DOROTHY SHIRLEY PROVOST (BULLARD)

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

• Condolences ~ I miss you Mom. - Posted by: Ingrid Jeanie Sundland () on: Dec 21, 2015

• I was born in a different time; to parents who taught love of the Creator, family, and Nation. They had a certain plan that involved ambition and a desire to move forward in life. Maybe my Dad did it his way, but Mom was the boss! My parents always made certain that I had respect for, and contact with my elders (we had a very large family with a lot of “ old people”). I took to referring to my Papas and Grannies in order of age and added their surnames (ex: “old granny Bullard – she wasn’t a “Bullard” by the time I knew her, but Mom said, she was my Papa Bullard’s mother so, case closed.) I am fortunate to have memories of at least four of my great grandparents. I came to think that almost everyone was my Auntie or Uncle and I honestly could not count how many cousins there were – a new one kept popping out, it seemed, every month or so. I loved (love) each one of them. …The first grandson – me! I was the new generation and my Mother took every opportunity to show me off. Spoiled? – Just a little bit. My suspicion was aroused when there was suddenly a lot of pink in the house. A sister!!! I had friends who had sisters, but here, - this thing could go either way. At least I was getting new bunk beds out of the deal. Some time passed and then, a brother!!! I loved him, but he was far too young to play baseball or go into the bush with me and, he kept taking all my toys. Another sister??? Oh great, more pink. Nobody asked me… I began to see a pattern developing. Boy, girl, boy, girl, ...boy? Another brother!? How did that happen? You said you weren’t going to have any more. Still, he’s the baby, gotta love him. And so it continues. The children of their children. My son, the first of several grandchildren, the many nieces, nephews, and their children….life goes on. One aspect of being the oldest child in such a large and loving family is the frequency with which grief enters your life as elders pass and walk on. Even as I write this, the many lessons learned and moments shared, fill me with so many memories to cherish. This was, and is her greatest gift to me… family. I could tell the story about how Mom taught me about fairness; a piece of pie was to be divided between my sister and I. There was some discussion about who would get the biggest slice until my mother spoke with the Wisdom of Solomon, “Brian will cut the pie and Debi, you can pick the first piece”. This ability to perform in a fair manner has served me well through life. I could tell you about her teaching me how to read, write, and “stay within the lines”, but I expect there are a few graduates of the “Humpty Dumpty Day-school” that can speak to that. Her quiet intelligence continued to astound me. During a visit to St Boniface I was watching the coverage of the Olympics with my Mother while an exciting ice-skating relay race was taking place. She started to call the action like she was there, seeing things that I was unaware of. She said, “Oh yeah, I used to be on the Provincial team. I was pretty good at it too.” None of this should have surprised me. She could draw, paint, do calligraphy, carpentry, cook, sew, knit, swim, fish, climb a mountain, shoot a gun, ride a horse (or a bull) … she was fearless. She was the Past President of the Jaycettes, and CWL, a bowler, - and on a pretty good team of course. She survived cancer, more than once, and had open-heart surgery among other illnesses that tried to claim her. “She was a tough old broad.” as my Uncle Garry said to me just the other day. She could light a fire, sleep under the stars, or sit peacefully in the rain. She was a Brownie leader, Métisse, a proud North End girl, an original“ bobby soxer” and could dance a mean jive. She had an unparalleled joie de vivre. She was my witness to life in a different time. I am honoured to say, she was my Mom! My brothers and sisters liked to tease each other about who Mom loved the best. When pressed for an answer, in her usual sage way her response would be “ I love each one of my children equally.” It may be that she didn’t love me the best, but she did love me the longest. I love you Ma. - Posted by: Brian Provost (eldest son) on: Dec 12, 2015

• Jeff and family, so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. (Dean,Darrin and families). - Posted by: Dean Honke (Lake Family) on: Dec 12, 2015

• Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Yvette,Rick and Leanne Leveque (Family) on: Dec 05, 2015

• I met Dorthy about 9 yrs ago she reminded me of my mother and thats how we became friends she was for me a special lady always had a smile and a hug for me I will miss her, she was a very special lady say hi to my Mom for me Dorthy I told her to meet you when you get there condolences to your family. Love ya Dorthy God Bless . - Posted by: Shelly Moquin (Co worker ) on: Dec 05, 2015

• Words cannot describe how we all feel about your passing. You will be missed by so many. Love you grandma! Until we meet again. Love Monique. (Misty, Melanie and Tielar) - Posted by: Monique (granddaughter) on: Dec 05, 2015