Since I was not allowed to speak at my grandmothers funeral I wanted to share what I was going to say: On behalf of her 3 grand children and 4 great grand children, I am here to celebrate and honour our grandma Jean. This is a day to remember how much she shaped our childhoods and lives. I think it goes without saying that, along with her memories and principles, it's because Grandma raised such a strong, independent and caring child, that we are the people we are today. I started thinking about all the magical memories grandma gave me and wondered if my siblings shared the same memories. When I asked my brother, Tommy and my sister Karen if there was anything that they wanted me to say on their behalf we discovered that we all shared the exact same magical memories but every different life lessons. Tommy remembers grandma teaching him to shuck corn. Karen learned to make Swish and coffee with just the right amount of liquor in it. I will most remember the lessons about finance and numbers. Spending time at ipperwash beach with Grandma Jean and Grandpa Doug were the highlight of our summers. Tommy wanted everyone to know that whenever he thinks of Grandma, it is amazing memories of some of the best summers of his childhood. Karen shared many, many, memories. What was heartwarming is that the many memories that Karen thought were secret and only special to her were in fact shared by all of us. Although the memories and lessons learned from grandma were created at different times, Tommy and I also shared the exact remarkable memories and lessons. I will make special mention that Karen loved having happy hour, as did I, with grandma and we all shared a multitude of laughs. Grandma Jean was unlike any of our other grandparents and will be greatly missed. Grandma Jean had a way of making each one of us feel extra special. During our visits she would give us guidance and independence, strength and encouragement, laughter and love. I am extremely grateful that grandma got the chance to interact with her great grandchildren if only a handful of times. Grandma Jean and Grandpa Doug were present for many of her first great grandchild Emma's big moments. When I asked Emma what she remembered most about her great grandmother she said that she will never forget the time we went shopping and great grandmas shoe broke in the middle of the parking lot and that she had brought a back up pair in the car. Who carries back up shoes? In closing, Tommy and I both agree with Karen's closing words, I know she loved us and I am at peace knowing she didnt suffer. I truly believe that all our love for her kept her going well beyond her years. If it wasnt for visits from her grandkids, and her great-grand kids, I dont think she would have held on as long as she did.