March 6, 1937 - October 2, 2024
In loving memory ~
This is a love letter to our Mum, Elizabeth. The lilting voice of our Scottish lass still in our ear, the imprint of her magnificent hands, her sea blue eyes now glorious in our memory. Elizabeth Coates Paxton Feron Hodson took her leave on October 2nd, 2024. Her beauty and grace filled the room that sunny day, our heartache eased to see our pure love reflected in her smile. What a gift.
Elizabeth walked the earth with a clear mandate to share the love that filled her heart. Her kindness was a refuge to family, friend, and stranger alike. If you knew her, you will have felt the draw of her heartstrings as she wrapped you in her grace. It seems impossible this day has come.
Elizabeth was born in Glasgow, Scotland on March 6th, 1937 the first of 6 children for Betty & Dave Feron. She endured wartime as a child alongside her sister Pearl and their young Scottish cousins. Missing their deployed fathers, they endured air raids, poverty, and rationing but the wee "bairns" felt only the sacred protection of their mums and aunties. This bond shaped Elizabeth's core values profoundly. When her dad returned from war the family grew and grand adventures were ahead.
The Feron family immigrated to Canada in 1953, settling in Manitoba near their Hanlin cousins. Elizabeth was soon hired as a bank teller, and the old farmers lined up at her wicket to hear the music of her thick Scottish brogue. She was a beauty.
It was not long before she fell in love and began her own family. Daughter Arlene was born on the prairies, followed by Cholene & Stirling after relocating to Vancouver. Once in Nanaimo Leith & Feron joined the fray. Five kids meant chaotic energy, noise, dozens of animals, camping, fishing, music, and above all - joy!
Her sincere ability to connect extended to her 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren who were safe under the protective wing of their "Nana". These "wee hens" never doubt they are loved for who they are. This is her legacy.
The bond with her siblings is unbreakable. They shared the hard times, stayed in step through the good, and their love for their "little big" sister was a gift to "Lizzy", making all the difference in her life. "My girl's a corker, she's a New Yorker...Roompa pa, roompa roompa pa!!"
Her heart felt such acceptance when she fell in love and married Alan Hodson, and we are ever grateful for the true love they found. Together again.
Left in the light of her love are sons Stirling (Sandra) Kelly, Leith Kelly, and her daughter Feron (Duff) Walker. Her son-in-law Randy Forbes (Carolle). Her beloved grandchildren: Kelly (Julie) Forbes, Scott (Leah) Forbes, Nolan (Carmen Boehlig) Kelly, Reece (Shalan) Kelly, Lucas (Jennelle) Kelly, Jenna Begin, Cory Begin, Tessa Walker, and Keyton (Jessica) Walker. Also, her superfans great-grandchildren: Isaac, Ryder & Anna Forbes; Eliza & Jamie Forbes; Sara & Justin Kelly; Tobias Boehlig-Kelly; Paisley Kelly; Paige, Indie & Nova Woods; Ayda-Jennelle ("AJ") Walker.
She was blessed by the love of her siblings Pearl (Greg) Chisholm, Anne Frederickson, Gwen Jones, and David (Diane) Feron. And the love keeps flowing through nieces, nephews, dear cousins, Alan's children (Dee, Victoria, Michael), his grandchildren, and all "in-laws".
Mum also leaves a plethora of true friends she collected on her life's journey. Many of you found her smiling gleefully as she took your money at the till at the restaurants she owned/operated with her son Leith: the Old Mill Family Restaurant, Husky House Diner, and Kelly's Kitchen Café. Yes! That Elizabeth! She started work as a pre-teen and retired with the sale of Kelly's at the age of 85. Legend!
Our hearts sing at the thought of her reuniting with those she missed so deeply; precious daughters Arlene Forbes & Cholene Begin; her husband Alan Hodson; son-in-law Al Begin; nephew Brian & niece Lynne Chisholm; brother Joshua Feron; brothers-in-law Kiwi & Glynn; Alan's daughter Jacqueline Hodson. And her adored parents Betty & Dave.
Through all she faced in life her heart did not despair. Instead, it grew. On her last day she said: "We are made of love, born to love, meant to receive love...we ARE love. This is my final lesson." Then added "I know every heart, and every heart knows mine." So never worry, she knew you loved her!
Channel her love and spread only kindness on earth. Accept people where they are on their personal journeys, love yourself despite imperfections. In return you will know the meaning of life is only love. Look for a little sunshine on your shoulder, that's her white light come to say hello. "494" Mum, our family's secret code meaning: "God keep you until we meet again, we will never forget where we came from".
Elizabeth's "Gathering" will be held Saturday 11:00am - 2:00pm on November 2nd, 2024 at Bowen Park Auditorium at Bowen Park (500 Bowen Road, near outdoor kin pool). You are welcome! Coffee/tea/light snacks. Her body was laid to rest in an intimate family service at Cedar Memorial Cemetery in accordance with her Baha'i Faith. Sincere gratitude to each of the kind souls who took care of Mum, especially this last year. Your compassion was felt and deeply appreciated - you are seen. If anyone would like to share a story, please email Feron at ocean56@hotmail.com
Thank You for loving our lassie so
Service Details
11:00 AM