There were nearly 500 people at my aunt's funeral, and many family members I hadn't seen for years (I think also it was the first time that I'd been in the same place with both my brothers and all my cousins in at least 10 years or more). From the Vancouver Sun:
AILSA KATHLEEN EDGE 1948 - 2007
We regret to announce the death on August 17, 2007, at Hospice House, of Ailsa Kathleen Edge, at the age of 58 years. Ailsa was born in Vancouver, and has been a resident of the Vernon and Coldstream areas since 1971. She was a Counsellor with School District 22 for over 30 years, and participated in many community activities. Ailsa was predeceased by both parents. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 35 years, Rob; her sons: Rob (Kristen) of Ottawa and Tom (Kim) of Fresno, California; and her brothers: Gary (Diane) Walker and Keith (Joyce) Walker. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews and extended family members. Cremation. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Trinity United Church on Thursday, August 30, at 1:30 P.M., with Mr. Blair Odney officiating. In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to do so may make donations in memory of Ailsa to Hospice House, 3506 - 27 Avenue, Vernon, V1T 1S4.
I'd heard how many people had been coming to visit when she was ill, and sending cards - seeing all the cards at the house, seeing all the people who had come to her funeral, and hearing one of her colleagues describe how well she did her job and how many she had helped over the years was overwhelming.
Ed and I moved on to Kelowna on Friday, after spending the day with my family and dinner with my uncle and one cousin who was still in town. Yesterday, Ed and I went for wine tasting at Cedar Creek Estate Winery in Kelowna, before driving to Penticton (because Ed had never been there before) and spending the afternoon at Skaha Lake beach. We came back to Kelowna for dinner, and even saw a movie (Sunshine - we missed it when it was in Edmonton, so lucky coincidence that it was playing at the theatre next to where we ate dinner). It was a nice break even if short - we'd planned to go to Calgary this weekend, but then with the funeral that wasn't going to work.
Unfortunately, I have another memorial service to attend in a few days - a former colleague who passed away suddenly just over a week ago. I missed the funeral on Friday, but there's a memorial on Wednesday at the Royal Alex Hospital. Terry was always very friendly and helpful when I was doing obstetrics early on in my practice, or even after I gave up obstetrics and needed to refer patients urgently to a gynecologist. It was a shock to hear he was gone - I always figured he'd be one of those alive and well at age 100, and wasn't entirely convinced that he was really going to retire within the year. From the Journal:
As hundreds gathered to say goodbye Friday to Dr. Terry Traff, e-mail tributes were still pouring in from across Canada and around the world.
An obstetrician/gynecologist from 1965 until his retirement in 2003, Dr. Traff was responsible for delivering more than 11,000 babies, including many "miracle babies" after women had given up hope of ever having a child.
(NB "retirement" above meaning only retirement from hospital obstetrics, not overall retirement).
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