Service

Date of Service: 2008-06-07

Location of Service: Services in Thornbury and Ottawa, ON

Eulogies:

A shortened version of the eulogy that was read at her memorial servives has been added to the biography section of this memorial.

MEMORIAL CELEBRATION CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND GOODNESS OF MARY RALPHS Reverend Stephen Haig St. George’s Anglican Church The Town of Blue Mountains, Ontario Thornbury June 7, 2008 Today we gather in answer to the call of death The death of Mary Ralphs As a family, Parish family, Community of friends – this death hit us hard. For she seemed to be well. She was happy and vibrant. Yes, she was older; hence the name elderberry seemed to fit. But she was really healthy. Then there were a couple of bumps, then a massive unexpected stroke, then lingering for way too long. Then she was gone, and you, we, were left to grieve and pick up the pieces. For many of you that were hard and still is. It was hard too as Mary was such a fabulous person: Feisty, active, alive, and vital. She was a friend. She loved and was loved. But then it seemed to be over. She was lost from our earthly experience. She would want me to tell you that it is not over (In fact, would be cross if I didn’t remind you of that truth). The journey goes on. The dance goes on, just in a different way and on a different shore. Mary believed that! She had great faith. Her capacity to put her faith in her Lord was only matched by her capacity to love and care. So today we gather to give Mary back to the God in whom she placed her faith, and whom she loved. Yes Mary died and that hurts. But Mary also lived well; she laughed often; she loved deeply. So, in some way the quality and goodness of her living I hope takes a little bit of the “sting” out of her dying. Our task in light of all the bittersweet feelings is to let her go too, as I said, give her back to God, to open the arms of our love, to release her into the arms of another. And perhaps too, into the arms of those whom she loved and who have passed before her. Today then is not a failure. It is a graduation, a celebration of a life well lived. I thank God that I had at least a few months to get to know this great lady. Mary – it was a privilege and an honour.