Oct 20, 2019
Mommio soars…..
October 28, 1914 – October 18, 2019
We were informed Friday afternoon at 1:25 our time that Mommio had passed away ( just as Adam our Telus rep rang the door bell ). He was so sweet and offered hugs right away. Colin’s bother and sister in law called to give us the news. Colin had tried three times on Friday to get a nurse at the main desk but his calls went to voice mail. It was the end of March 2017 that we lost our girls and found out that same evening that Mommio was in Emergency with serious issues. Within a few weeks she was admitted to the home she has been in ever since. She was not happy there and wanted to move on. So now our dear Mommio is at peace. She is now free to go wherever she desires. She lived to be ten days shy of 105 years of age and was never ill. The only issue she had was loss of hearing. We are happy that she is free of the home and she knows that we will love her forever. We are sad and our hearts are heavy but at the same time we are happy that she is no longer restrained. She had a very long life and at the end was totally aware of what was happening anywhere in the world. Her mind was as sharp as her vision.
Mommio with Colin, perhaps 1952.
Colin and his Mom, perhaps 1963 or thereabouts.
We did some ballroom dancing at the Panorama Roof at the Vancouver Hotel with Dal Richards and other orchestras. Mommio joined us late November/early December either 1997 or 1998. We got dressed to the nines and danced and danced. Mommio likely was 84. Mommio was ageless.
Somewhere around 2003, with Dennis, her yellow napped Amazon parrot. She is also holding a dachshund statue. She used to have a standard female doxie called Venus.
Happy 90th Mommio. We gave her a sweater with 90 $5.00 bills pinned inside.
Still dancing at 90 years of age in 2004.
She came to visit us in 2006 here in Kelowna. We moved here the fall of 2003. The girls loved being close to Mommio.
At 93 Mommio came to visit us again the summer of 2007.
One day during this stay Colin had to work and gave us each $100.00 each to spend. I took Mommio to the casino. It was the most fun ever and we both laughed and laughed. After both making a pile of money on the quarter machines we moved onto the dollars slots. We sat side by side and took our time and would count one – two – three and then hit the spin button at the same moment. At one point we both hit the jackpot at the same time!!! So we decided to tell Colin that we lost all of his money. He said that was okay and as long as we had fun. Then Sshe pulled out close to $2,000.00 in various bills and threw them up in the air. “We won, we won she said”. I would give anything to relive that day with her.
The summer of 2009 when Mommio turned 95 she came out yet again. She would stay in the RV on the lake site and we lived in our home across the road. She loved her wine as I did.
We always had fun together.
Even our Mexican Red Head Amazon parrot Chiekka loved her. By the way I took this photo, one of my best.
2009 was her last visit here to us. We definitely made the most of it. Over the six visits we flew her out for she had unique and fun experiences each time.
The next year (2010 ) when Mommio was 96 Colin started visiting her in Winnipeg and treating her to a variety of restaurants including the Dairy Queen, one of her favourites.
Here they are in 2011 at the Fort Gary Hotel in Winnipeg. They were both celebrating a birthday on the 28th of October, 97 years of age.
Mommio’s 98th in 2012.
100 years of age in 2014 at the Prairie 360 revolving restaurant.
Celebrating 100 years at the Fort Gary on the actual day.
The next year, 2015 and 101 years of living. Again at the Fort Gary, her favourite place. A classy place for a classy lady.
Luciano, a long time waiter at the Fort Gary. They truly admired each other. He remembered her annual visits.
This was taken in October of 2016 and Mommio at 102 was still living on her own. He retired shortly after this photo was taken. A few months later, in March of 2017, Mommio was admitted to hospital from complications due to reactions to her medications and her not eating properly ( likely caused from being nauseous due to the medications ), a true Catch 22.
Celebrating her 103rd in 2017 at the home.
She still loved her wine.
Colin brought his guitalele in his visit honouring her 104th. They sang and played and had a fabulous visit.
In his April visit ( 104 1/2 years of age ) 2019, they went out to the mall, had a hamburger at McDonalds, had dinner at the Lobster House and enjoyed appetizers and wine at the Fort Gary Hotel. As you can see they laughed and had lots of fun.
October 8th, 2019, ten days before she soared.
She was always smiling.
October 28, 1914 – October 18, 2019
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Colin and Contessa, I am so sorry for your loss. Mommie had a long and wonderful life. It sounds like you both enjoyed it as much as she did.
With deepest sympathy, Linda and Russell
Dear Colin and Contessa,
Our deepest sympathy to you and prayers of understanding, peace and comfort.
Rex and SandyM
Colin and Contessa looked at your tribute to Mommio again this morning and once again noticed Mommio was a fan of big hair all her life and her beautiful smile matched her big hair. Such a lady and thanks for sharing her with all of us for so many years.
Our hearts go out to you both with the understanding Mommio is at peace. Those pictures provide an everlasting memory of all the great times you all had together and hopefully will bring a smile each time on what a rich life she had. God Bless.
A truly long, happy memorable life. 105 years is just an amazement and for her to be so active and beautiful at an advanced age is just heartwarming. Although I’m sorry for your loss I can only feel joy for such a long and happy life that left you so many wonderful memories. No one lives forever but Mommio really gave it a good shot! Lovely tribute blog.
I only knew Colin’s mom through your blogs but I can tell she was someone very special, who aged well and ever so gracefully. This is a wonderful tribute to Mommio and we can tell you both loved her so very much. Our thoughts, prayers, and hugs are with you both.
A very nice photo tribute and memory.
Sorry for your loss but she is now free to soar once again , What a wonderful tribute.
Our sincere condolences. She was a true classy lady. I always enjoyed reading about her and seeing the pictures you posted.
Such a spunky woman, she seems to have smiled a lot. I love the casino story, that’s classic. To both you and Colin I am so sorry for your loss.
Vaya con Dios Mommio. May your angels walk you all the way home.
Mommio is dancing in heaven. It is hard on those of us left behind but we rejoice in her freedom from this earth. Hugs to Colin and you.
Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Nancy & Paul
Such a nice tribute to a great lady.
We are sorry for your loss, and happy you could share your memories.
Dear Colin and Contessa,
I’m so sorry for you loss. I’ve so enjoyed the stories of Mommio over the years. She was truly special.
Love and hugs,
Rae
What an amazing life! Spanning more than a century. You have been blessed. May your memories of Mommio last forever, she was a fine lady. Our most sincere condolences to you both…
Colin, So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. As you say, she had a good life and laugh to the end. You were a very good son to her. Contessa as well, a good daughter-in-law. May she Rest In Peace she deserves. K&M
So sorry to hear about Colin’s mom. Please give him our condolences.
Im sorry to hear about the passing of Colin’s Mom, my condolences to you and Colin.
Hi Colin and Contessa,
Rod and I would like to send you our heartfelt condolences on the death of Colin’s mom.
No matter what age you loose a parent it takes a piece of your heart from you…hopefully you can fill that empty spot with your wonderful memories of your beautiful mother.
Love and light to you both.
Rod and Carol Connor
I too enjoyed your stories and photos about Mommio and am so sorry to hear about her passing.
Lots of hugs and much love from Kansas City!
Great pictures, Contessa, thank-you. My condolences to both you and Colin loosing a loved one. Yes, she has soared, and is now she is living with Angels… looking forward to seeing you both,
With love and heart felt sympathy,
Ferne
What a wonderful tribute. Mommio was loved and will be truly
missed. Our condolences.
So very, very sorry for your loss. A life well lived and enjoyed!!
Dear Contessa and Colin,
I have been reading and enjoying your blog and have not responded often . Today while reading your blog Contessa I could not help but cry . I am deeply moved by all your outpouring of love . Mommio a beautiful person inside and out is no longer to physically be held Colin but her love to both of you will last forever. How amazing to have such a long healthy life. Part of it I am sure was ,because she felt she was always loved and so her contentment made her a happy person.
We enjoyed all those gorgeous photos. Colin your visit was what she was waiting for before she passed on. You are a son like an angel.
So sorry for your loss.
Our best wishes with love,
Peter & Hannelore.
I’m sorry for your loss. She was a vibrant woman right up to the end. How lucky for all of you.
Dave and I are so sorry for your loss, what a beautiful collage you have made in her honour. I also have just this September 12th lost my father he was 94. I truly grieve with you and Colin.
With sympathy
Thank you for your lovely words. I am so sorry for your loss as well. Life is short and we need to enjoy each day to the fullest.
My condolences to you both.
I’M GLAD IT HAPPENED NOW BEFORE YOU LEFT. YOU THOUGHT SHE WAS FAILING AND NOW SHE IS AT PEACE AND HAVING NO PAIN. THAT’S WHAT IS SO IMPORTANT. MY THOUGHTS, PRAYERS AND HUGS ARE WITH YOU BOTH. COLIN, YOU ARE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE HAD YOUR MOTHER FOR ALL THESE YEARS. GOD SPEED.
Oh my goodness, thanks so much for thinking of letting us know.
I am having a crying session reading your message over and over again. How wonderful that Colin was able to see her and I know she left knowing that you both loved her and she was probably ready to go.
You and Colin will be heading south in a different frame of mind but hearts are heavy and do hurt.
Love to you both!
Although we did not meet Mommio, Laura felt an affinity with her when looking at the pictures of her and we both admired her spirit and spoke of her. Our condolences go out to you both. What a wonderful group of pictures to remember her by. There were some very nice words said by readers of your blog. Your friends Alan and Laura
Our heartfelt condolences to you both. Wonderful fotos of Mommio. She was an extraordinary lady and I believe that because of her happy outlook on life and knowing she was loved, it contributed to her living as long as she did. She sure was an inspiration to us all. May she Rest In Peace.
We just read the blog and it’s sad news on one side but such a life she lived on the other. We talk about her all the time and just wonder, all the things she saw, experienced and what was it like to live to 105 years?
She saw many new inventions, was born during WWI, lived through WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, and all that followed. My dad was four years old when she was born, didn’t speak a word of English until he was 10.
I doubt the pain is any less because of the wonderful life. Losing someone, especially your mother, is a tough pill to take. The sadness will fade and good memories will follow with stories, anecdotes, and visuals.
Colin, you’re a lucky man to have had your mom for so long and you were a great son. So nice to know that as a child, you did all that you could for your mother. Good on ya!
Peace to both of you, she’s done her time and was gifted so many additional years.
Big hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Our condolences. It looks like she lived a long and happy life. We should all be so lucky.
Very sorry to hear about your loss.
Dear Colin and Contessa,
Our deepest of sympathy…
She was blessed with so many great memories and such a good son and daughter in law.
(((HUGS)))) and more hugs…
Take care,
We are thinking of you.
Sincerely,
Paul & Jan
Holà Colin and Contessa
Diane and I want to offer you our deepest condolences, we know how hard it is to lose your mother.
Your montage on your relationship with Colin’s mother was very well done and reflected well the very good times you had together and that is what is the most important.
Thanks for sharing with us
On vous embrasse
Pierre and Diane
We were saddened by your news of the passing of Colin’s mother.
But MY what a long and wonderful life!
Bless her and our condolences are being sent to you both.
See you soon on the Isla.
Hugs to both,
Bob & Marjorie
Colin and Contessa,
Our condolences on the loss of Mommio. She had an amazing life. Thank you for sharing the photos.
Best wishes and safe travels,
Brad & Jenny
The memories you and Colin have from the wonderful times show in the pictures you shared. A beautiful lady with a lovely life and smile. Thank you for sharing.
Our hearts hurt for you and Colin with the passing of his Mom. So sorry to hear but glad he got to spend time with her not too long ago. And that the phone you’d got her worked so well. Again our thoughts are with you. Hugs.
ahhhh , so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful post you have created in honor of Mommio. So wonderful Colin was able to go and be with her. She will travel the world with you two. Such an incredible lady, and mother. My heart aches for you both. RIP Mommio.
Oh. This is never easy. Such sad times, just takes all the air out of your lungs. wishing the best to you guys.
So sorry to hear of Colin’s Mom passing, but sounds like she had a great long life! Great that you went to see her recently Colin.
This was truly a life well lived. You can see the love you both had for her in every picture. As you said….Mommio soars. She flies on her own wings and is free.
Hugs to you both……..
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Colin’s mother. She always looked so healthy and happy even past the age of 100. She has lived an amazing life and we know that she will be well remember. There were some wonderful pictures included in this post, I am glad that you both will have many, many happy memories of her. Our thoughts are with you both.
Ruth
Our Deepest Condolences on the passing of Mommio. From not only your Write Up but also past Posts she seemed to have lived a lifetime filled with memories.
Just getting caught up.
Be Safe.
I am so very sorry to hear this news, but also know that it was a life not just lived, but celebrated in style. Please give Colin my most sincere condolences. She was fortunate to have such a loving son.
Hi Contessa
Just was catching up on your blog and saw that Colin’s mom passed away. Grant and I both know what a sad time that is. All your pictures showed an amazing lady with such spirit!
Colin:
Hello. We recently knew your mother passed away and we are very sorry to hear this. Lulú, all my family and I are sad about this and hope you’re feeling not so bad and we hope that soon your feelings get better. I remember you told me she have had a great and long life so this is something good about her. Also, she had a great son: you, and we love you. We are with you in this sad time at the distance but with you with our hearts and hope to see you very soon. Hugs to you and Contessa from Lulú, my family and me.
Godson Heri