Betty MEREDITH

Thoughts of Daisy

I'm an old friend of Bob's and when I first met Daisy it was probably 1975 and I can remember walking through her garden gate on 11th Avenue into the most magical garden I'd ever seen. Over the last 40 years, I've always had a flower garden of some sort, and I've moved a lot so I've had many. I always wanted to make my gardens like hers, but to no avail, there was always something lacking. I could never quite get “IT.” I couldn't ever quite get my garden to have the same sparkle or the peacefulness or whatever “IT” was that she did to make it so beautiful. And she made more than just her garden beautiful. To this day I always think of Daisy when I'm in my garden, but I don't try to make it like hers any more. I realized that whatever “IT” was, whatever that specialness was, you couldn't recreate it because it was she herself that was part of that garden. It was the specialness of her. She was the sparkle.

I didn't in fact know you that well but the impression you left with me, when we met in Istanbul all those years ago, was of a strong,fun-loving, witty, adventurous,generous and definitely Tomlinson aunt. I'm sorry we didn't meet again but I expected you to go on for a long time yet....

Ever present are fond memories of dear Daisy, my revered mentor, and sincere gratitude for the kindness and warm friendship. It has been a privilege and joy knowing her since 1992 when we met for the first time, during which I expressed to her my utter delight and admiration over her unique English garden! After being informed of my role as a flower-arranger volunteer for Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, she had been most generous in offering regularly flowers and foliage from her garden- all done without any hesitation. Occasionally she would even use a pole(which I called her "magic wand") reaching for branches high up - a feat indeed, but how I panicked over injuries which might result, but no amount of pleading would or could stop her determination in pursuit of a good cause. Awesome!!! With all the blessings and sincerity,

Great Auntie B. was a wonderful lady who could always make me laugh. I was often surprised with what she would say as it didn't fit with the prim and proper lady she appeared to be! She will be dearly missed...Love you Auntie B!

We'll miss our kind, fun, and fantastic Auntie B.

Trevor & Sarah

Betty, you were always loving and upbeat and laughing at whatever I was in a twist about. You were fun - and a pretty good listener too. Until next time....