Friday, April 7, 2023
We Remember Jas,
Mary Monti and I first met Jas at One Erie Street, which is an old 30’s style apartment building on the shoreline of the lake in Stratford. We got to know her as an active, loving and independent person who cared deeply for family and friends. Back then we would have little birthday parties and Christmas celebrations with the other tenants. Quite often Mary and I would find ourselves sitting on either side of Jas, as she would come along and give us the nod indicating her intention to sit down between us. When asked, she would tell us stories of her shuffleboard and bowling prowess at the local seniors club, where it was my understanding that she rarely ended up as second best. She would never tell us this in a boastful way, but if asked, she would tell the truth always, and with a nod and twinkle in her eye, the facts became known… I get the feeling that there were a lot of senior men ”put in their place” by the unassuming and polite Jasmat.
I always got the impression that Jas was fond of men. Well she was always very friendly to me anyway, and she liked to sit close by when we were together. I often thought that she looked incredibly good for her age and that she must have been quite beautiful in her youth, as she was still in her 90’s. How often can you say that about someone? Her skin was flawless, and even in the last couple years, while my face started to look like a roadmap of lifelines, hers remained pristine. A one hundred year old woman with great skin… now that’s something to be remembered by.
My mother, who passed last Fall at 92 years was lodged at the same Seniors Home so we would see Jas quite often, and especially when I would drop Mom off in the dining room for a meal. Jas and I would exchange pleasantries and she would smile and invite me to dine with her even though there was no place to sit.
There was always a smile and a twinkle in her eyes.
We will miss that Jas.
We pray that your next journey brings you peace and contentment.
Tim & Mary
