Ramona Bernadette Mullen (Legare)


A little girl had a friend; the friend’s grandmother would only let her be called "Mona". This little girl grew up with "Mona" in her life. Upon hearing of her passing she wrote......

"Mona was one of the most interesting women that I have had the privilege to know.
I loved how she challenged me.
She really made me work for my opinions and I always appreciated that..."

Mona was a forthright mom to her children Kerry (Mark), Bruce (Trelee), Michael, and Mark (Carrie). She was openly generous with her grandchildren Alison (Kevin), Michael, Tayler, Kaitlyn, Kirkland, Liam, and great-grandchildren Alyssa, Brayden and Rylan. Mona was uniquely her own, she was honest to her soul and had little tolerance for nonsense. Sometimes her candidness worked in your favour, sometimes not......no matter, she batted with a pretty high percentage. At a very early age we were encouraged to participate in discussions on various topics during daily living room gatherings and family meals. It was here that our bond with our parents would come to define our own lives. We learned about family values, character, friendships, the importance of history and current world issues. You would try to show up prepared, you knew you would be encouraged to share. In her final days she continued to sit at her desk clipping out articles for us to read. This truly was our parent’s legacy. Ramona grew up on a family farm in Assiniboia - Willow Bunch area. Her parents (Marc and Catherine) raised mom along with her siblings Cecilia, Kevin, Colleen and Dale. Her dad's grandfather was "Jean Louis Legare" and his first cousin was the "Willow Bunch Giant". To say the least...a very interesting heritage. Mona first laid eyes on her handsome eligible bachelor Bill as he stepped off the bus to practice dentistry in Assiniboia. It didn't take him long to notice a very attractive woman who had a terrific sense of style! (Whether it was fashion, design, cooking or entertaining, her creative and artistic energies would remain until her passing). Neither one for fanfare, they eloped and moved to Moose Jaw. They had 50 wonderful years together with family and friends. Mona passed peacefully with her family there to support and comfort her. We gave her our love and knew that she had decided that it was time to say goodbye. Together with Dad, their voices will echo clearly in our hearts. Honouring Mom's request, a funeral will not be held. In the early spring a gathering in "Mona's Style" will be held for those who shared in her life.

Left in her own special way for us to discover...

COMES THE DAWN
After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans.
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure
That you really are strong.
And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn
With every goodbye you learn.

Author: Veronica A. Shoffstall