Left to right: Gillian, Brian, Signy

I thought long and hard about including my thoughts about the death of a very dear friend on my website blog. But, after much consideration, I felt I needed to write something about dealing with the death and my grief.

I have friends and acquaintances who have lost someone close to them and  every one of themhas a different way of dealing with the death of a loved one

My friend, Signy was diagnosed with cancer in late spring. She suffered tremendously through surgery, chemotherapy and even the indignity of having a ‘feeding tube’. It was one of the biggest battles of her life. And, trust me Signy has fought many battles in her life and won —she was one of the strongest women I know. But in the end, this battle was just too much, even for this strong-willed woman.

I have known Signy for more than 40 years, my daughters, Alexandra and Stephanie grew up with Signy, Michel (her husband), and her children, Aileen and Georges, Evie and Morgan. It is a very sad time – the world has lost a wonderful person.

Signy and I first met in the advertising department at The Bay in Montreal. Signy moved on to be a Fashion Editor, then put together her own P.R. company. In the 80’s she and her family moved back to her roots in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.  Signy and her husband bought and ran very successful hotels in the area. The first was called Auberge du Joli Vent and the second which is still a going concern is called Auberge Knowlton. Signy was an entrepreneur, par excellence.

She had an uncanny ability to make whatever job or business she was involved with – a success. But, I must say she fought hard to get to where she wanted to go.

Signy was an extremely supportive and loyal friend with a big heart!  She loved life, loved people and most of all, she loved her family. Thank you for being such a great friend, Signy. You will be missed terribly!