It has been only 2 days since we said our final farewells to my dear sister Ailsa. She was 78 and had been ill for the last four years, on and off. When she asked to go to the hospital two weeks ago we knew she was very very ill, since she had had to endure so many painful and invasive procedures and hated to go back. She took the many tests pretty graciously this time, even when they hurt. Nothing was found that could explain her decline, and treatment only slowed it down slightly. But she fought, and we fought with her - staying by her side as much as possible, keeping watch; keeping hope. Her young friend, Leela, bravely joined us - not willing to abandon her true friend.
But we lost her, and we were shocked and overwhelmed.
Now we attempt to share her life with all who knew her. We are amazed to see, when we look through many picture albums, all the marvelous experiences we all shared with Ailsa - most of which were instigated by her. Ailsa woodworking; Ailsa gold-panning up north; Ailsa roll-playing as pirate, adventurer, clown, coureur-des-bois; Ailsa teaching life skills to the young-'uns; and most of all, Ailsa taking care of animals, all sorts! Thanks, Ailsa. You were amazing, truly.
So many found memories of Ailsa. From Bill’s Friday nights, to visiting her in Seba Beach and from music and tree decorating parties at Mom’s she was always a joy to be around. What I cherish most is her love for animals and the gift that was for our family. She nursed a turtle with soft shell back to health and helped our son Ryan set up a home for “speedy” who was with us for years and later Jaynes son Lee gave him a home. She adopted our daughter Casey’s beloved “ Buttercup” dwarf rabbit when Casey moved to the Caribbean and loved her like her own for years. There was only one Ailsa. She’ll be truly missed.
I will always be grateful to Ailsa for her astonishing generosity in coming to my place (a long way from where she lived, in Scarborough) to look after my difficult cats whenever I was away for a week or a weekend. (Her darling mother did the same thing if Ailsa was unavailable.)
I will miss her, especially while I am watching the Leafs win the cup.
She will be dearly missed. I’ve known Alisa for so many years. We had fun working together at the pet store. We were even mistaken as the same person. We loved working with the animals. Alisa even managed to visit us in Innisfil. Love to all her family. Judy and Rick