Posted at: 6:24 AM on March 22nd, 2019 - Guest Writes:
Happy Birthday Mum.  It is hard to believe that 10 years ago was the last time we all celebrated 
your birthday together.  Love and miss you.

Posted at: 6:52 AM on March 22nd, 2018 - Wendy Writes:
Happy Birthday Mum.  Love you and miss you.
Love Wendy

Posted at: 6:55 AM on October 24th, 2017 - Guest Writes:
Another year has passed.  I don't believe it is 8 years since we said good-bye. Still miss you ever 
day, love Wendy

Posted at: 12:46 PM on March 22nd, 2017 - Wendy Writes:
Happy Birthday Mum.  Thinking of you today and missing you.  Love Wendy and family.

Posted at: 12:11 PM on March 22nd, 2017 - Terry and Janet Writes:
Think about you all the time and today on your birthday we are thinking about you.We miss you 
very much and pray to you all the time. Please watch over Lauryn Happy Birthday mother .

Posted at: 11:13 PM on January 19th, 2017 -  Wendy Writes:
Benji is coming to you today Mum

Posted at: 5:20 PM on October 25th, 2016 - Guest Writes:
Thought about and spoke about you on and off all day yesterday.You were truly a good mother and 
grandmother. You will always be missed ...


Posted at: 3:08 PM on October 24th, 2016 - Wendy Writes:
Thinking of you today and everyday.  It is hard to believe it is seven years.
Love Wendy

Posted at: 6:56 AM on March 22nd, 2016 - Terry &  Janet Writes:
Thinking of you on your birthday Mother. We speak of you often and miss you very much.

Posted at: 6:39 AM on March 22nd, 2016 - Wendy Writes:
Happy Birthday Mum.   Thinking of you today as well as every other day.
Love Wendy

Posted at: 7:16 AM on October 24th, 2015 - Love Wendy Writes:
Thinking of you today and miss you so much.  

Posted at: 5:39 AM on October 24th, 2015 - Terry &  Janet  Writes:
Miss you very much . 

Posted at: 10:10 AM on March 22nd, 2015 - Guest Writes:
Happy Birthday Mom

Posted at: 4:51 AM on January 16th, 2015 - Guest Writes:


Posted at: 5:18 AM on October 24th, 2014 - Wendy Writes:
It is five years since we saw your smile.   Miss you every day.  Still waiting for your new Great 
Granddaughter to arrive.  She is due today.   Love Wendy

Posted at: 10:08 AM on March 22rd, 2014 - Wendy Writes:
Happy 90th birthday Mom.  Spent the day with Judy and Joanne.

Posted at: 6:39 AM on October 25th, 2013 - Terry & Janet Writes:
Think about you almost everyday Mother , We will always miss you. Yesterday was a rough day!

We miss and love you very much.

Posted at: 5:19 AM on October 24th, 2013 - Wendy Writes:
Four years have passed and life has gone on but I miss you.  Let your spirit be with Corrine as she 
will be with you all soon.   

Posted at: 5:28 PM on May 12th, 2013 - Terry & Janet Writes:
Thought about  you all day Mother .Happy Mother\'s day...love Terry and Janet

Posted at: 2:36 PM on March 22nd, 2013 - Wendy Writes:
Thinking of you today every time I entered the date.  Happy Birthday, #89.  Miss you a lot.

Posted at: 8:42 AM on March 22nd, 2013 - Terry&Janet Writes:
Thinking of you Mother...Happy Birthday ...Missing you very much.

Posted at: 3:38 PM on October 24th, 2012 - Wendy Writes:
It has been three years and still find myself wanting to pick up the phone to tell you something, 
especially on Thanksgiving Day.  Rick and Christine new little girl Scarlet Renee was born.

Posted at: 3:22 PM on October 24th, 2012 - Terry & Janet Writes:
Thinking about you today Mother & missing you very much...we love you.

Posted at: 3:36 PM on October 24th, 2011 - Guest Writes:
It has been two years and I still think of picking up the phone to tell you something. Thinking of 
you and Dad always.

Posted at: 7:46 AM on March 22nd, 2011 - Terry & Janet Writes:
Thinking about you today Mother..We miss you very much...Happy Birthday xxoo

Posted at: 7:40 AM on November 7th, 2010 - Wendy Writes:
Well it has been a year since we all gathered to say our final goodbye.  It has been a year of 
first and so many memories.  Mom and Dad you are in out thoughts daily.  Just last night I dreamed 
of Mom and I at the kitchen sink.  She said to me well it has been 40 years since you left home 
and a year since you said good bye to me.  When I got up I came to this websit to read everything 
and I am so glad we have this.  Love Wendy

Posted at: 7:16 PM on October 24th, 2010 - Terry and Janet Writes:
Thought about you all day today Mother...We miss you and love you very much

Posted at: 8:14 AM on March 22nd, 2010 - Wendy Writes:
Happy Birthday Mum


Posted at: 10:03 PM on November 3rd, 2009 - Nancy Cormier Writes:
I miss you very much Snowy Owl. I remember the years of going to your house for the best cup of 
tea anyone could ask for. Then the many time we were in the backyard camping, helping with 
yardwork,playing in the pool when the children were young. We remember going out for dinners and 
sitting around talking in the living room waiting for brownies to get their cookies. Going back to 
when you were in the pack singing (in a cabin, when susie was a Brownie,) some of my best 
memories. Then when I was a tea pot you made a hole for my tummy "Neil". We talked about our 
camping trips at Highboure and how I kept you up with my sleep talking and Judy's tapping on the 
wall, jumping off the top bunk.  You were our best cook at camp. I'm a better person for having 
known you I can speak good I mean (Well) sorry Ha ha. but really you took a peiece of me with you.
I will never forget you Snowy OwL Mickey Your friend Nancy,Jim, Holly and Neil Cormier. To all the 
family may God Bless you all you are wonderful people who truly care.

Posted at: 4:03 PM on November 3rd, 2009 - Rebecca (Becky), Warren and Mikaela Writes:
Our thoughts go out to Joanne, Ben, Gail and Hayley. We are thinking of all you at this time. 
Enjoy all your memories!

Love Becky, Warren and Mikaela

Posted at: 3:57 PM on November 3rd, 2009 - Ben Writes:
  I remember sitting in the living room of Nanny's place staring down the street that lead to the
park as I watched it pour rain.  Nanny came over and saw me watching the rain and said. 

"Watch when the rain drops hit the ground and bounce back up.  It is like a million little angels
dancing"

  As a young gaffer, it was interesting to see something from a different perspective. (I was no
older then 5) Sometimes when it rains i still think of that time and those words she said to me.  

Now, as i write this, i see it being one of the first times i have EVER had to look at something in
a new light.  i guess you could say that i built a business or way of life off those words. It
taught me to view things in another perspective.  She brought light to a rainy day.  she presented
inspiration, perspective, creativity all in one sentence.

  As she went to fix lunch i pondered her words.  Went over to the couch and continued to watch the
tv.  Still thinking of that i immediately applied that tactic which lead to me hanging my head off
the couch backwards and upside down to finish my show. 
  Although she came into the room and eagerly said "If you sit like that, you will grow crooked" I
wouldnt forget the feeling of discovering something new and how it's a simple as changing the small
things we ALL take for granted. (Plus i learned how to eat upside down and found spider man really
doesn't change much when watching it from a different perspective)

  My journey of discovery didn't stop there, x-mas mornings, my first 2 wheeler bike, the infamous
Fudge treats, a crazy strong dog named Casey, a new born love for skateboarding has all sprouted
from my early years which i spent with her the most.  

Now i cant sit still. it could of been from the inspiration/passion that she has showed me or
because of the amount of sugar she let me consume?  It could of possibly been a mixture of them both
BUT my love for discovery, knowledge, travel, interesting, innovation has come from a rainy day that
would make a 4 year old seem the world was over.  


So on this rainy day...

Think of those words of wisdom Nanny/Renee once said to me.

It could possibly present you with a whole new level of appreciation for the things that seem
bad in our lives.


but for the record.  She does NOT promote doing things upside down!


Posted at: 3:56 PM on November 3rd, 2009 - Ben Writes:
Casey, Nanny's older dog was three times the strength of her but still was a cool pup!

Posted at: 7:35 AM on November 2nd, 2009 - Guest Writes:
Judy, what a wonderful tribute to your Mom, my deepest sympathy to you and your family at this 
very sad time. May she rest in peace and your memories carry you through this most difficult 
time.  Your friend, Sharron

Posted at: 12:38 PM on November 1st, 2009 - George Court Writes:
As a relative new comer to the Manderson family I was to learn very quickly of the character of 
Renee.  On the weekend of our engagement, Judy and I went to Renee's house to announce our 
intentions.  When we arrived I was confronted with 3 stern and serious ladies; Renee, Auntie 
Sheila, and Corine Potter. Once the initial introductions and announcement were over the 
conversation turned to more generic and friendly topics, I thought the worst was over.  At this 
point Renee took me asside and inquired of the seriousness of my intentions towards her daughter.  
She said, "I don't want Judy to be hurt!"  
In my friendliest and sincerest voice I told her that while our engagement was short, my love for 
Judy was great and I was in this relationship for the "long haul".  This seemed to satisfy her and 
the inquisition was over.  Obvious Judy was 'her favourite.'
This simple encounter and many experience to follow demonstrated that Renee was a strong willed 
woman with a strong sense of loyalty, determination, and love for her family.  She wanted the best 
for her family and for what she could not provide, she expected others to take up the slack and do 
the right thing.
Renee, your family is safe and happy.  Be assured that Judy and Benji are in a good place and will 
be loved "forever and a day".  We miss you and love you.

Posted at: 4:24 PM on October 31st, 2009 - Ruth Rundle Writes:
It was with great sadness that I heard about the passing of your mom.  She and I always shared a 
love of dogs and used to laugh at our dogs antics.  She will be greatly missed on the street, 
especially by mom and dad.  Sincere condolences, Ruthie

Posted at: 2:50 PM on October 31st, 2009 - Suzy Stout Writes:
What a wonderful tribute to your mom and nannie.  Your heartfelt expressions left me in tears as I 
remembered the kind soul who always greeted me with a warm hug and a cup of tea.  Memories - 36 
Westhead was always beautifully manicured, dinners promptly at 5:00 (*and not always Hamburger 
Helper, our inside joke), a dog to walk, Mom & Dad were always THERE, enjoying a little something 
on the TV. Later, the Mandersons helped welcome our son Michael into the world with a wonderful 
baby shower in that very same livingroom.  March 1993, Mrs Manderson again came to the rescue by 
looking after our four week old daughter when my sister got married.  I knew Erin was in loving, 
experienced hands.  I agree, she had a definite soft spot and patience for little people. . .think 
of all the Brownies & Guides over the years who benefited from her time and dedication.
Mrs Manderson, thank you for always making me feel loved and appreciated . . .an adopted member of 
the family / Jo's sidekick.
My deepest condolences, see you all soon.  xoxo The "Nice Girl"
ps  Judy, I know your folks are thinking of you today xo

Posted at: 11:36 AM on October 31st, 2009 - Britt Rutherford Writes:
It was lovely to know you , Renee , I didn't get to know you too much; but when i did see you, meet 
you and know you, it was like you covered my heart with a blanket - making me feel all happy and 
warm inside! For what I could see, you were a great, loving, inspirational mother to Terry, Wendy, 
Judy and Joanne. I'm sure Benjy thought so too! We all miss and love you loads.

Brittany Josephine Choppen Rutherford - The English girl!
xxxxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxxxx

Posted at: 10:50 AM on October 31st, 2009 - jo Writes:
Back in December 2001, Uncle Keith mentioned to mother about his 60th wedding anniversary comming 
up in the spring and mother expressed her wishes to attend.  "But I will need to smoke and I can't 
in your home" she said. "You're right, but you can smoke in the garden" he said.  "I'll be there 
the whole time" she laughed.  Being a healer Uncle Keith said he could help her quit if she wanted 
to.  Again mother laughed, reluctant to believe that would be possible.  Well, Uncle Keith, I 
believe, put in a prayer during his meditation and within a week mother had quit, cold turkey, a 
habit she had had since she was twenty-one years old.  With her extra spending money she bought 
Benji which gave her an excuse to stay home without question.  In preparing to attend the 
anniversary party in England, only a week prior, mother suffered a small stroke.  She refused to 
see a doctor in fear she would not be able to go.  The stroke foundation said nothing really could 
be done and laughter would be the best medicine.  It certainly was and by the time we returned 
there was no evidence of her having had a stroke. I think it was a combination of Uncle Keiths 
healing powers, laugher, and of course mother's strong will to get on with life as I saw so 
evidently in the last six months.   

Posted at: 10:23 AM on October 31st, 2009 - Steve Rutherford Writes:
I was very impressed with the entire family and their commitment to their mother. This is a true 
testimant to the character of Renee.

Renee was an independent and considerate person. She always had a soft spot for children.

She made great egg sandwiches day and night.

I'll miss you, and I know Brittany will too.

Posted at: 8:31 AM on October 31st, 2009 - Nancy Rundle (O'Brien) Writes:
Dear Terry, Wendy, Judy, Joanne and family, I'm so sorry to hear about your mum.  There have been 
many memories with the Manderson family who lived across the street from us.  My thoughts are with 
you. Nancy

Posted at: 6:23 PM on October 30th, 2009 - gail Writes:
-and i really did love the jumpsuit nannie :D

Posted at: 6:23 PM on October 30th, 2009 - Gail Garceau  Writes:
I'll always appriciate Nannie's sense of humor; although, it may be hard to detect sometimes but 
even the wince of a smile can be a success at times, (although it isn't hard to get a chuckle on 
occasions). 
The classic buttered toast- no one makes it quite like her. 
And the epic golf video's.
I'll love you forever Nannie <3
your granddaughter
ggxox

Posted at: 9:17 AM on October 30th, 2009 - Dianne Ferguson Writes:
I probably only met Mrs. M half a dozen times but I've known her well for 25+ years 
(since Wendy then Judy and I started working together.  I didn't know then what a 
huge part of my life you all would be!  Through Wendy, the whole Manderson family 
became part of my life and one I always loved hearing about, Mother especially. It's 
small consolation but you're all very lucky to have had such a wonderful, capable, 
loving, thoughtful, strong, cheerful, generous matriarch (she's truly the definition 
of that word).  Truth be told I'm a little jealous!  The memories, thoughts and photos 
you're sharing now are a testament to Renee (Mickie) Elizabeth Mitchell Manderson.  
I know how much she'll be missed by all. 

Posted at: 3:39 AM on October 30th, 2009 - John Cripps Writes:
To Judy and all of Renee's Family,

Renee would know me and the name John. Sadly another link with a truly great generation has passed 
away but whenever the name of a certain World Two pilot is mentioned I will remember her with 
affection.

Sincerest condolences and sympathy from the United Kingdom

Posted at: 7:59 PM on October 29th, 2009 - Kieren Heilesen Writes:
I want to send an email up to heaven to great-nannie.  I will see you when I am very old.  
I am sorry you went to heaven.  I am sad.  
Thank you for all the visits and thank you for puppy too.  
Thank you for everything nice you did for me.  
I love you forever, and have a good time in heaven.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo.
Love, kieren.

Posted at: 7:21 PM on October 29th, 2009 - hayley garceau Writes:
one of the many things i loved about nanny was her adorable style..
she had her high waisted pants and cotton sweater tops. and when she went out somewhere nice she 
would were her cute little suites that always matched perfect.
always had an eye for fashion;)

Posted at: 6:52 PM on October 29th, 2009 - jo Writes:
Nannie's Tea Recipie: boiling water(good Etobicoke tap water)
                      two Tea-bags
Preheat stained teapot with boiling water, dump out,add bags, more boiling water, and steep(with a 
tea-cozy for 7 minutes.  Pour milk in first into a stained teacup.  Hint:  Never use a dishwasher 
for your cups or your teapot.


Posted at: 6:45 PM on October 29th, 2009 - jo Writes:
Saying good-bye to Keith on our last trip to England turned out to be an odd experience. As we 
stood on the desserted platform giving our hugs, Wendy, Keith, and I, a strange little man appeared 
out of nowhere.  Just as mother's face was contorting into a grief striken expression at the 
thought of never seeing her brother again, this little man came into the scene requesting hugs as 
well. We abliged and the next thing you know, we were all laughing as the train pulled in.  There 
was no time for tears.  The little man followed us onto the train, offered me some of his orange 
Fanta(which I pretended to take to freak out mother) and disappeared as quickly as he had come.

Posted at: 6:28 PM on October 29th, 2009 - jo Writes:
Mother used to like to knit for every grandchild and she worked very hard and long on little green 
jumpsuit for Gail.  Problem was, it had no openings for the feet or the hands and Gail seemed a 
little bound by it.  We all had a good laugh as Gail struggled to get out of it.  Poor Nannie, Gail 
would never wear it again.

Posted at: 4:52 PM on October 29th, 2009 - Rick Lemieux Writes:
Three words.... LEMON MERINGUE PIE.  

Nannie's was the best!

Posted at: 4:48 PM on October 29th, 2009 - Amanda Writes:
What's this about rectangle toast?  Did she ever eat it not as soldiers?

Also, where is Nannie's Christmas Cake recipe, or maybe Nannie's Flapjacks?  MMMmmmmm

Posted at: 4:47 PM on October 29th, 2009 - Rick Lemieux Writes:
Nannie was the quintessential grandmother.  The very definition could not have been more precise to 
a “tea” when describing her.  Speaking of tea I will agree with Ryan and say there was something 
about Nannies tea, whether it was the taste or smell, it brought a sense of familiarity and 
comfort.  Like walking into 36 Westhead and seeing Nannies chair when you reached the top of the 
stairs or the creak the hall use to make near the vent on the floor.  We all have our own 
experiences, moments, and memories, which we will forever cherish as our own.  For me it was the 
family gatherings and Nannie and I sharing a few moments outside with our “filthy” smoking habit.  
In those few moments sharing a smoke we would talk about Grandpa, the War, England, uncle Keith and 
so much more.  Watching her doing “Charlie and Billy” with Isiah and then later Emma.  The way she 
signed her name on birthday cards.  These memories don’t even begin to scratch the surface, there 
have been so many more that have come rushing back these last few days.  Nannie was my last living 
grandparent and with no disrespect to the three who have passed on (Jim, Fern, Lloyd) before her 
she was special.  I am so grateful that my children have had the opportunity to experience her 
smile, her laugh, and her love.
It’s been a tough year for the Lemieux family, we have now lost two people who not only meant a 
great deal to Christine and I but more importantly two people who have had such a positive effect 
on our children’s lives.  You can’t replace these people but you can never forget.  

Missing you always and forever…


Posted at: 4:40 PM on October 29th, 2009 - jo Writes:
Just so you all know, The reason I called mother by her first name was because of Walter Grant 
Hinton.  He was only two (and a half) and "Mrs. Manderson" was a little wordy for such a young 
fellow even though he said his full name all the time (go figure).  Mother had him call her Mickie 
and from that I called her Renee(go figure again).
One day Jimbo, Renee, and I (and my dog Rupen) went for a walk at Marie Curtis park.  Mother picked 
up a stick to throw for the dog and whacked Jimbo in the back of the head. "YOU SILLY OLD WOMAN!"
he replied. I had one of those laughs where you cry.


Posted at: 4:13 PM on October 29th, 2009 - jo Writes:
Recipie for Nannie's Toast: 

1 piece of square white bread (not 100% whole of anything)
1 heaping tablespoon of butter or Becel
lots of love


Toast bread (both sides) and let sit in toaster for 60 seconds.
Spread butter(Becel) generously to the edges. Cut in rectangles.
Option: For  Rene'e's toast use french stick.

Posted at: 1:01 PM on October 29th, 2009 - Amanda Heilesen (nee Manderson) Writes:
Nannie may have been one of the strongest women I have ever met.  She also had what I would call the 
strongest moral compass I have ever seen in a person.  Nannie lived her life doing what she believed 
was right and good.  She gave so much of her time to others.  When my Mom was sick with Cancer when 
I was young I spend a lot of time with Nannie and Grandpa.  I remember being givin Kit Kat and 
chocolate milk before bed and thinking I was getting one over on someone!  She loved to give us 
small treats just to see us smile.  I also remember the "toast soldiers" and egg salad sandwhiches.  
One of my favourite memories may have been the year Dad told Nannie I was a bit homesick while 
working at Doe Lake for the summer.  Nannie sent up a freshly baked Christmas Cake so I could have a 
taste of home.  That week some of the other staff and I enjoyed a real "Christmas in July!"

From my childhood I remember Nannie in the pool on the big green frog.  I remember listening to the 
"teddy bear picnic" song to fall asleep on sleepovers, and many fresh baked goodies! I remember 
Nannie helping out at brownies and her basement full of cookies in the spring.  I remember her 
beautiful garden and being sent to pick mint to put into the peas.  I remember much love and 
happiness.

Perhaps what I will remember the most is the support Nannie gave me recently.  Nannie and I would 
talk about some of the challenges I was facing with Lauryn's health.  Nannie always listened and 
gave me positive advice.  She loved my children and cared very much about them especially when they 
struggled.  She recently purchased a jogger for Lauryn as she was no longer able to use her 
stroller.  Everytime I put her into it I will remember Nannie's kindness and generosity.

Whenever I would visit Nannie or talk to her on the phone, I would end the call be saying "I love 
you".  Nannie woud just say ok and hang up.  One day last year sometime she said to me "You may 
notice I don't say I love you back, and that's just how I was brought up, but I do want you to know 
I love you, and I hope you know that even though I don't say the words".  I told her I knew.  Every 
conversation after that I would still say I love you and recently she did start saying it back.  The 
last time I saw her just a couple of weeks ago I hugged her as I left and she said "I love you 
sweetheart" before I could say it to her.  I knew.... I think we all did even if she didn't say it 
often.

Nannie will always be remembered in our thoughts and prayers.  We hope she is at peace and is in the 
company of those she has lost and loved in her lifetime.  We will miss her always.

Love, Mandy (Amanda) xo xo

Posted at: 10:10 PM on October 28th, 2009 - Janet & Terry Manderson Writes:
My family separated in 1962,I moved to my Aunts house in March of that year.
Not long after while sitting with my cousin Tom on the front veranda,at age 12yrs.
I saw this really handsome guy,riding his bike down North Carson.
I just couldn’t believe how cute he was! I said to my cousin Tom”Here comes Elvis riding his bike”.
Tom yelled “Hey Mandy” and I ran in the house.Peeking the through the curtains while this handsome 
guy was talking to Tom...I was in love.

Terry started to come over alot.I used to brush my hair and hurry down to the rec room just to see 
him.About two weeks into Terry’s visits he kissed me and said “One day I’m going to marry you”.Then 
he just left and went home.

In August of 1962 Terry told me to run away next week,were getting married.
Our plan was to go to the States and get married !
Where was the States ?  How would we get there?  Terry still had a bike !
While sitting in a friend of  Terry’s car at Westhead Rd.  and Aintree Crt. . trying to make plans 
to get to the States for what Terry called “Our Destiny” I met Mother !

She came running down Westhead toward us.She said we couldn’t get married at age 12&14
She offered to let me come to the house and have a bath and something to eat.
Terry wouldn’t have any part of that.He said “she’s going to call the police”
We took off in Terry Hills car and went to the gas station at Brownsline and Horner.
Thats as far as we got before the police caught us!
It’s 47 yrs.later,When Mother was at Tall Pines we brought this memory up.
Mother said “ you didn’t love me back then”I told her “ we couldn’t love her more”
We had the chance to Thank her for “Our Destiny” and to let her know that she was Respected Admired 
and Loved very much.
We will always miss Mother.



Posted at: 10:08 PM on October 28th, 2009 - Wendy Manderson Writes:
Mum was born March 22, 1924 to Arthur and Enid Mitchell in London England.  She was the youngest of 
three children.  Her sister, Barbara was 9 and her brother Keith was 7 on the day of her birth.  
When Mum was 9, her sister Barbara was in an accident and died shortly after. Her brother Keith, at 
the age of 93, is living with his wife Audrey in England.  Mum last visited England in 2002, with 
Joanne and I, to celebrate Keith and Audrey’s 60th anniversary.

Until Mum was 9 she was looked after by Nanny Plasket who she loved dearly.  Later she would ask 
Nanny Plasket to be my Godmother.  When Nanny Plasket retired from looking after children, she came 
back to Grannie and Grandpa’s home and helped to look after them.  

 Her special friend growing up was Bobette.  When Mum, Rick and I visited England in 1982 we stayed 
with Bobette and her husband Jeff for a few days.  They took us to see where the “Star Wars” movie 
was made, that was a thrill for Rick.  We also got to see Bobette when we visited in 2002.  This 
special friendship has survived all these years with letters and in later years, phone calls.

Another special childhood friend was John Scott; he lived across the road from Mum when they were 
growing up.  He was a little younger and would follow her around.  She asked him to be my Godfather.  
We also saw him when we were over in 2002.  He had Joanne and me laughing with all the stories of 
Mum when they were teenagers...

When Mum was 17, England was at war and she joined up.  She got here nick name Mickie then because 
there were three other Renees in her unit.  She went by that name most of her life.  She met Dad 
when she went to see a Frank Sinatra movie.  They married when the war was over (February 20, 1946).  
Later that year she traveled to Canada as a war bride.  She was lucky that Dad was on the same ship, 
even though they were only able to visit with each other a few hours a day.  When the ship arrived 
in Halifax they were separated, Dad was sent to Toronto to be repatriated and Mom was put on a 
separate train.  Dad met up with her again when she arrived in Toronto where she then met Uncle 
Harry and Aunt Sheila also.  A few years ago, I found out that Sheila had written letters to Mum in 
England to welcome here into the family and I think their life long friendship began before they 
even met.   

On September 6th, 1947 Mum became a Mother with the birth of Terry. Two years later on August 27th, 
1949 I was born.  Shortly after my birth Mum, Terry and I traveled back to England and stayed with 
her parents while Dad worked to save enough money to buy us a home. We returned two years later when 
he had purchased a house in Alderwood.  We stayed there only 9 months before Dad purchased 36 
Westhead for us.  Mum stayed in that house from 1953 until May 2009.  She always said, “Your Dad 
bought me this house and I do not want to leave”.   She also met her other life long friend after 
moving onto Westhead.  The Potters, Jim and Corrine lived across the street.  Corrine was also a war 
bride from Holland.  

After returning from England Mum had two more children.  Judy was born October 31st, 1954 and Joanne 
November 14th, 1957.  

She was always there for us.  In the summer she would give us blankets so we could build a fort in 
the pussy willow trees in the back yard.  She would bring us out a picnic lunch (usually egg 
sandwiches); she also would fill a tub in the early years or a small pool later on so we could cool 
off.  In the winter, Dad and Mum would make us a large rink in the back yard so we could skate and 
she would bring hot chocolate to warm us up.  Sunday dinners were always special, usually with a 
roast of some kind and a couple of pies.   When I had my children I tried to make Sunday a special 
meal and even as my boys grew up I asked them to be home for Sunday dinner.  Ryan will still ask 
where the Sunday dessert is if I have not had time to make something.  

Christmas was also a very special time in our home.  Mum must have told Santa that we were really 
good kids because he always brought the most wonderful stockings filled with so many treasures.  We 
were allowed to open our stocking (which were left outside our bedroom doors) before Mum and Dad 
would get up.  I remember trying to wake Terry up one year because he did not seem to want his 
stocking.  I later found out he had been up before us all and already looked at what he had.  He 
would put it back and go back to sleep without anyone knowing.  After Mum had made tea for herself 
and Dad, we would all go into their bedroom to show them all the treasures we had received. We were 
then allowed to go into the livingroom to see if Santa had left that special gift we had asked for 
(Santa never let us down).   Before we opened the presents from Mum and Dad, Grannie & Grandpa and 
each other, we always had to have breakfast (usually the small boxes of cereal and a grapefruit, 
which was a treat for us).  We then had to get dressed and if we were having Christmas dinner at our 
house, the turkey had to be put in the oven.  When everything was done, we would sit down and we 
opened everything one at a time.  I do not remember when it started but for many years we would 
spend Christmas at our house and New Years at the Potter’s. The following year would be Christmas at 
the Potters & New Years at home.  They were always wonderful days, thanks to Mum, Dad, Corrine and 
Jim.   The last ten years Mum has come to my home on Christmas Eve.  Ryan, Mum and I would hang up 
our stocking on the fireplace down in the rec. room.  In the morning I would make the tea, go light 
the tree and turn on the fire, then Ryan and Mum would come down to see what Santa had brought.  We 
will really miss her this year.

In 1959 when I wanted to become a Brownie, the pack was short of leaders and Mum joined the 64A 
Alderwood Brownie pack as Tawny Owl. She later became the Brown Owl.  She loved the Brownies; she 
received her camping license and spent many weekends taking Brownies to Piper’s Hill (a camp near 
Tottenham).  She also spent a week one summer at the Doe Lake Provincial Guide Camp.  One summer she 
traveled to Europe with a group of Rangers to visit Olave House in England and Our Chalet in 
Switzerland as well as a few other countries.  She and I opened the 92nd Guide Company in the 1970’s 
when there were too many girls for the 64th Company to take.  She only stayed with the Guides for a 
few years and returned to the Brownies until the 1990’s.   She was a Snowy Owl in Judy’s 64B Brownie 
pack.   This past June when Piper’s Hill was celebrating its 50th anniversary Judy, Joanne and I 
took Mum up for the day.  She really enjoyed talking to all the people and the singing songs around 
the flag pole in front of the lodge.


The saddest day of Mum’s life was January 10, 1988; Dad had a heart attack and died at the end of 
his shift at the Humber loop.  I will never forget seeing her getting out of the car and walking up 
the driveway after going to the hospital to see him.  I spent the next week with her as much as I 
could and it was so sad.  She did not go to Dad’s funeral but we all came back to the house 
afterwards and then as we all returned to our lives she had to start a whole new journey.

As Mum never learned to drive it fell upon us to take here shopping and outings.   She managed for 
several years to look after the house on her own.  The last several years we have been there for her 
to look after things she could no longer do.  I did up a room for her in my home five years ago and 
she always would say she was not ready yet.  Well she never got to move in as she fell in May and 
broke her foot.  She ended up in the hospital and the Doctors felt she should not be on here own.  
When she left the hospital she was moved into a nursing home on the East Mall.  We wanted her closer 
to all of us and on September 17 she moved into Tall Pines in Brampton.  She had a lovely room on 
the 3rd floor overlooking the city of Toronto.  Mum always thought she could get around on her own 
and unfortunately she had a fall a couple of days after her move to Tall Pines and broke her hip, 
she was taken to the hospital. Her body could not recover from all that it was going through.  Over 
the next 5 weeks we were with her 24/7, the last two weeks she was back at Tall Pines.  It was a 
very sad time but a time for reflecting back over the wonderful life we had shared with her.  Mum 
died when I was with her Saturday evening.  She just stopped breathing.

My life will never be the same without her but with so many wonderful memories it will be ok.

Wendy


Posted at: 12:12 PM on October 28th, 2009 - Ryan Manderson-Quinn Writes:
My Nannie:  Always had the best toast for some reason, whether it be cut into triangles or was 
soldiers to go with my boiled egg.  The tea also had a distinct taste which made that recognizable 
oppose to any other tea.  I have never been a "big on family" type of person, but when I look back at 
the time I did spend with my Nannie, it may have been more than I have spent with any other family 
member I don't live with.  The occasional weekend trip to the house with my mom, or when I got my 
own vehicle I remember having made a trip or two on my own.  There are memories I have of my Nannie 
and I will hold them with me and remember the good times.  She is in a better place now with her 
husband who has been waiting patiently, and when the time comes, I will join for toast soldiers, 
boiled egg and tea.

Love always,
Ryan MQ