While sifting through the lifetime of memories that I have of our dear mother, this one stands out - our Mother-Daughter Road Trip to the east coast in the summer of 2013.
We hadn’t even made it to Oshawa when Mom proclaimed, “I can already tell this is going to be a real ‘gigglefest.’ ” And it was. The trip was fun and adventuresome from start to finish. We had a crazy detour through Montreal because the Montreal by-pass was nearing completion. Our destination was Cape Breton Island, but when we both woke early at our motel in New Brunswick, we decided to add a side trip to Prince Edward Island. Before reaching Confederation Bridge, I made sure Mom got to experience the marvel of Magnetic Hill.
Somewhere along the way we ran out of gas, five miles shy of a station. Mom tipped the CAA driver with some of her butter tarts. After a day traveling across PEI, Mom experienced another first when I put the car onto a ferry from PEI to Caribou, Nova Scotia. Needless to say, we arrived at our Nova Scotia accommodation very late. The caretaker had notified our family back home and they were about to send out a search party. Mom very much enjoyed our drive around the Cabot Trail, where around every corner there’s another “Kodak moment." When we returned to Cape Breton Island the next day for an early lobster supper, TomTom (one of the first portable GPS systems) took us across the island via an old logging road, memories of which I’m sure gave Mom nightmares for years to come. As hair-raising a trip as it was, TomTom did take us straight to the venue of the Ceilidh we wanted to attend, and we arrived on time.
Butter tarts were a form a of currency for mother. A few years later, they were a negotiated trade for a special favour we asked of the host of our Airbnb in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
Thanks for the memories, Mom.
With love from your baby girl,
Katie-Liz
Aunt Elva, i always enjoyed your humor and smiles,at the family reunions. when i was little i loved the time at your place. Nephew Ernie and Wife Jean Mcmillan
Auntie
You lay there in that hospital bed knowing you were going to die,
You tried so hard to hold on and yet I did not get to say goodbye,
God was calling you home to be free again at last,
Your last breath, with ease- I pray you passed.
God needed another angel in heaven and that they did gain.
Your heart stopped and you took your last breath,
I cried tears of grief when I knew of your death.
Your loving daughters were with you, and you were not alone,
Your angels were waiting for you to take you home.
Auntie, I loved you so very very much,
The sound of your voice and that gentle touch.
But I know you surround us just in a different way,
And we can still talk to you with each passing day.
You will be missed, so much here on earth,
You will never ever know your how much your love was worth.
not just words and saying that I love you,
your actions of love I felt through and through.
your care and love of others, you always made them smile,
You went above and beyond, going that extra mile.
And if I could take just one thing from your life you so freely gave,
Your values- to be strong, helpful caring compassionate and brave.
thank you for the fond memories ill always cherish deep in my heart,
And I know deep down inside, we will not stay apart.
I will see you soon one day and you can welcome me to Heaven,
I’ll be with you always then, twenty-four seven.
With love and admiration to my auntie
Arlene Petten
January 27 2026
My connection with Elva goes way back to when Lorene and I were just babies. Elva was a big part of my life growing up in Cannington hosting many parties/ play dates with Lorene and her siblings; such fond memories. Elva was an expert seamstress, creating stylish dresses for her girls that I can still picture today. She was always so friendly and kind to me throughout the many years.
One memory that stands out to me, was when Elva told me that she cared for her patients the way she would want to be cared for; what a noble attitude!
Rest In Peace Elva
Sincere sympathy to all,
Sharon (Cramer) Bullock
