I had the privilege of being with my mother early this morning as she left this life peacefully and knowing she was well loved. According to the custom in Mexico, her wake starts this afternoon and her funeral is at 9 PM tonight. As there is no time for a published obituary, I am posting this for our family and friends. We are overwhelmed by the many messages of condolence we have received today and extend our thanks to those who have supported the family through these last few difficult weeks.
Tolman, Mary Elizabeth
May 5, 1932 - April 22, 2013
Entered her eternal rest with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on April 22, 2013 in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico. Born Mary Elizabeth Devins in Aurora, Ontario, Canada, she was the beloved wife of John David Tolman with whom she celebrated 60 years of marriage on April 4, 2013.
Cherished mother of Ruth (Tim), Nathan (Maria), Philip (Lucy), Mark (Cindy) and Stephen (Marcela).
Grandmother of Beth, Stephanie, Rebecca, Courtney, Alex, Kira, Damara, Simri, Vanessa, Melissa, Malcolm, Elisa, Timothy and Peter. Great-grandmother of Damian, Ivy, Dasha and another baby soon to be born in May. Loved by a large circle of extended family and friends.
Predeceased by her father, Dr. Clifford Devins (1948), mother, Dr. Audrey Devins (1990), and brothers William and John.
Elizabeth served with David in missions and pastoral work in South Africa (1954-1962), Canada and Mexico (1976 to present). Her passion and energy was evident in all she undertook as a wife, mother, teacher and servant of God. She continued to teach and minister until shortly before her death. She will be sorely missed and dearly remembered by the many people she touched in life.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praiseth her.
...the woman that feareth the Lord,
she shall be praised.
Give her the fruit of her hands;
and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Proverbs 31
I'm so sorry. I know you will miss her.
ReplyDeleteFor her sake and yours, it's comforting that you were able to be with her at the end.
Glad you got there in time to be with your dear Mom as she transitioned into the heavenly realms. What a joy for her but I know you will feel her absence. Even though you lived many, many miles apart there was the comfort of knowing that Mom is there rooting for you. She is still rooting for you, cheering you on in an even greater way than she could have down here. Such a comfort to have a Mom who loved Jesus and that you know without a doubt, where she is.
ReplyDeleteRuth, I am so sorry for your loss but so glad you had such a wonderful woman as your mom! Thank you for keeping us informed. May God's peace be with you and your family at this time.
ReplyDeleteRuth--thinking of you and your family during this time of grieving. We hold on to this promise: in life and in death, we belong to God.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you arrived in time, and were able to be with your mother as she passed from this life.
Our family personally send our prayers to your family for encouragement, comfort, peace and strength.
ReplyDeleteSpanish Ministries in Ontario wish to personally thank Sister Elizabeth Tolman for sending the first two refugee couples to the United Pentecostal Church in London Ontario Canada in the early 1980's (more details of this story have been posted on Sister Tolman's own facebook page). Hundreds of Spanish people currently attending Apostolic/Pentecostal Churches all across Ontario have direct connecting links to that first Sunday that those first two couples came to our church here in London, and the resulting revival and spread of the the gospel en espanol that came directly from that first work at "Primara Iglesia Pentecostal Unida Espana de London".
God bless each and every one of you and give you His peace. Live for Jesus with your whole heart until we all meet around the throne of our Lord Jesus Christ in heaven. Dios la Bendiga Hermanos!
Deborah L. Haroun
daughter of Rev. Gordon D. Kierstead
& the late Joan L. (Kaulbach) Kierstead
It is good that you were able to be with your mom as her earthly life came to an end. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today as you cope with your loss. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteMy sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mother. It's hard to lose a mother, for there is no one in the world who can take her place.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this most difficult time.
Thinking of you and your mom, and wishing you peace. It's strange to be without them on this earth, isn't it? What a gift, to be able to sit with her as she left this life. I'm so glad I could do the same with my mother. *hugs to you*
ReplyDelete