There’s a folder of old love letters posted to “Sweetheart” from a boy overseas and matching files from the boy-turned-husband. There are boxes of handwritten letters and cards addressed to “Mother Roy”, Mum, “Ardith” and “Mrs. Roy”. There are clippings from articles about gardening, harvesting, canning, cooking, baking, sewing and homemaking. There are filing drawers and albums filled with photos of a life well lived. The sum paints a picture of a woman who loved her family, her home, a small circle of friends and a succession of tabby and tortie cats. A Cape Breton girl, Ardith was born prematurely weighing less than 4 and a half pounds and grew up to be a comely, physically confident, and energetic woman. She could be equally an elegant lady in a gorgeous gown or a practical woman in boots and blue jeans. She was similarly a skilled seamstress and milliner and stonemason. A child of the Depression, Ardith embodied ingenuity and a strong work ethic and loved the challenge of fixing things and making do. Happiness could be an hour browsing in a hardware store, or creating something fashionable, or turning out seven loaves of bread. A freedom-loving skinny dipper, she took pride that she didn’t own a swimsuit and took her last private paddle at the age of 90. Charming and vivacious, funny and tenacious, tender and gracious, Ardith put her heart and energy into everything (and everyone) she took on.
Remembering her are sister Sally; brother Roy and their families; daughter Franklyn (Alan); granddaughter Miranda (Jason) and great grandsons Henry and Hart.
Ardith’s spirit has left an imprint on those who knew her. Her spirit is also embodied in Miranda’s shop, Ardith, a store devoted to helping women feel confident and stylish in their athletic pursuits.
“Werda”, we will miss you dearly but we’ll think of you often as we observe the wonders of nature that you so enjoyed.
Please consider a donation in Ardith’s memory to the BC Cancer Foundation – Vancouver Island, 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, BC V8R 6V5. All donations will be directed to ovarian cancer research.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
Sequoia Gardens Memorial
www.sequoiagardens.com
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Josie Masi
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Patricia Roy Dear Franklyn,
Please accept my sympathy for you and your family on the loss of your mother. I knew that she was a gracious lady in the best sense of the word; I learned a great deal more from her obituary which related how hers was, indeed, a life well-lived.
Sincerely,
Patricia Roy
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Suzanne Crump Hello Frankie! It’s been way too long. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember Mother Roy for her amazing Christmas trees. They took days to create and consumed a large slice of the living room, but they were magical! She was gracious, spirited and endlessly talented. You were blessed to call her mom. Warmest wishes to you and your family.
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Helen and Rand Evans Franklin, we were sorry to read of your mother’s death. But she had a good life and by the sound of it was able to stay in her home that she loved. We do offer you are thoughts and prayers at this time. It is difficult to become the elder generation! May you find peace and comfort in your many happy memories.
Rand & Helen
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Anita Kladia Robertsdottir-Lewis “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others” (Pericles)
The memory of Ardith striding purposefully up Bedford Road on her regular constitutional, of her gentle kindness and humour, her loyalty – and her great hats – will remain with me until my time has come.
My condolences to you, Franklyn, and to your family, on the death of your mother – and my best wishes that good and happy memories will help filling the void that she has left.
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Karen McIvor Dear Franklyn: I’m so sorry that she has left this world — she made it so much brighter, with laughter, good ideas and her wonderful garden. I am still grateful that she started me on dahlias years ago, and I remember lugging bags and bags of tubers home (“here, take this one, too”). She loved you so much, and you gave her so much joy.
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Dena Bystedt Franklin my heart is with you. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I will miss our trips to A&W. Having Lunch on the hill, listening to the classical music and creating the ballet to go with it. I loved our romps in the park feeding the ducks. I don’t know who had more fun me or you. Our time together was so special. Butterfly kisses my love. Until we meet again at the huge A&W in the sky.
Love always
Dena
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Ken Bryden A candle that burned long and bright has finally gone out, as it must, but new bright little candles have been lit called Henry and Hart. Life goes on and so does love.
Ken Bryden
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Diane Bryden What a wonderful story you paint. It brought tears to my eyes. Our very best wishes to you and the road ahead.
Love from Ken and Diane
Dear Franklyn,
I never met your mother but only heard about her from your stories. She’s just what I pictured her to be. And what a life! I know you must miss her terribly but I believe she is with her love again. Tony and I are sending our love and condolences.
Hugs, Josie & Tony Masi