---68’th wedding anniversary: sharing in love, a son’s hommage

--from Elise, Steve, Mathieu and Marie We love you both endlessly

My mom’s name is Iris Carmel Blais (nee Kilby).  She was the youngest of 5 girls, raised by my grandfather only as she lost her mother at the age of 3.  She was born in Eganville, Ontario on March 18th, 1924 and will turn 97 next month.  She was a career public servant with the Federal government.

My dad’s name is Royal Raoul Blais, one of nine siblings born and raised in Hull, Quebec.  He was born on March 27th, 1931 and will turn 90 next month (yes, Mom was a cougar and she robbed the cradle).  He also was a career public servant with Revenue, Customs and Excise. Throughout his career he had to hold down two or three other jobs at times to make ends meet. 

Both spent the vast majority of their lives living in Hull, Gatineau, Cantley and ultimately here in Aylmer.  In 1964 they moved to what was then called Gatineau Mills, which had a grand total of 6000 people at the time.  It was where they bought their first house.  They spent 5 years at Chateau Symmes before moving to l’Initiale about 2 years ago.  Unfortunately Mom was moved to the long-term care home la Renaissance last August with Dad continuing to live at l’Initiale.  They are both finding the physical separation difficult. After having spent the better part of 67 years together that goes without saying I’m afraid.

They were married on March 7th, 1953 and are the proud parents of two sons, both of whom are married and have blessed them with three grand-children.  I will share with you that my older brother and his wife and children are now estranged from Mom and Dad but will ask you not to make any reference to that fact please.

When she was young, Mom went to see a palm and card reader to have her future revealed.  The psychic told her she would marry a fine gentleman from across a body of water who spoke a foreign language.  Mom was thrilled and was expecting either an Italian or Frenchman from across the Atlantic, but, alas, had to settle for a francophone Canadian who lived across the Ottawa River.  All told I think she did exceptionally well.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad,