Unity Helena Arendse (nee Thomson)
April 3^rd, 1927 – September 9^th, 2011
A tribute to Unity by her son Roy Arendse, on Friday, September 16, 2011 at St. Margaret's

Thank you for gathering here today to celebrate the life of my mom.

Mom was born on April 3, 1927 to Harold and Annie Thomson. She was the youngest daughter in a family of eight children. My grandfather died in 1946 and my grandmother almost reached 101 years. Unity was predeceased by her siblings Billy, Roly, Solly, Mona, Clarence and Vera and is survived by Uncle Aubrey.

Mom could best be described as a very private person who liked to keep to herself and valued her solitude. She was a selfless, devoted loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Unity was married to Cecil on December 4, 1954 in Cape Town, South Africa. From the time they were married they have been inseparable for almost fifty-seven years. Mom and Dad share an endurable love that transcends the test of time. They have provided and sacrificed for each other throughout their lives together.

I am an only child and my Grandmother was the fourth member of the family. Grandma or Ma Thomson as she was affectionately called lived with us from the time mom and dad were married. Mom and dad provided and took care of her a number of years.

As a family we explored the Cape on a regular basis. Mom never got a drivers license so dad was always on standby. She would love to pack a picnic lunch and have dad drive to the beach or ramble the roads around Cape Town. Incidentally nothing changed in Canada as dad and mom went on long drives exploring parts of Canada.

When we weren’t on the road the car was on auto drive to her sisters. In general, the three sisters and their families spent many hours together sharing a meal, laughing, joking or having a house party. The size of the family gatherings grew on Christmas day. It was a special time for the Thomson clan and everyone gathered at our house to celebrate. I am guessing there were 20 plus for dinner.

In 1968 my parents made the ultimate sacrifice as they resigned from their jobs, sold their home, packed up their worldly possessions and immigrated to Canada to build a brighter future. My family put down roots in Toronto where mom worked for Hunter Rose book publishing company. Upon retirement they made the move to Barrie where they purchased a home and began attending St Margaret’s.

My parents led a quiet life; however they loved entertaining my family. Mom loved to cook. When my family came for dinner, mom would cook enough to feed an army, Meals were always followed by rich cream filled deserts as mom had a sweet tooth. Not surprisingly one of mom’s last meals was a bowl of ice cream.

My mother was well read; she liked doing crosswords, puzzles and knitting. She valued education and had a thirst for knowledge. University or college was unfortunately not an option she could take advantage of, as there wasn’t the money and she left school to help support her mother after her father’s illness and untimely death.

Mom was selfless when it came time for higher education. She and dad wanted to fulfill an opportunity that eluded her. Mom loved her granddaughters and they liked spending time with her as she was a lot of fun. She was especially proud of their involvement in sports and wanted to ensure they had a bright future by giving them a savings for university that she and dad started when the girls were born. The girls were astonished and surprised at the amount of money put aside for each of them.

Marriage vows were something my parents took to heart. When I was a young boy my dad got very ill and was off work for an extensive period. Mom took up the challenge and went to work to provide for the family. She did everything possible to see my dad back on his feet. It was therefore no surprise that when mom became ill that dad stood by her side around the clock until he was exhausted and had to call for help from the good people at Woods Park Care Centre. Dad was by mom’s side as her advocate, guardian and caregiver, feeding her and visiting her daily through her last minutes here on earth.

I love my mom. I am very proud that a part of her lives in me. She taught me to be considerate of others and to give of myself, to appreciate a good joke and laugh over silly things. I think she was also a bit of a perfectionist which is a trait I inherited right down to the way I like my clothes ironed and folded, and the way I clean my hardwood floors. Mom also liked to shop as evidenced by the many purses and the clothes in her closet including those with store labels still on them. Yes I come by my love of shopping honestly and so do her granddaughters. I guess its apple/tree.

On behalf of my dad and my family I would like to thank the staff of Woods Park for their compassion and wonderful care they provided. I would also like to thank Reverend Captain Pessah for his visits, prayers, and the continuing strength he provides for my Dad. I would like to acknowledge two very special neighbours and friends to mom and dad: Susan and Roelie Cronje for their steadfast support. Also thank you to the ladies who have prepared the reception following the service.

After a valiant and courageous battle, mom has gone home now, guided by her faith and by the light of those she has loved and lost. At last she is with them once more, leaving those of us who grieve her passing with the memories she gave, and the good she did for others.

…by Roy Arendse

Printable version of this tribute

return