeing what Noor had selected from Mom’s wardrobe each day. She was the fashionista of her retirement home, in our opinions.
To live to 101 is a tough challenge. We give thanks to those who have been there for Mom’s four kids, Linda and Peter Pringle of St. Catharines, Ruth Ann and Jon Zuber of Caledon and her special friend and confidante, Marsha Christie of Terra Cotta. Her private caregivers, Sue, Noor and Chandra, joined the PSW team at her retirement residence in calling her «Momma». Daily photo journals and phone calls brought peace of mind during times that we could not be with her. Heartfelt thanks are extended to her private caregivers for enabling us to make it possible for mom to pass, in her garden suite. That was one non-negotiable, as far as she and her family were concerned. She reached her finish line surrounded by comfort and love.
During recent months, Mom occasionally sang her version of a song from 1925 that left a caregiver perplexed and concerned. «Show me the way to go home, I’m tired and I want to go to bed, I had a drink about an hour ago and it went straight to my … CEREBELLUM». No longer will she be encouraged to take just one more hydrating sip. Mom is now home.
Our parents were dedicated to the improvement of themselves and others. S.H.A.R.E was one charity that they supported. shareagfoundation.org/about/
Please give thought to making our world a warm and supportive place, as you address your personal legacy.
Private interment has taken place.
Condolences and photos are appreciated
July 18 1922
November 15 2023
Décès pour la Ville:Georgetown, Province: Ontario
avis deces Eileen Laidlaw July 18 1922
November 15 2023
nécrologie Eileen Laidlaw July 18 1922
November 15 2023
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Eileen Laidlaw July 18 1922
November 15 2023 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.