Obituary of Rebecca QUASHNICK

Becky was born May 8, 1918 in Inishowen, Eire. She took her final breath in the arms of her son at her home of fifty-four years on December 4, 2012. Ninety-four years is far, far too short for one who exuded so much joy and whose hunger for living never waned. Seldom has anyone taken so little yet given so much. Becky saw beauty in the banal, extracted truth from deception, and crafted hope from despair. Becky spent the last nine years of her life in a wheelchair after her then fit and active eighty-five year old body was ravaged by a stroke. Nevertheless she persevered, struggled and ultimately soared. Those of us lucky enough to care for her in this time received evermore than we provided. With grace she strode through suffering drawing us from the mundane to the transcendent. To be in her company was even in death, to witness awe, to taste tranquility, to embrace epiphany. That such a one walked amongst us we will one day scarcely believe. And she always looked fabulous. We are but empty shells without her and in so much as she shines into life from death, our hearts are pulled with her into death from life. A private service has been held. Please forward condolences through www.hffs.com. In lieu of flowers and in tribute to her great empathy for songbirds we ask that any donations be made to the Ellis Bird Farm at www.ellisbirdfarm.ca. HERITAGE FUNERAL SERVICES “Calgary Crematorium Chapel” Telephone: (403) 299-0111