Eunice “Lee” Leora Brandstad (Peters)
1935-2021
I came into this world weighing just over three pounds on
January 27, 1935, in Prince Albert, SK. “She won’t
survive the night” the Doctor said. My mother’s
response, “What am I supposed to do, throw her in the ash
can?” So my parents, Lyman Roscoe Peters and Elizabeth Elornia
Baker, took me home to the farm in Canwood, SK where I thrived under
their tender loving care. As a preemie, this really required a lot of
work! I lived in a drawer next to the wood stove, with a warmed bag of
oatmeal beside me. I had lots of animals to play with and the greatest
babysitter ever, Old Watch (my dog). When it was time to go to school,
I would walk, or Dad or Don (my brother) would take me by horse and
buggy. When I was old enough, I would take the buggy on my own. My
school was a one room school house with several grades. I would help
out on the farm by scrubbing vegetables, feeding baby animals and
taking lunch to my father in the fields.
I ended my school learning with a grade nine
education. I then started babysitting, but after a few years decided
that I wanted to see the world and joined the RCAF where I would
eventually read the radar screens. During my time with RCAF, I had the
chance to see and do things that as a farm girl from a small town
never thought I would. I met some interesting people during my time in
the RCAF, including HRH Prince Phillip and saw Winston Churchill at
his favorite shop in London. I attended symphonies and ballet and got
to see some of Canada, such as Quebec and Cold Lake, Alberta where I
met my husband, Ottar Albert Leonard “Len” Brandstad.
September 20, 1957 was when we were married. In November of the same
year was when our four plus years of honeymoon started as we were
posted to a station in France.
France is where we started our family when our first
daughter, Barbara was born in 1958. Five days later two planes
collided over the hospital. One of the planes flew by my window where
I could see the pilot (one I knew) fighting the controls and the
terrified look in his face. One of the engines fell beside the
nursery. When I was out of the hospital, I could not find Len. One of
the other guys escorted me to safety and explained that Len would be
here shortly. He was looking for where the babies were taken as they
were being passed out the nursery window and taken to another
building.
Len had contracted the mumps and we thought that this was
going to be the end of family. Before we left Europe to come back
home, we found out we were expecting again.
In the early months of 1962, we flew back to Canada,
eventually arriving in Edmonton, Alberta where we welcomed our second
daughter, Paula on the fourth anniversary of the plane crash. While
here, we also welcomed our third daughter, Janet in 1965. Then we
moved to Flin Flon, Manitoba for four years. That winter, Len
refurbished an old bread truck into a motor home and we set off on a
trip of a lifetime again. We went from Manitoba to British Columbia
and then came back across Canada to Nova Scotia. Here we settled in
Lake Echo, where we eventually turned a bare bones cottage into a five
bedroom house on a lake front lot. We welcomed our one and only son,
Leonard in 1971 and our fourth daughter, Kyla in 1973. Many adventures
were had here from losing guinea pigs in tall grasses, hamsters to
cats, children in our pea patch or changing who they were going to
play with, dogs running away and coming home pregnant or hit by a
car.
In 1978, we moved to Truro area with the typical family pros
and cons of a growing family. In 1982, a tragedy struck our family.
While on a camping trip at Malagash, there was a boating accident
where I lost my husband, Len and daughter, Janet to drowning. The rest
of them held on by a thread and eventually survived. I was left alone
to raise two young children and find my way in this
world.
Between 1982 and the 90s, I drove a motor home several times
around Canada and the States for family camping trips. These trips, I
know, provided a lifetime of memories for Paula, Len and Kyla.
Memories of lost cats, lost dogs, thunder storms, campfires, missed
turns, accidents and new places. The trips also instilled a lust to
see the world, or to stay local, depending on the
person.
Old age started to catch up with me as my children started
their own adventures and I started to lose my sight. Covid-19 brought
a keen sense of loneliness, as it did with many. I remained in my home
right up until November 2020, still heating it with a wood stove in
the basement.
With my husband, Len, and two other couples, I formed ALBA
Development to develop land at Mattatall Lake, NS. Leonard Drive was
named in memory of Len, something that touched my heart and stayed
special to me the rest of my life. I made many friends of my customers
of Sunrise Milk.
I believed in giving to my community and served where I
could. I lost count of how many loaves of bread, tea rings and other
baked goods I donated to bake sales or how many pancake breakfasts and
UCW suppers I served or worked at. I supported my children’s
endeavors where I could by making Christmas wreaths, bake sales,
buying magazines, candy, etc. I tried to pass on my skills and beliefs
to my children, leaving them with the abilities they recognize, and
some they haven’t found yet, but I know
exist.
I was co-chairperson of the Fundraising Committee to raise
funds for the building of the Lake Echo Recreation Centre. I was also
treasurer for CGSARA and radio operator for many years. I was told
that many team members found comfort upon hearing my voice. I was also
the treasurer for UCW and Girl Guides, managing to stay on top of all
these things at the same time. I was District Commissioner and
Pathfinder Leader for Girl Guides, radio operator for Valley-Kemptown
District Fire Brigade, hot lunch coordinator at Valley Elementary
School as well as donated to a variety of
organizations.
On March 29, 2021 I gained my wings and crooked halo (which
means I was not perfect, but human) to join the love of my life, Len;
my daughter, Janet; my brothers, Donald and Lyman (Audrey); and the
many pets that enriched my life.
I leave behind my children, Barbara of SK; Paula, Leonard
(Gwen), and Kyla of NS. My grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris), Melville,
SK; Jonathon Bosomworth, NS; Joshua (Danielle) Bosomworth, SK; Jayde
(Chris) Greene, AB. Great grandchildren, Ethan and Hunter Melville,
Makayla Bosomworth, Duncan and Declan Bosomworth and Wyatt Greene. Two
step grandchildren, Travis Scott and Kyle Langille (Gwen’s
children). My sister-in-law, Ann Peters, SK; many nieces and nephews,
great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. I also
leave behind my loyal companion, Pecan.
Continuing in my belief of supporting local organizations, I
would appreciate any donations made in my name to go towards
Colchester Ground Search and Rescue (CGSARA), Valley-Greenfield United
Church or Colchester Food Bank. A private family graveside service is
planned at a later date in Crossroads Cemetery, Valley. Arrangements
are entrusted to Mattatall-Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street,
Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by
viewing Eunice/Lee’s obituary on-line and selecting
“Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Eunice Lee Leora Brandstad Peters 19352021..
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia