Friday, May 12, 2023
My family grew up on Warren street in Aylmer, in the 60's, across from Ken and Olive.
Ken would drive us to school in the snow sometimes. Olive was a
good friend to my mom having tea with her amid the stress of 6 children.
My younger brother Allan would play with Kenneth when he came to visit.
They were always generous at Christmas with a big basket of treats, and
would call to tell us they saw Santa in his sleigh near our roof.
In later years I moved to Vancouver, but "Auntie" Olive and I kept in touch
through letters, cards and phone calls. Every couple of years I would try to
visit family in Aylmer and always went to have a visit over tea and brownies with her.
Her welcoming arms with a big loving hug was just wonderful. We always found
lots to talk about. My last visit with her about 5 years ago she gifted me with a
candy dish that was a wedding gift to them. She told me a story of how when she walked
me to school I would always want to stop and look at the candy jars in Joe Ledados store.
and tell her someday I would have a candy store of my own. A few years ago I achieved
my dream.
I spoke to her on Valentines day and had a nice chat.
While in Aylmer recently visiting family,I tried calling to surprise her, the same day she passed away.
Now I will celebrate her memory drinking tea from one of the lovely tea cups she gave my mom
every year on her birthday, which happens to be May 12th.
I loved Auntie Olive like a second mother, her laugh, warmth, sense of humour and wisdom, I will cherish.
Our Condolences to Beth, girls and family members.
Shirley Hartwell Whitby and husband Ed
