Obituary of Ethel Nerissa Ayris

Rissa as she was known to all, was born and raised in Barnwell, the youngest of 14; moving to Calgary where she met and married our father Bob Ayris. Together they had five children Terry (Chuck), Ray, Susan (Cameron) Joan and Wendy (Donald). Mom worked throughout her life in various bookkeeping and administrative roles, and kept busy sewing for her children and then grandchildren, Meghan, Shannon, Robert, James and Leona. Sadly mom was widowed at 47 when Bob passed away and she plowed all her love into her family. She was thrilled with her grandchildren and didn’t miss an opportunity to spend time with them and of course spoil them. Sadly our brother Ray passed away in 1996 and mom once again mom rallied around to support us even in her own grief. This past spring our youngest sister Wendy passed away and mom was worried for us that she couldn’t “help with everything” as her own health was failing. Mom was famous for her open house generosity. She loved nothing more than to have a house full of people to feed and entertain. Any friend of yours was automatically a friend of hers and she would fiercely protect any friend and she was “the momma” to many. While her physical health failed over the last 5 years, she continued to enjoy spirited conversation and playing cards. If anything made her cranky it was missing her Saturday night card games with Terry Chuck and Joan. She was always up for a game of crib with anyone who would agree to be beaten on a regular basis. Mom has left us with so many warm, humorous and poignant memories and we are blessed to have had her with us for so long. We would also like to thank longtime friends Rick and Judy Gardner for all their support, Gaylene Johnson our unwavering Home Care nurse and all our support workers for their tender care and kindness. Rissa's family invites you to join in a celebration of her life Saturday October 10, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Rocky Ridge Ranch, 10709 Rocky Ridge Blvd. N.W. Calgary AB. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society, 5000 – 11 Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5, Telephone: (403) 253-2059, www.calgaryfoodbank.com.