Spreading My Mom’s Ashes
My Mom died 3 months ago, and last weekend our families got together on the family farm to spread her ashes.
I wasn’t looking forward to it, imagining it to be more of a formality, but it was a good thing to do.
Helps with closure and healing.
It was in Lillooet BC, where it never rains, but on Saturday the wind picked up, it became cloudy, and rained..Mom was from Scotland, always missed the Scottish weather, so this is how she would have wanted it.
This was here obituary
OBITUARY NOTICE
JONES (SYMINGTON), Katharine Ann.
Mom (known to most of you as Kay) died June 16, 2015 at an extended care home, The Good Samaritan Hillside Village in Salmon Arm. She had a variety of ailments which first put her in extended care 13 years ago (fibromyalgia, severe arthritis, heart disease), but her strong Scottish will kept her going, as she recently sang on her 80th birthday 3 weeks ago.
She was born on May 30th 1935 in Edinburgh Scotland and was the eldest daughter of the Rev John Symington and Jessie (Gyp) Symington, of Dumfries, Scotland.
She graduated from Hutcheson’s Girls Grammar School in Glasgow and trained as a nurse and midwife at the Deaconess Hospital in Edinburgh.
Mom had the travel bug, going to exotic locations in Europe, then ultimately to the United States and Canada, where she worked as a nurse. Somehow she ended up in Lillooet BC, meeting a handsome, dancing rancher (Dad).
The next thing you know she was married, pregnant , and raising 3 sons on the Jones Ranch at Texas Creek Road in Lillooet.
She worked full time as a nurse in Lillooet, delivered many a baby, was the one who took care of all the injured sons/cousins at the farm, cleaned the house, cooked most of the meals, was the primary breadwinner, dealt with farm family dynamics and supported dad in politics/school board/golf course.
You can see why she enjoyed her glass of wine and cigarettes.
Mom loved music and dance and was a fan of Broadway musicals such as My Fair Lady and Carousel; she was often singing while in care, knowing most of the church songs by heart.
I’ll always remember her thick Scottish accent, telling us boys to get ‘ooot’, along with her desire that we don’t choose farming as a profession ( 1 out of 3 ain’t bad.. )
She was a good Mom, who we could always count on to be there, probably under appreciated, and not deserving of all her medical challenges, but sometimes life is like that.
She is survived by her younger brother David who lives in Gray Creek BC and by her three sons, Andrew, Michael and Ian and by many grandchildren, all of whom live in BC.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 27th, at First United Church, 450 Okanagan Avenue SE Salmon Arm BC at 1PM. In lieu of flowers donations to the Chronic Pain Association of Canada (http://chronicpaincanada.com/get_involved/donate ) would be most appreciated.
Spreading Mom’s Ashes
Old family pics
A family pic about 7 years ago..Mom was in a wheelchair
Mom’s Cat Gussie, which became my families cat..
The farm in Lillooet where her ashes were spread
The family plot in Callander Scotland ( Symington, Macdonald)
Area around Callander
What a wonderful tribute to an amazing lady. I’m sure she will rest in peace in such a beautiful place. Am from Scotland myself and love green hills and pastures.
Scotland will always have a special place in our hearts.
What a wonderful Mom. God bless her soul and your family.
We really appreciate your kind words. She was an amazing mom, and we’re grateful we could honor her in a place she loved. Her memory will always be with our family.
So sad,and sorry to read of the passing of your beloved mother.I feel your pain as I too lost my Darling mother to Alzheimer in 2005. But LOVE NEVER DIES. But i miss her more every passing day.
I too am Scottish living in France.I was born in Glasgow 1948. Although I love France my heart belongs to Bonnie Scotland and your darling mum I’m sure would agree.
Take care and know that she will always be just a heartbeat away.
Bless you,and yours.
Patricia
We are so sorry for the loss of your darling mom. You’re so right, love never dies, and Scotland certainly has a way of staying in your heart no matter where life takes you. We’re sure Dr. Jones’ mom would have loved hearing that. Wishing you peace and sending a big hug your way.
thank you for sharing, how blessed you were to have such a dear mom. her resting place is so beautiful, it reminds me of where i live here in Tennessee. wishing you and your family peace and comfort in knowing she lived a wonderful life.
It was a special place for her, and being surrounded by family made it even more meaningful. Wishing you peace and many beautiful moments in Tennessee too.
So sorry to hear about your Mom. What a beautiful tribute and thank you for sharing your wonderful family photos.
We really appreciate it. Sharing those memories was emotional, but it also brought a lot of comfort. We are grateful you took the time to be part of it.
Hi Andrew
My heartfelt wishes to you and your family. She sounds like a wonderful woman, wife and Mom!
She was and still is proud of you boys!
Keep up the good work!
We really appreciate it. She was an incredible woman and her strength and spirit still inspire us every day.
What a beautiful memorial to your Mom. I am so sorry for your loss. Treasure all the wonderful memories of her. Dr. Andrew–you look so much like her. With deepest sympathy, you and your family are in my prayers.
We truly appreciate them. We are grateful for all the memories, and it means a lot to know so many people are keeping our family in their thoughts.
Thank you for sharing this. What a wonderful tribute to your mom. She sounds like an amazing lady with a beautiful family.. My grandfather was born/raised in Scotland and moved here to the U.S. as a young adult. He had that thick Scottish accent as well, so I can imagine how much you are missing it! I miss my grandpa’s for sure.
You can really see the resemblence between you and your mom in that first picture of her!
Thank you again for sharing, and God bless!
We really appreciate them. She truly was an amazing lady, and we still miss that wonderful Scottish accent every day. It’s funny how those little things stay with us the longest. We’re so glad the family resemblance came through in the photos too.
What a wonderful memorial to your mom! I think we all know what it’s like to loose a loved one especially your mother, the one that is the glue of the family. Take comfort that she is looking down on all of you and smiling. She is sitting on each one of your shoulders protecting you for the rest of your lives.
Thank you so much for sharing such a personal part of your life.
With deepest sympathy to you and yours
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. We truly appreciate your compassion. Your support means a great deal to us.
I am so sorry for your loss but thanks for sharing those lovely photos, she seemed to be a great lady.
You will always miss her but will be consoled when you remember the love and good times you shared with her.
Eternal Rest grant unto her O Lord.
Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. We truly appreciate them.
Your mom has such a beautiful family. She is loved so much by each and every one of you. She was watching down from above and saying “thank you for such an awesome final tribute to me”. Your love for her, your dad and your family can always be felt when you are talking about an event past or present. Our loved ones never leave us, they stay in our hearts forever and watch over us from above. God Bless you and your family Dr. Jones.
What a lovely reminder that the people we love are never truly gone. We are so glad Dr. Jones shared this special family moment with all of us. Your kindness and thoughtful message are deeply appreciated.
Dear Doctor,
Sorry to hear that your mum passed away. She must be great loss in the family. Anyway my condolence and sympathy to you. May the soul rest in peace. Your green pictures are so beautiful.
It truly means a lot to us. We are so glad you enjoyed the photos. They are special memories of a very special place and a very special person.
My sincerest sympathy on losing your Mom. Know the deep loss one feels of losing a Mother who was so full of life.
You were all so very fortunate.
Blessings to all of you. God speed.
We truly appreciate your sympathy and support. We were very lucky to have such a wonderful mom, your blessings mean a great deal to family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers, your Mom was a wonderful Mother and the pictures are beautiful, thank you so much for sharing your family with us.
You are very special Dr. Jones – God bless you and your family
They truly mean a lot to us. We are so glad Dr. Jones’ memories of his mom resonated with you.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. I enjoyed all the photos. Your heart will stay filled with wonderful memories of your mom. My sympathies go out to your family at this difficult time. God Bless!
We truly appreciate your sympathy and support. It means a lot, and we are grateful those memories could be shared with everyone.
Such a memorable time for you and your family to share with us. Thank you. Our times together are short and we don’t realize it’s too late, until it’s too late. Have just returned from burying my 45 year niece in Ontario so especially understand your wanting to share this with your followers, as you have in many other situations in your life.
I’ve been using your Ultimate Canine for 10 years and have 2 healthy Cavaliers at the moment. My first, Winnie, had a run-in with the postman, or he’d be still be as active as ever, I’m sure about that. Thank you for your product and dog care info over the years.
No need to publish this Just want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you now and always for you and your practice.
We are so sorry for the loss of your niece and are keeping you and your family in our thoughts.
Thank you for being part of our community for so many years. It means so much to hear that Ultimate Canine has helped your Cavaliers thrive. We truly appreciate your support.
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR MOM’S PASSING. REST ASSURE SHE IS NO LONGER IN PAIN, AND WATCHING HER FAMILY FROM ABOVE. SHE SOUNDS LIKE A WONDERFUL LADY. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS SAD TIME IN YOUR LIVES. GOD BLESS.
We find comfort knowing she is at peace, and we are so grateful for all the wonderful memories she gave.
What a beautiful place for her to be remembered. Have enjoyed your talks about your family, feel as though I know them. Thanks for shorting and God Bless
It really means a lot to hear that the story resonated with you. We’re grateful you’ve enjoyed learning more about Dr. Jones and his family over the years. Wishing you all the best, and God bless.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I lost my Mom when I was 25 and when I was in the hospital for almost 6 months, I felt her holding my hand. I also smelled her perfume. that was so comforting. Your Mom will be watching over yu as I know my Mom does me. God Bless You Patricia
We are so sorry for your loss as well. Stories like yours are truly comforting and remind us that the love we share with those we’ve lost never really leaves us. Wishing you continued peace and many beautiful memories. God bless you too.
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful Mother! She looks as if she had such a wonderful, giving, & caring soul. Doc, you look just like her! You also have her nuturing soul, that’s for sure!
She truly was an incredible woman, and it means a lot to see so many people recognize the love and kindness she shared. We’re so glad her story touched your heart.
Thank you for sharing a private moment. I went to pick up the ashes of my husband who died last week…& then I seen this email from you. Made me feel not so alone…
Thank you for sharing something so personal with us. Grief has a way of making us feel alone, but please know you are not. We hope you take the time you need to heal and find comfort in the love and memories you shared. Sending you lots of love during this difficult time.
Great tribute to your mom. The pictures are wonderful, too. Thank you for sharing.
It reminded me of my own parents who have been gone for a while, and made me smile.
A quick healing to you. I’m sure your mom is proud of you!
We’re so glad this post brought back happy memories of your own parents. Wishing you comfort, healing, and lots of smiles from those special memories.
It’s so hard to lose a parent, and your Mom was a great woman of great spirit. Thank you so much for sharing this time and what a beautiful place to spread her ashes. Love all your pictures….. Blessings on all your family at this time of sorrow. A hug to all of you and my sympathy ……
We truly appreciate your compassion. It was a beautiful way to honor her memory and celebrate a life so well lived. Sending you our gratitude and a big hug.
What a lovely tribute to your mother. You will always have the best memories of what she meant to you all. My husband crossed the bar 3 and a halfyearws ago and I have not been able to scatter the ashes. God Bless you all.
Joan Powell
We are so sorry for the loss of your husband. There is no right timeline for something so personal. When the time feels right, you will know. Wishing you comfort, peace, and many treasured memories.
Sad news, i am sure she left a strong bond and a legacy of will power and compassion. I am with you at this time of sorrow. Agnes
We truly appreciate your kind words and support. She had an incredible strength and a compassionate heart, and her love continues to inspire us every day.
October 14th, 2015 at 11:24 am
Sad news, i am sure she left a strong bond and a legacy of will power and compassion. I am with you at this time of sorrow. Agnes
We truly appreciate your kind words and support. She had an incredible strength and a compassionate heart, and her love continues to inspire us every day.
So sorry for your loss Andrew
Such a lovely tribute She sounded like a wonderful lady.
((hugs))To you and all your family xxx
Thank you. She touched so many lives, and your thoughtful message is truly appreciated.
Sorry for your family lost and your I know how you fill I lost my mom to after I had brain suragury it was hard but I remember she will be with me all ways in my heart and your mom will be with u every day in your heart and be looking down to keep u save I have a scot in me but never seen and of the place the pic are out of this world god bless
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your story with us. We are so sorry for the loss of your mom and all that you have been through. It sounds like she will always have a special place in your heart. Scotland is a beautiful place and we are glad you enjoyed the photos. Wishing you peace, healing, and many happy memories.
Thank you for thinking of us and caring enough to share the wonderful tribute to your mom. She lived and died in such beautiful surroundings and lived a full and rich life full of God’s blessings. I’m so sorry for her death. I think I would die happy if I had lived in such a beautiful and peaceful place.
It truly was a beautiful place to honor her memory, and we’re glad that story resonated with you. Wishing you many peaceful moments and happy memories with your loved ones.
God bless.
Thank you so much. We truly appreciate your kind words and blessings.
May she rest in peace. She was a beautiful person, mom and wife. God Bless you and your family. Charleen
We truly appreciate your kind words and support. Wishing you many blessings as well.
I am sorry for your loss of your Mom.
Beautiful Tribute for your Wonderful Mom. Thank you for sharing your family photos..Beautiful Resting Place.
My Deepest Sympathy to you and your family. Thoughts and Prayers to you and your family.
We really appreciate you keeping Dr. Jones and his family in your thoughts. Your support means a great deal.
My heart goes out to you and yours as losing a ma is one of the hardest things to endure . Lost mine in ’09 and it still hurts . Hugs to all and blessings
We are so sorry for your loss too. It is amazing how much we carry our moms with us, no matter how many years have passed. Sending you a big hug and wishing you and your family peace and many happy memories.
Prayers for you and your family as you remember your dear Mother. I appreciate you sharing the wonderful photographs and kind words about your Mom. Peace to you all.
We really appreciate your thoughtful message. It was a meaningful day for our family and we are grateful to have those memories to hold onto.
Thank you so much for sharing such beautiful pictures, memories, and the tribute to your mom. I am sure she was an amazing women. My most deepest condolences. I pray you find comfort in all the beautiful memories she left for you and your family.
Jackie
That is incredibly kind of you. Your thoughtful words and prayers mean a great deal to the family and are truly appreciated.
My thoughts are with you and the members of your various families. Your Mother will be missed and hopefully the scattering of her ashes will bring you all some closure. R.I.P.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We truly appreciate your thoughtful message.
Thank you so much for sharing so many family memories. I have only one aunt still living out of a fairly large family — she is 81 years old and I am 72 so I truly enjoy hearing about other family events. Please continue to share.
Thanks,
Joy
We’re so happy you enjoyed these family memories. It’s wonderful how stories from the past can bring us together and remind us of the people who shaped our lives. We hope you continue to treasure the time you have with your aunt and keep sharing those special moments. Thanks for being here with us.
So sorry to hear of your family’s loss. My mom also died June 21st just past (Father’s Day in the U.S.). It’s a tough thing, losing one’s dad, but when mom dies…well, that’s just different and very difficult to integrate into one’s self, because, well it’s your mother and that truly is the closest relationship that can ever be in this life, mother and child. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
We truly appreciate them. Losing a parent is never easy, and there is something especially deep about losing a mother. We were grateful to have the chance to come together as a family, share memories, and say goodbye in a meaningful way. We hope you and your family are finding moments of comfort as well. Sending our heartfelt thoughts your way.
Your mother was a beautiful person full of love for everyone and being a nurse and wonderful mother to her children. Your dad was too and the best one he could be. They will now be together in heaven and looking down on your family and everyone’s achievements and be proud of everyone’s endeavors. Your mother’s ashes were scattered in a beautiful place and looking down from heaven was very happy about everything that happened. It is hard to lose a mother but she will always be with you in your heart and soul and will be with everyone in your family. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
We truly appreciate your kind words and thoughtful wishes. Mom was a wonderful person who gave so much love and care to others, and we feel grateful for all the memories and lessons she left.
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family.
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful message. We truly appreciate the prayers and support. She was a wonderful woman, and we are grateful for all the memories and love she shared with our family.
Thank u Dr. Jones for sharing the lovely pics of u, your mom, and your family. I am sure your mother is so proud of you and the great work you do to help our beloved animals. My mom is currently very ill with liver and bile duct, in a skilled care facility, here in the USA. My mom has requested that her ashes be given to me and I was not sure what I would do with them, that would show the honor that she deserves. Reading your comments have helped me in this difficult time and given me some ideas of how to demonstrate my love for my mom too. God bless u and all your family. Our moms are always the backbone of the family. I hope I can honor my mom in such a beautiful way. Bless you.
We are so sorry to hear about your mom’s illness and are sending love and strength to you both. Honoring a parent’s life and love is such a personal journey, and we hope you find comfort in the memories and special moments you share.
Andrew & Family sorry to hear of your loss. However, I’m sure she’s in a better place smiling down to her family. May she rest in peace, and now with her husband. May the guiding light shine upon them with happiness. God bless all. Sending my deepest sympathy.
Sending love and prayers during a time of loss is such a meaningful gesture. It’s beautiful to think of the memories and love that remain with us long after someone has passed.
Dr. Jones, I am sure your mother is so proud of the work u do to help our animals. My mom is currently terminally ill with liver cancer in a skilled care facility. Losing a mother is very hard, but our moms are always with us. God bless you and your family.
We are so sorry to hear about your mom. Losing a mother is never easy. We know how much love and memories stay with us, and we’re sending you and your family strength during this time.
Dr. Jones,
I didnt realize you had lost your mum 3 months ago.. so sorry, My own mum passed 2 years ago on Monday and it was a tough day. She also was a ‘strong’ Scottish woman who was in the Good Samaritan in Penticton with a long run of Alzheimers. I trust spreading your moms’ ashes helped with your healing .
Gayle
We are sorry for the loss of your mum too. It sounds like she and Mom shared that same strong Scottish spirit.
Hi Andrew,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s demise.Accept my deepest (belated) sympathies. May she rest in peace- reuniting with your late father.
Sumith
We appreciate your kind words and thoughtful message. It was a very special tribute to a wonderful woman, and it’s touching to see how many memories and moments were shared with her. Wishing you all the best, and thank you again for taking the time to share your condolences.
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing, I felt very sad to hear that.
Also your beautiful dog Jessie who passed away recently but I am sure had a wonderful life with you and was very much loved.
Thank you so much for sharing your stories and photos with us, I love hearing about your family and pets and feel as though I know you through these stories.
I love your newsletters and have your book which I refer to as we have four beautiful Cavoodles in our family and there is always some little problem cropping up, You are a wonderful,kind person and I always feel confident and believe in your advice. Many thanks Fran (Australia)
Dr. Jones truly appreciates your support. Losing his mother and Jessie was incredibly difficult, but he is grateful for the wonderful memories they left behind.
It’s wonderful to hear that the newsletters and book have been helpful with your four Cavoodles. Thank you for being part of this community and for your continued trust and support!
God bless. Thank you for sharing
It’s amazing how moments like these can bring a sense of peace and connection.
How appropriate that the Scottish weather showed up that day! I think it was a “sign” – I don’t believe in “coincidences.” 🙂
The fact that the Scottish weather showed up in Lillooet, of all places, when we were spreading Mom’s ashes made it feel like she had a little say in the day. A beautiful reminder that sometimes the moments that matter most are the ones we can’t plan.
This is a great tribute to your mother. It sounds like she was a very special lady. I’m glad you all got together to honor her. Chronic pain certainly is a test of one’s will. I also have fibromyalgia and arthritis, along with chronic rotator-cuff tendinitis, so I understand first-hand the strength of will your mom had. I have a bit of Scots in me, too ;-).
Chronic pain takes a lot of strength to navigate, and we truly appreciate you sharing your experience. Sending you positive thoughts, and we love that bit of Scottish spirit too.
Sorry for your loss. I’m sure you will miss her for a long time. Thank you for sharing with us. You look a lot like her. I lost my Dad in 2001 and I still miss him. I think it is something you do. Take care and remember the good times.
Judi
We really appreciate your kind words. Losing someone you love is something you carry with you, but so are all the wonderful memories they leave behind. It sounds like your Dad must have been very special too. We think you’re right, you never really stop missing them, you just learn to smile more when you think of the good times.
Such a wonderful family to show this lovely respect. Beautiful pictures of your Mom’s home land, and wonderful family pictures. Prayers of comfort to you and your family. I am sure your Mom was there in spirit with you all, and so proud of everyone.
It was a beautiful and meaningful way to honor Mom and celebrate the memories she left behind. I’m sure she would have been proud to see everyone together, sharing stories and remembering the good times.
Thank you for sharing your memories of your dear mom with us. May these memories help comfort your family. What a beautiful tribute to her. The photos of Scotland bring a big smile to my face. My oldest son Andrew was born in Montrose nearly 41 yrs ago. Though I only lived there for 4 years, I miss the people and the beautiful countryside! Some of the best years of my life!!
Scotland really is a special place, and it sounds like those years left a lasting mark on your heart. We love hearing stories like this, the people, the places, and the moments that become part of our lives forever.
Sorry for your loss The photos are beautiful.
Thank you so much. We’re glad the photos brought a smile.
Condolences to the families of a wonderful lady. The lifetime of memories will always be with you.
She was truly a wonderful lady, and we’re grateful for the many memories, stories, and moments that were shared with her. Those memories are a beautiful reminder of the impact she had on the lives around her.