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Maureen (Moe) Anstis

 
 
 

 

  
     
     
 

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Comments & Stories posted by guests
Last night I dreamt of Moe happily dancing in a floor length satin gown...

Today marks the day we remember Moe at 2 years past.
I miss her every day more and more...the MoTel phone calls, the happy chats, the much needed advice and updates of life in CT.

Saturday the entire Strong Family gathered together to honor the day. A wonderful BBQ, food, drink, badminton, beading crafts, board games and card games.

I think Moe was still dancing up a storm through the night.
Missing Moe.
Posted By: Catherine 2009-05-24
 
It's hard to believe that its already been one year. Remembering your smile, Remembering your laugh, Remembering all the good times, Remembering you. We miss you, and we will always remember you. Love you Maureen.
Posted By: Renee and John Gursoy 2008-05-24
 
What an amazing smile of Maureen, in every single picture! (It makes me think, I should smile more.) What a wonderful websight of Maureen and John. Both of their lives were a real tribute to the entire Strong family. Barry, you always made the members of our family smile and laugh. Your sense of humour was always so much appreciated. I certainly remember growing up and the entire Strong family every Christmas eve over at our house. You were all so beautiful and we loved having you in sunroom. We always wondered how those couple of boys survived with all those girls. But survive and flourished you all did. We never know when we'll get called back home, and so we have to all keep going, carry that torch, keep on living, and smile while we're at it. Maureen and John were both great role models and they are in everyone's heart!!
Posted By: Maureen Schiller 2008-04-06
 
First thing in the wee hours of the morning when the children awake, we open the front room shutters to greet the day and check the impending weather situation. On the morning of Georgia's first birthday, the girls and I looked out to find a great, big, bright, colorful rainbow right in front of us. Fana said: "It must be a birthday present from heaven from John and Maureen." Georgia says thank-you. It was the best birthday ever.
Posted By: Christina, sister 2007-09-16
 
In Memory of Moe.

On Sunday, Sept 16th, The Strong family and friends will participate in the Annual Terry Fox run/walk in Newmarket, Ontario in memory of Moe.

The event is non-competitive where people get together as individuals, families and groups to raise money in Terry’s name. It is a day of celebrating Terry’s legacy and helping to keep his dream of a cure for cancer alive. There is no entry fee and no prizes are awarded, although a certificate of appreciation is given when participants complete their journey.

You are invited to join us on this day (or to sponsoring us in Moe's memory) by logging into Strong Family at: https://www.terryfoxrun.org/ENGLISH/CORPORATE/FAMILY/INFORMATION/DEFAULT.ASP?S=1&COMPANYID=8019.

See you there!!

Posted By: Catherine Klasios 2007-09-04
 
Unfortunately once again I was out of the country when Moe left this life for a better place. Thanks to this web site I was able to be part of the celebration of her life. Moe's short life was no ordinary one,but a life well lived & well loved by her family & all who had the pleasure of knowing her. They will remember the happiest moments filled with joy & find solace in the many ways that Moe touched them. In every heart she touched, in every life she changed, in every thought she inspired, her love lives on. Her voice still echoes, her life still inspires, her light still shines & always will.
Posted By: Betty Romanchuk 2007-08-31
 
I only met Maureen personally on one occasion, but spoke with her on the phone numerous times. I felt like she was my friend, and I am deeply saddened to hear that she has left her precious family. I know only too well the pain in all of your hearts, as I lost my younger brother (47) on the 28th of May. My deepest heartfelt condolences to all of you. John be strong, look to Maureen for guidance, she is the angel on your shoulder.
Posted By: Jane Newman, Summers Insurance 2007-07-25
 
Moe was the type of woman, who upon meeting her, you instantly wanted to be her friend. She was warm, genuine and accepting. Whenever I am having a bad day, the thought of Moe pops into my head, gently reminding me to have fun, enjoy my children and don't sweat the small stuff. That is her legacy to me and I am grateful for having known her. She will always remain one of the most remarkable women I have ever known.
Posted By: Terri Tole, neighbor 2007-07-09
 
Thank God for Moe and for having had the priviledge of being blessed by her life: her beauty, her fun loving spirit, her strength and zest for life. We have many memories to hold dear, school days in Windsor, trips to Conneticut and California - fun filled and care free. Once in Conneticut, one of boys was having a meltdown at bedtime. He was screaming, so Lisa went up to see if there was anything she could do, but being the outstanding mother Moe was, she had everything under control. It didn't bother her one bit and she just said, "That's ok, everything will be ok." He kept screaming at the top of his lungs, but finally settled. Well, I guess some of us would like to scream too, missing Moe so much, but I think she would want us to know everything is ok; probably much better than that. Maybe she would even quote Mary Frye's poem:

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

I am the song that will never end.
I am the love of family and friend.
I am the child who has come to rest
In the arms of the Father who knows him best.

When you see the sunset fair,
I am the scented evening air.
I am the joy of a task well done.
I am the glow of the setting sun.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!


To all the family, please know that our love and prayers are with you and hope they bring you comfort.

Love the California Schillers: Lisa, Ed and Cameron
Posted By: Guest 2007-06-15
 
First and foremeost I would like to say how lucky I was to know Moe. Of anyone I've ever met Moe was the easiest to like and love - she was so open and accepting. In fact, despite me not liking the phone, she was one of the few people I could talk with on the phone at length! Her love for you and the boys was obvious and the strength she showed when we last visited was awesome ( and I mean the more traditional meaning of that word) - an obvious demonstration of that being her organization and attendance of your birthday party - I didn't think there was any way she could do that but she did and I believe it was done on the strength of her love and resolve. I'll miss her greatly.

Love,

David
(Taken from an e-mail from David Anstis to his brother John)
Posted By: John Anstis 2007-06-09
 
More thoughts to share...

As I lay and try to sleep after seeing you all tonight it is hard. I have so many great memories of Moe and even more now that you have shared more stories with me tonight. Each story made me laugh through my tears as I thought "That's Moe"!
I grew up with Moe working with the family at the "Ice Cream store" in Grand Bend.
As I remember our youth there are so many funny things I can recall but one really struck me tonight as I lay and try to sleep.
Being teenagers and spending summers in Grand Bend we would all want to spend our off time at the beach. I can't recall how many times(but I know it was many) that I would enter the Strong cottage and Moe, Christina and I would have a game plan---get out as soon as you can before Mom yells "don't forget to take
John and Tom!" We always managed to get out but Mommy Strong would always find us! And there we would be 3 teenage girls with a couple of littleboys tagging along!!
What made me want to share this is the fact of how Moe's life ended--with those pesky little boys taking care of her in her final years!
It really makes you think what family is all about!!

Cheers Moe I love ya and and I know your at peace!
God bless all of you
Jody (Windsor, ON)
Posted By: Moe's Sister 2007-06-08
 
I wanted to share with you something written about Maureen that is so right on. Beautiful. Thank You.

Her vibrant presence is immortal—evidenced by her consistently positive disposition, her unwavering and gracious hospitality, her selflessness, her sense of humor and ability to laugh, to look beautiful all the time, to mother better than the some of healthiest women I have known, to furnish others with her uncanny wisdom—all of this despite her daily health battles.
Her strength is an inspiration. I regret that I was unaware of her passing until recently, but feel so blessed to have known her, as you assured me I would, John.
Thank you for touching my life, Moe.
Dallas (Stratford CT)
Posted By: Moe's sister 2007-06-08
 
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with your family during this most dificult time, God Bless all of you and may he keep John and Moe by his side as his angels until you are all able to meet again.
Posted By: Lee and Jill Dowling 2007-06-01
 
One of my most vivid memories of Moe is of her when she was probably about 15 years old. And for me I think it defines her. One of our rituals when were up at the cottage was to go downtown and walk the main drag. For those of you that know Grand Bend that consisted of one street that we would walk up and down multiple times. After dinner was done and the mountain of dishes were done, all the girls would head upstairs to get ready. We would primp, doing our hair and makeup. And while we did this, we would listen to some taped rock music that I think Colleen or Catherine had taped from the radio. I'll always remember skinny Moe in her black bikini, hairbrush/microphone in hand jumping up and down on the bed singing her heart out to Michael Jackson. She emanated joy then and did throughout her lifetime.
I always thought she was a fantastic mother too, a true natural. She was an inspiration to me, and I found myself asking for her advice many times. I will miss you Moe.

Love You Forever
Your Cousin Lisa
Posted By: Guest 2007-05-30
 
To the Strong Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Moe and John opened their home to me when i went to New York with Lisa and treated me like family. I will never forget the good times we had. Her smile was always contagious.
Posted By: Renee McAfrey 2007-05-30
 
I will never forget the great times with Moe and her family, It was always an adventure, It didn't matter where we were camping or in CT or travelling the memories are priceless. My best memories were camping and telling stories around the campfire I think I loved it more than Connor and Christopher we always discussed camping rules and regulations. eg: If their is no sign on a pile of lumber.(you can take it) etc. etc. I am going to miss Moe's voice calling out (Time for a snack) God Bless Maureen.
Posted By: John Zambri 2007-05-29
 
The midnight moon signals the time for your beauty to touch another day
And we're left staring starry-eyed
At the starry sky
Happy to know you
Happy to love you
Happy to know when the sun rises
We'll see your smile
We'll hear your laugh
We'll feel your gentle arms around our hearts
We'll feel all the love you ever gave us.

~We love you and miss you Mo! Your beauty and spirit lives on in all who have had the privilege of being a part of your life.
Love, Mimi, Jim, Cole and Ruby

Posted By: Mimi and Jim Brown 2007-05-29
 
Dear Catherine & family,
I was saddened to hear the sad news about Maureen and she will be missed by all that knew her and her beautiful smile!
My sincere condolences to John and their boys. I know how much she loved & cherished them and my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. God Bless,
Posted By: Linda Allicock, Scarborough, Ont. 2007-05-29
 
Dear Strong family,

I am very sorry about the loss of Maureen. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.

Posted By: Trish Hislop 2007-05-29
 
Dear Colleen,
My prayers are with you and your family.
Posted By: AnneMarie Stott-Lander 2007-05-28
 
My condolences to you, Colleen, and to your family over the loss of your sister. My thoughts and sympathies are with you.
Adriana McDonough
Posted By: Adriana McDonough 2007-05-28
 
Maureen is an angel now and I am left here for a while longer with my rivers to cross. But I know that my travels will be made easier over bridges, bridges built with memories of my lovely friend. Thank you Maureen.
Posted By: Sarah 2007-05-28
 
I was very saddened to here of the passing of maureen. I remember her as a joyful and outgoing young lady. She had the gift of leaving a smile and happy memory of her for anyone who had the priviledge of meeting or knowing her. My heartfelt sympathy for maureen's husband,children and the strong family.
Posted By: Dave Romanchuk 2007-05-28
 
Hi Colleen,

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I never had the privilege of meeting your sister Maureen but your many friends here in Durham spoke very highly of her. Please know that your many friends in Durham are thinking of you now. You are a source of support for so many and now you must let us support you. Be sure to take the time you need with your family and friends. We hope to see you soon.
Posted By: Betty McDonald 2007-05-28
 
I will always remember the laughter Moe had. Her spirit was always true. Thank you John, Connnor, and Chris for sharing your family with our. God Bless always.
Peace and Love-now and forever
Holly, Danny, Jessie, RJ, and Daniel House
Posted By: Holly House 2007-05-28
 
I got Moe an apartment in my building in Toronto and one day when visiting we shared a "picking" lunch together featuring marinated
artichokes. That was probably 13 years ago. Funnily enough when I enjoy them now I remember that lunch with her an that they "need to be eaten at room temperature" - absolutely. I always enjoyed Moe's smile. She has always been "good people" to me. To all of my Strong friends my thoughts are with you.
Posted By: Bradd Morgan 2007-05-27
 
When I think of Moe, I remember a fun loving, genuine lady with the rare and precious ability to make everyone who knew her feel loved and accepted.
I have come to realize that what drew us all to Moe was her incredible love of life, which was born from an amazing strength of character and personality.
She was a true original and I feel blessed to have known her. Thank you Maureen.
Posted By: Mike Romanchuk 2007-05-26
 
Maureen will be missed very much. Maureen and her family are in our prayers. So many great stories about Moe. I had a great vacation in March, John and I went to Cancun,Mexico. We had the chance to spend some time with Moe, and I will always remember her there on the beach.
Posted By: Renee Gursoy 2007-05-25
 
To my beautiful sister Moe
Posted By: Ray 2007-05-24
 
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