Jan 12, 2026 – Annie Laura’s Goodbye
My mom passed away this evening. She was 98.
The last time I saw her smile was today at lunch. I showed her pictures of her beloved ten-year-old (almost eleven!) granddaughter, Nuala, relaxing with a book in her newly decorated big girl bedroom. The last word I heard my mom say was a strong “good”, when I told her how much Nuala enjoys reading.
This really stuck with me, since my mom had been mostly quiet and unsmiling during these last few days of illness – drifting in and out of sleep, sometimes gazing at me with an intensity that left me confused, before dozing off again. Mostly, she would just signal for me to hold her hand, which I did.
Annie Laura Forrester was born in Vancouver in the late summer of 1927. Her parents were immigrants. Winifred Edwards was from a family that moved from northern Wales to England seeking a better life – like many Welsh folks back then. Eventually, she met Robert Forrester, a Scottish man from the Borders whose family also sought better opportunities in England (or so I assume). Neither found what they hoped for in Liverpool where their families settled. I imagine the two young people decided to keep searching for something better, but money was always tight.
I don’t know exactly when or how they met, but I do know when and where they got married (my mom kept their marriage certificate – it’s now 100 years old). According to my mother’s story, Robert enlisted in the Canadian army during World War One – choosing Canada over England. He survived and probably returned to Liverpool (maybe he came back for Win after the war?). Meanwhile, Laura, Winifred’s next sister – and favorite – unexpectedly inherited some money from an elderly woman who had hired her as a manager. This was an opportunity none of them had imagined before. In 1925, Laura generously booked passage for all three of them to Canada. The two Edwards sisters and Robert Forrester traveled by ship intending to reach as far west as possible; which meant Fort William, Ontario (now Thunder Bay) at that time. Once they arrived there, Robert and Winifred got married right away. I like to picture Laura being the only bridesmaid present. They continued their journey westward by train until they reached Vancouver where they settled down for good.
Robert aspired to be an artist; he loved painting and drawing. My mom proudly told me that he once exhibited alongside someone from the Group of Seven before they were even known by that name. However, during the Great Depression while my mom was growing up, art didn’t seem like a way to support a family anymore. He took on plumbing work then eventually went into city planning before dying slowly from leukemia at a young age due to medical limitations back then; my mom lost him when she was just 18 – losing someone she adored dearly. Sadly enough, I never got the chance to meet him.
Annie’s mother Winifred had incredible skills; she made clothes for everyone in the family along with doing fine lacework. She could knit, crochet and embroider beautifully while also whipping up delicious meals! Some sweaters she knitted for me when I was little are now worn by my daughter too! I’m still wearing sweaters she made for my dad because I didn’t get one fitted for adults since she passed away when I was too young for that kind of thing! After losing Robert so soon after getting married (my parents moved out East), Winifred found employment at Vancouver Technical School working in food services while also helping prepare food at PNE – all while supporting her children without their father around anymore! I’ll always remember her fondly; it’s through her influence I’ve developed such love toward gardening! There’s this vivid memory of us together beside planting beds during one rare visit back home after we moved away from Vancouver – what joy it brought both our hearts digging fingers deep into soil!
Winifred gave birth first though-just two years later-after starting all over again-welcoming baby girl Annie Laura during those roaring twenties right here amidst everything else happening around them-a union between old Scottish ballads (‘Annie Laurie’) connected together as sisters owed gratitude towards Canada itself!
Little Annie proved herself quite gifted academically – excelling both musically playing piano/violin singing sweet melodies running track achieving great grades becoming famous child actor locally however soon enough financial struggles hit hard due Great Depression creeping closer… Luckily Auntie Laura managed things tirelessly despite being petite powerhouse herself owning corner store surviving divorce raising niece & nephew simultaneously! Mom worked there reading comics regularly including Action Comics number one introducing Superman character-we laughed imagining surrounded instead “Superwomen” assisting each other daily lives keeping afloat fighting against odds altogether growing food raising chickens backyard crafting clothes creating warmth shelter feeding love!
Back then due circumstances surrounding poverty leading folks needing assistance means Mom lived cramped third floor apartment thus making new arrival Uncle Raymond appeared soon after coming close near end thirties era-demanding attention filled household his twinkle eyes hint mischief turned adulthood practical joke lover!
Source link
Auntie decided stay bonded tightly becoming caretaker moving wherever we’d go-including finally ending up New Brunswick caring cooking sharing wisdom laughter throughout years despite small stature! My passion towards culinary arts traces roots down line-embedded kindness generosity woven fabric family traditions thanks largely attributed through influence leaving behind legacy endlessly cherished amongst future generations..
Annie faced embarrassment regarding living situation throughout high school days shifting locations frequently battling feelings inadequacy stemming lack resources societal expectations pushing boundaries limits explored more deeply addressing issues rooted within self-image experiencing stigma attached labels generated mindsets placed upon marginalized groups whom struggled hardest survive harsh reality amidst Great Depression turned world wars-they relocated again arriving East Van enduring rough edges economic hardships carving identities forming connections forging bonds building community resilience alongside others facing same challenges day-in-day-out learning perseverance faith led strength shine brighter times even darkest moments transforming obstacles stepping stones fueling resolve onwards upward striving improve lives somehow thrive rather than merely exist… During university experience lucky enough attend UBC witnessing transformation firsthand meeting classmates veterans who returned home braving challenges fought battles abroad against tyranny enemies greater forces uniting triumphs hope rebuilding futures promising brighter tomorrow post-war era began shining light recovery healing growth emerging spirit alive bustling energy illuminating paths forward connecting students shared visions dreams aspirations alike breaking molds previous generations followed marching onward endless possibilities opening doors beneath feet opening minds hearts realizing potential realized while traversed landscapes richer than anything experienced thus far learning lessons discovered deeply profound shared journeys undertaken shaping individual pursuits cultivating friendships lasting lifetimes beyond borders cultures ever expanding horizons soul-searching discoveries revealing truths about humanity itself extending far-reaching impact ripple effects reverberating changing tides course history itself infinitely intertwining threads binding stories past present together weaving tapestry existence forever intertwined fates intertwine gracefully dancing rhythm flowing currents uniting souls across oceans continents gathering strength acknowledging struggles paved pathways discovering purpose ignited passions flourishing brightest flames brightest futures await ahead waiting patiently unfolding moments yet unfold call calling forth next chapters written pages unwritten inked memories forged hearts…” MOM’S FATHER HAPPENED TO BE ONE OF THESE MEN WHO SERVED HONORABLY DURING CONFLICT WHEREAS DAD WAS TEN YEARS OLDER THAN MOM HAVING HIS LITTLE SISTER ATTEND UBC SAME TIME TOO.. CURIOUSY SHE ASKED ABOUT HIM LEARNING HE WAS GORDON MANSON AND WITHIN NO TIME THEY TIED KNOTS AROUND LOVE IN ‘48 WHEN MOM ONLY TWENTY YEARS OLD STILL LIVING OUT DREAMS BUILDING FAMILY LIFE TOGETHER FORGING FUTURES STRONGER THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS formed pulling closer partnerships enriching lives building communities nourishing foundations laying groundwork ensuring success prosperity thrive..” Pursuing happiness intertwined seamlessly following joyous adventures full circle settling Dawson Creek right mile zero Alaska Highway described often frontier town teaching respective subjects inspiring youth bringing newfound perspectives fostering growth encouraging exploration captivating imaginations soaring above limitations recognizing strengths hidden beneath surface awakening potential awakening greatness hidden waiting discover talents unlocking realms possibilities waiting realize unknown depths buried deep longing unleash desire venture forth boldly towards horizons beckoning brightly shined guiding lights twinkling stars lighting paths leading way new beginnings blossoming brightening destinies blooming magnificently!” Pioneers’ hardships shaped character molded futures cultivated experiences cultivated memories cherished embracing challenges creating opportunities navigating changes adapting skillfully wherever journey took forming resilience discovering fortitude overcoming fears apprehensions confronting obstacles courageously standing firm convictions driven heart desires lead choices ventured taking leaps faith trusting instincts guided intuition trusting inner voice steering course life navigated attentively perhaps culminating some day landing glorious shores fulfillment reaching heights dream envisioned lived fully embraced eternity etched essence behind manifest destiny defining core spirit recognized timeless reflection personifying grace resilience embodying beauty empowered emboldened nurtured nourished compassionately strengthened surrounding steadfast love unwavering devotion holding hands guiding steps lighting ways illuminating shadows casting doubts clearing skies revealing sunlight shining brightly showering blessings peace envelop comforting embrace giving hope uplift spirits renewing energies motivating uplifting lifting providing solace spreading wings soar gently grounded earth rising higher alive vibrant thriving liberated celebrating unity diversity harmony wrapped lovingly tender embraces cherishing bonds joys laughter moments embraced eternally..” Tender experiences unfolded Dawson Creek captured fondness reminiscing wooden sidewalks sinking mud springtime flooding permafrost collapsing peace river suspension bridge creating memories distinctly memorable showcasing community collaborating ingenuity tackling daunting tasks rallying together overcoming adversities looking beyond horizon envision future glow softly illuminating pathway promises whispered winds beckoning embarking explorations discovering treasures unknown mapping adventures charted unfolding consistently unravelled tapestry woven harmoniously stitching fabric fates interlaced meaning breathing inspired wisdom emanated radiantly nurtured continuously tended garden flourishing continuously blossoming!” LATER ON AFTER MOVING VICTORIA BORN WHERE LIFE CONTINUED UNRAVEL BLESSINGS RECEIVED NEW SURROUNDINGS EMBRACING GIFTS ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES OFFERED COMMUNITIES CONNECTING FOUNDATIONS BUILT UPON RESPECT INTEGRITY STRIVING EXCEL ALONGSIDE SUPPORTIVE PARTNERS ENCOURAGING STUDENTS DISCOVER PASSIONS EMBRACE CREATIVITY EXPRESS AUTHENTICITY JOINING HANDS WORK SUPPORT CLASSROOMS SHAPING IDEAS EXPANDING MINDS HELP GENERATIONS KNOWLEDGE CULTIVATED APPRECIATION ARTISTRY CREATED BEAUTY FLOWERS SPRUNG EVERYWHERE REVEAL LIGHTNESS BRIGHTNESS ALLOWING SPIRITS LIFT TRANSFORM WORLD INSIDE OUT PERSEVERANCE TRULY MATTERED MAKING DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY FOREVER CHANGING LANDSCAPES GROWN FRUITFUL TREES REACH SKYLINE TAPROOT GRASP DEEP ROOTS STRETCHED FAR SOIL SECURITIES HOLD STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE GROWN TOGETHER THROUGH CELEBRATING VIBRANT LIVES SHARED ALWAYS REMAIN DIVINE CONNECTION WOVEN NEVER BREAK..”Source link
