We all know Marion Ruddy differently, whether she was a friend, an aquaintence, a mother or GG. As one of her four grandchildren, there are a few things that distinctly made her our grandmother. 


Like many children I know I always looked forward to her visits. Now Whether it was the endless boxes of Chapman's  ice cream in her basement or her determination that she give candy and money to me behind my parents' back...I'll never know why. 
She was very covert about it...slipping a chocolate bar or a 5 dollar bill into my hand with a whisper "don't tell your mother"....


I'd be remiss if I forgot to thank grandma for sharing some of her favorite things with us. I mean how many 8 year Olds enjoy licorice all sorts and Benny Hill?
I know Barry and I did...or at least I think we did. 


A stubborn, determined and fiercely indepentdant woman...grandma could always be counted on to make sure that the people that she paid to clear snow or cut her grass had nothing to do when they came to her house. She would always go out and complete these tasks before they arrived. 


I could go on about moments that were uniquely grandma but there are two that really define my favourite traits of hers. 


After our grandfather's accident, grandma came to stay at our house for a while. As a typical 18 year old I had a habit of coming home at hours that my parents would probably describe as irresponsible. One evening in particular I remember coming home and walking past grandma's room to see her sitting sitting cross legged on her bed eating candy from her purse. When she realized that I saw her, she looked over to me and simply offered me some. Her sweets were never more than an arm reach away!


Anyone who was close to our grandmother would know she at time wielded a dagger like tongue and would not be surprised that she was the first person to ever tell me to "pi** off"  


In the early years of the cricket ground in inverhaugh,  grandma was a fixture at the field. Although you might think she spent her time reading Harlequin romance on the porch ... Instead she was armed with her green handled rake and a push mower. Grandma worked tirelessly to keep the yard looking neat and tidy. 
One day, I recall having a conversation with her about all the apples that seemed to fall endlessly on the yard.  This drove grandma "crazy" as she couldn't keep up with raking and the falling apples. 
After making a typical smart mouthed "Ian" remark to her, grandma simply turned to me and said "oh....pi** off" and returned to her raking. 


Despite the obstacles thrown at grandma...she never lost her winning smile. And though I could go on with my tales of grandma moments...we can share more another time. 


Good bye grandma. We love you.