My niece, Kelsey, who knows her lavender, shared with me about the time her parents brought home a jar of lavender buds for her, from the Island She said it was the most fragrant lavender she had ever smelled, and wondered if it was because of the different soil. She expressed, 'If I feel stressed I love to go to my room, smell my lavender and it makes me feel relaxed.' |
In 1925, my Mom, Hilda Konrad (Thiessen) moved to Pelee Island within a year of coming to Canada. She was the oldest child at 2 years old when they settled on Pelee Island and became part of a growing farm family. My Dad, George Konrad arrived in Canada in 1924, moving to Western Canada before returning and moving to Pelee Island in 1935. On October 9th, 1942, they were married by Rev. N. N. Driedger in the Mission Hall with a reception in a vacant house. They moved to the mainland in 1943. |
Astrid Alexandra Koop
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I want to lovingly honor Astrid Gossen Koop. She just may well have been the project's most excited supporter. Her memories of growing up on Pelee were full of tenderness. She committed a large part of herself to recording much history of the Island between 1925 and 1950. I found her wise and childlike at the same time. We felt a kinship in our silent sharing of Pelee's magic, which I believe was expressed for her through the re-birth of The Mission. On the day of our Completion Celebration, she was all smiles, glowing with youthful pride at 80 years of age. She was always so thankful that her husband Walt, enjoyed visiting the Island with her. Sadly, Astrid passed away late Fall of the same year. I am grateful for knowing her and having her travel with me on this journey. I feel a huge smile of approval coming down from above. This beautiful photo was taken the day of celebration. When I look at it now, it kinda seems like a good-bye... |