Monday, January 14, 2019
14th January, 2019
Beverley and Thelma,
I'm writing you from Vancouver, where it occurred to me today that - for the first time in decades - I'd not received a Christmas card from Marion. While fewer people send cards each December, this seemed out of character for your mum and so I searched her name online and learned the sad news.
Please accept my sincere sympathy. I thought the world of Marion.
We were introduced by Kathy Johnson in the days when Royal LePage was still A. E. LePage. Kathy and I were in regular touch, as I worked with the COO of the company's BC division.
Kath asked me one Christmas in the very early 80s if I would be willing to receive and hold Marion's homemade mincemeat for pick up by some lifelong Vancouver friends. I was happy to help, and that was the beginning of a decades-long Christmas card exchange. She wrote about you each year, Beverley, and also mentioned you, Thelma. Marion always expressed interest in and asked about our two children. I was impressed with her joy in life, and looked forward to hearing of her travels with you and also her travels to enjoy curling bonspiels.
I enjoyed, liked and had very high regard for Marion. While she lived a good and long life, I can only imagine your loss.
Am hopeful that receiving this note months after the fact offers comfort, even if it stirs up sadness.
With sorrow and great appreciation of a lovely woman,
Shelagh
