Maureen Geddes
December 6th, 2019
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our Mum, Maureen Geddes, aged 78, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Maureen was born in Glasgow Scotland, the 2nd child to parents John and Eve Lewis. She moved to London England at the start of World War II, 1945.
Maureen worked in the printing industry and joined Alcraft/Ronalds in 1973 working as a sales co-ordinator/sales person. In 1987 she moved to Nova Corp. as a proof reader/copyeditor. She retired from Nova Corp. in 1996 and opened her own Company, Redpen Copyediting Ltd. There her knowledge of the English language, in which she excelled, was put to good use building a successful company. She retired completely in 2008 allowing more time for crosswords, dogs and her close family and friends.
Maureen married Ian Geddes in 1960 and emigrated to Canada with three daughters in 1967. She parted ways with Ian in 1972 and met her partner, the late Dave Crowhurst, in 1977. Maureen and Dave spent 11 wonderful years together until his untimely death in 1988.
Following assessments and diagnosis of Maureen’s illness in November, her health declined at an alarming pace. Fortunately, with the loving care of her 3 daughters in the final days, it was possible to respect her wish and have her remain at home. Maureen enjoyed visits from all four of her grandchildren which lifted her morale. Her brother David was relieved to arrive from the UK in time to spend a couple of days exchanging reminiscences and fond farewells with his beloved elder sister. Adored Yorkshire Terrier Spencer stayed close to her mum at all times and will now move to join her friend Winston at Julie’s house.
It was of some comfort that when Maureen passed away, she was surrounded by all of her immediate family and in her own bedroom. Maureen was amazingly strong and dignified, sustained by a firm belief that she was going to rejoin her elder brother, parents and Dave Crowhurst. She will be missed by all of us more than she could ever have imagined, but her values and standards will endure with us forever.
Maureen is survived by her three daughters, Carole Andrews, Julie Geddes and Jackie Stevens (Grant); and by younger brother, David Lewis (Anne). She is also survived by four grandchildren, Jordan Watt (Christa), Brandon Watt (Alyssa), Brett Stevens (Ashley) and Bryce Stevens; as well as six great grandchildren, Leland, Chelsea, Brayden, Isabella, Aaliyah and Evan; and many nieces and nephews in England and Australia. Maureen’s much-loved elder brother, John Brian Lewis predeceased her by 11 years.
As per Maureen`s request there will be no funeral, details of a Celebration of Life will be announced shortly.
Messages:
I am a garbage foreman, and Maureen was one of my favorite people, as she was always very polite and welcoming. I'd like to share a story. This is also the story of how I met Julie for the first time. I was checking up on my garbage men in the area and I saw Maureen standing outside in the back lane. She had always been so nice to me, so I drove up to say hi and saw she was crying and frantically talking to someone on the phone, who I later found out was Julie. I asked what was wrong, and through the waterfall of tears, she said "my house is flooding in the kitchen and I don't know what to do!". I told her that I would go inside and see if there was something I could do. So with Maureen right behind me, crying and still on the phone with Julie, I see there is water everywhere on the floor. This is the part where I met her daughter Julie for the first time. I don't know how Julie's mind works, but I'm sure some of you do. Just imagine ... Julie races into her mother's house, anxiously calling out for her. Then she walks into the kitchen to find me spread out on the floor with Maureen standing over me crying. Julie says " Oh my God Mom, what have you done?! ". I jumped up and was nearly knocked unconscious when I hit my head on the sink! We all had a good laugh and I'll always remember the day I saved Maureen, and got to meet Julie! Since that day, they both have been very special to me and my crew. When I'm having a bad day at work, I think about Maureen and Julie (and the doggies!) and that always makes me smile. I will miss that special lady very much and send my deepest condolences. It is so hard to lose a loved one, but especially during the holidays. My wife and I share your sorrow as we lost her mother last Christmas. Our thoughts are with you Julie, and your family.
My deepest condolences to Maureen's family. My time getting to know Maureen was brief, yet impactful and I will forever treasure that I had the opportunity to have crossed paths with her.
Julie, Carole and Jackie, My sincere condolences to you and your families on the loss of your sweet Mum or as I called her "Mo". May you all find peace and comfort together in the days to come. Much Love, Jody
Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.
So sorry for your loss - my thoughts are with Julie, Jackie & the whole family at this sad time.
My heart goes out to the family in this sad time. Hugs to Julie, Jackie and Carol. Thoughts are with you all. Xoxo
Julie, Although years have passed I enjoyed visiting with your Mum. Her sense of humour and smile always filled a room. I’m sure she is very proud of her family as you have spent time with her and cared for her always. My condolences to you and Family. Love and Hugs Helen
Julie and Family, Gerry and I send our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mum. We are thinking of you all during this very difficult time.
Rest In Peace the Queen of Riverbend your princess in waiting will miss you
I met Maureen a year ago. I will always remember her kindness and the stories she would tell me. She reminded me of my mom. She didn’t know that but it was a comfort for me. Love her to bits and will miss her. Condolences to Julie whom I also adore. ❤️
So sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to you, Jackie.