My aunt Maire passed away a couple weeks ago. I knew her my entire life – she was my father’s sister. She was a very loving and kind woman. Aunt Maire or just ‘Maire’ as most of the family called her, had been ailing for the past few years. Nevertheless, we can never really be fully prepared for news of a loved one’s passing, even when death is somewhat impending.
Maire was a strong, beautiful, loving, kind, loyal, independent woman. Yes…so many adjectives and they are still not enough to describe my late aunt. She loved to garden, sew and was an avid sports fan…all sports. She was unique in every way, which made her all the more endearing. My aunt was the unofficial family historian. She never ran out of stories to tell of days gone by. She would regale me with stories of my grandparents and other family members, some of whom I had never met. Right into her later years, she was energetic and full of life. Even after retirement, Maire always busied herself with some project when at home. I would call her up late at night years ago, and she was sewing some outfit for a young child, while watching the baseball game or some other sport on television.
Maire would come over to my apartment and together we would cook together, watch movies or go shopping. She always wanted to be on the go…she loved people. I recall us going on long trips around the city in any kind of weather, even once in a snowstorm. Well, the day did not start out in a snowstorm, but the weather turned into one on our way back from our destination. Nothing deterred her, there was always this big, bright smile on her face and she was quick to make a joke with her great sense of humour. She was always there for me during the good and bad times.
During times such as this, we begin to explore and reflect even more on the meaning of life. We become more cognizant of the fact; that we are all just passing through this place we call earth and this thing we call ‘life.’ None of us are here to stay and life seems very fragile with each subsequent loss that we experience. For me, I am a Christian, I grew up Catholic, but am no longer a practicing church member. Nonetheless, I deeply believe in God and he sustains me throughout the difficult times in my life. My personal theory is that our time on earth is to work out our differences and learn to love each other. I am no theologian, this is just my opinion.
Although Aunt Maire’s passing was one of deep sadness, I know she is now at peace. Her last year was one of a steady decline in health. I find solace in the fact that we always expressed our love and affection for each other very openly, on every visit or telephone conversation. There were no words left unsaid. Rest in peace, beautiful Aunt Maire.
Hello - From My Viewpoint 
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