The Arnold's: September 2017

It is often said that the times that family gathers is for a wedding or a funeral. Today we gathered to celebrate the life of our grandma (or mom or great grandma depending on who you ask). She joined grandpa in heaven in June and today they are looking down on us, thankful to see us gathered together.

We love you Grandma!

The Eulogy:

I am happy to see everyone here today to pay tribute to my mom Pauline, she always loved get togethers.

My name is Pierre; I am Pauline’s oldest son, also known to some of you as her #1.

For over 30 years she celebrated her birthday the 8th of December – the feast of the Immaculate Conception, only to find out from her mom, after her dad’s passing in 1963, that she was actually born on the 9th. That was her dad’s doing. Well, it gave her and us, a good reason to celebrate for two days.

Growing up with an English speaking dad and a French speaking mom she became bilingual at a young age, that would be a big bonus, eventually.

In her youth she was quite athletic. By making deliveries on her bike for her parent’s grocery store, it made her better in many sports. She loved tennis, ice skating, swimming, and challenging anyone to swim across her hometown river, or any other competition. Even in her 50’s she was waterskiing at Lopez Lake and challenging dad – he did – he had no choice.

She was a city girl, but loved the country life. Dad was from a farming family, so when he came to pick her up for one of their dates with horse and buggy – that was it.

They married in 1948 and soon the kids came along, total of 5 in 8 years. Smiling she would always remind us that we were a handful.

In the early 60’s she had to carry an even bigger load. Dad and a few kids had some health issues, Marie our sister was the least healthy. For a little time there were up to three of us in different hospitals. Mom wasn’t driving yet and with dad in the hospital she had to wait for rides in trying to check on each one. But so determined to see Marie, she hitchhiked to Montreal, about 30 miles away, with her sister-in-law. Health issues improved.

In the summer of 1964 her brother Jean was moving to California, so she and dad decided to help him make the move and come for a little vacation. Well, when they returned home, her mom who was taking care of us asked her “So how did you like it over there?” Mom’s reply was “I think we’re moving!” and grandma said “Good, it will give me a chance to come visit.” Myself, I thought they were just joking but less than a year later we were in southern California, and a few months later grandma was visiting, her first of many that we all enjoyed.

Well, now Mom is in California with 5 kids between the ages of 7 to 15, and a 40 year old husband and she is the only one who spoke English. That was challenging, but it did not take us long to adapt to our new home.

For a period she had to help us all with our schooling and help dad start his own construction business – a driver’s license was needed now and she got it. She kept everyone going. Dad’s business was growing – all the kids were helping. Mom would come and clean up the homes we were working on. I remember her cleaning box sticker that said “JUST PASSING THRU”. Our cousin Claude came in 1968 to learn English and also help, becoming our half-brother and a son to mom.

Whatever she would cook for dinner would be gone in no time. My favorite – her carrot cake – would have little if any leftover after one meal. I’m sure it was not easy to keep up with all the cooking.

As we got older and ready to leave the nest mom was there to encourage us to find our trade and make sure we all got our first home early.

Family life was changing fast for everyone and another big move would come. In 1978, Arroyo Grande would now be home. It did not take long for all of us to follow. She loved the move – living in the country with a big garden, chickens and a cow. She kept busy with new activities –gardening, oil painting – treasure it if you have one, and also working at San Luis General Hospital. She devoted much time to the Grover City chamber of commerce, she was great with fundraising. No one will ever forget those corn parties.

Life took another turn – Marie passing away 30 years ago this month, was not easy for mom – losing her only daughter, but Marie’s daughters Sarah and Lisa helped fill the void.

After about 12 years in Arroyo Grande and all the kids settled here, the desert sun lured them to make another move. Palm Springs area would be their winter home and Quebec home for the summer for about 10 years. A period they truly enjoyed.

Dad passed away in 2004, but mom remained in Palm Springs until 2009, when we were all happy to hear that she was coming back. “The Villages” in San Luis Obispo would become her new home. She was quite active in all activities – bingo, playing cards, day trips and anything for fun.

After some health issues it was decided to have her closer to Arroyo Grande, so she happily made the move to “Wyndham Residence” 3 years ago. Wherever she was, she was always thankful for the all staff and the many new friends she would make. We want to thank them, and all the doctors for so much care and meeting her needs these last few years.

She was very proud of her family and thankful for each visit we all made. Thank you to my wife Luce for all the devotions you gave her.

I have a little Irish proverb that is fitting for here in St. Patrick that says:

A man loves his sweetheart the most,

His wife the best,

but his mother the longest.

She happily joined our beloved dad Andre, and our dear sister Marie in heaven. She leaves behind a sister, a brother, four sons, their spouses, 9 grandkids, 10 great grandkids and many friends.