Kay Larsson

Our parents give us life.

Our grandparents give us a sense of who we are and where we came from.

This week, as we said goodbye to my grandma, it hit me how incredibly lucky I have been to have her with me for 32 years.Not only with me, but an integral, close part of my life.

Kathleen Henrietta Currie was born on December 17, 1926 in Dauphin, Manitoba.She grew up on the farm with her brothers Gordon and Arnet, and parents Ida and Roy.She received her education at Wilford School and graduated High School in Gilbert Plains.

In 1949 Grandma and her close friend, Audrey Hebner, decided to venture up North to see what it had to offer. Grandma’s first job in Flin Flon was at Burkett’s Drugs, which later became Super Thrifty.There happened to be a handsome gentleman (who is still quite handsome) who worked at the taxi stand across the street.From what I hear, Grandma had her eye on him, and she always knew how to get what she wanted.They finally met during a dance at the Jubilee Hall and the rest is history.

Grandma and Grandpa married on July 3, 1951 in Gilbert Plains.They started their travelling adventures together on their honeymoon in New York and Niagara Falls. Their love of travelling and for each other continued to grow from there, making for 71 years of an amazing life together.

A few years later, their son Laurie was born on July 6, 1955 and then their daughter Marsha came along on August 12, 1961.Grandma continued to work part time at Super Thrifty and then part time at Nasselquists.

Grandma loved all sports. I was always somewhat surprised that such a prim and proper lady also loved to throw a personal bet down with my dad during a family dinner on which team was going to win the NHL game, her knowledge must have been a little sharper as I remember her winning a lot more than my dad.

She played fast ball in high school and was an accomplished curler, even skipping her team to an 8-ender in 1981.In their later years grandma and grandpa developed their love for golf.They incorporated golfing into their travel adventures, golfing together in Palm Springs, Hawaii, and Pebble Beach to name a few. She jumped on any opportunity to golf with my sister or myself. Neither of us had much skill but she was so happy to have us on the course and loved showing us around the clubhouse, the ladies change room, and her own personal locker.She was always proud to tote her granddaughters around and we were always equally as happy to be with her.

She loved making it to her great-grandsons hockey games.At the end of every game, Ryan would get a loonie – win or lose, she was proud of him and always excited to be cheering him on in the stands. She may have not been able to get on the ice with him, but she was able to enjoy a few backyard games of tennis…at 87 years old, there wasn’t much she couldn’t do.

When I sat down to write this eulogy, I started to write down some specific memories that we shared together.There are so many great memories with her, but when it comes down to it, it was the unconditional love, support, and kindness that Grandma showed to us every day that shaped me into the person I am today.

I couldn’t talk about Grandma without talking about her flowers. Anytime I plant flowers, I immediately take pictures to send them to mom and Kayla and I’m positive I picked this up from Grandma. I’m sure everyone knows how beautiful her back deck looked every summer. She loved taking pictures, a lot of pictures, to show those beautiful flowers off all year long. Now I’m hoping I’ll pick up her green thumb sooner than later as well.

Grandma had a journal that she faithfully wrote in every day.She would always update us with what significant event happened on that day so many years ago.Whether it was an award that I got at a school assembly, a family dinner we had together, or one of us starting a new job, she was always a part of what was going on in our lives and was there to support us.

Until the last couple of years, grandma had more energy and interest in life that anyone I’ve ever known…except, maybe my grandpa.Whether she was busy with the Hospital Auxiliary, Eastern Star, Church events, Bridge games, or dinner parties, she was always on the go and enjoying life to its fullest.

Grandma loved deeply and fully, all of us.She was the kind of person who left an impact on anyone she met.She shaped who we are.She shaped who our children are.She influenced us all so greatly.

You’ll live in our memories and our hearts forever and I will always be extremely proud to call myself your granddaughter.