March of this year was the death of the my Grandmother/Godmother whom I loved immensly. I was her eldest Grandchild and we were extremely close. I lost her completely by suprise and spoke to her merely hours before she passed away. I was commissioned by my Father to do the eulogy which I delivered 4 days later (my 22nd birthday also) and thought I'd share it with whomever would want to read it. so here goes

My Meme

By Dylan Pattyn

We in life are often privileged enough to get to know certain people who can truly make us do things we wouldn't normally do. Some through influence, others through inspiration and some just because we never wish to disappoint them. These people can be friends, co-workers, teachers, and more often than not we can find these type people in our own family.

Marcella Pattyn nee Vermeulen was born October twenty-ninth, nineteen-thirty-one in Middelkerke, Belgium. Her parents were Omer and Emerance Vermeulen. She lived through the great depression, the second world war, relocating to Canada after marrying my Grandfather Marcel, raising 2 boys, helping care for her mother and father in law,  and much later on helping take care of her grandchildren, whom she gave so much to. She never denied us anything, especially me.

I remember every time my family moved we'd go stay with Meme and Pepe. She was always ready for us with cookies and gum. Taking my brothers and I for a walk to the mailbox. She even gave us the responsibility to open box 386 for her sometimes. I have so many memories of my Meme. Not one of them is a bad. How many of us can say that about someone we knew?

My Grandmother was one person whom I hated to disappoint or see disappointed. Through her own goodness and selflessness she gave so many of us the aching to do good that made us all better people. She never asked anything for herself but devoted her time, strength, mind and heart to enrich us all with so much.

She praised us for our achievements and never hesitated to forgive us for our shortcomings. She loved us the way only a Mother could and did so with such enthusiasm and a never-ending amount of effort. Never was there a day I didn't smile when I thought of her. Never

She praised us for our achievements and never hesitated to forgive us for our shortcomings. She loved us the way only a Mother could and did so with such enthusiasm and a never-ending amount of effort. Never was there a day I didn't smile when I thought of her. Never

could I have ever wished for more in a grandmother. Never again will anyone know anyone else like her. We were beyond fortune to have even known Marcella Pattyn.

Throughout High School and College I always tried to make a point of calling her once a week. When I moved on to Calgary I increased the frequency of these calls. I did not get to see her as often because I was three thousand miles away and missed her so much.

My Grandmother wanted nothing but the best for me. Just like I know she did all of us. She was one of the biggest supporters of my relocation to Calgary. I think mostly because she understood that to succeed in life people sometimes have to move away from where you grew up. Away from those you love and care about to pursue a new life like she did.

During Christmas Holidays she told me not to call as often because she did not want me wasting the money on long distance calls. She never wanted us to sacrifice anything for her. No matter how much she gave she never really allowed us to give back. So many of us tried. Tried with all we could to return the kindness she blessed us with and yet she'd never allow it.

She was my Father's Mother, My Grandfather's wife, My Grandmother, My God Mother. She was so much to so many. She was a saint all of her life and she'll be my angel forever.