Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15

A water color done by Mrs. Fraser
She painted until just a few years ago

Last Friday we traveled to the funeral of Mrs. Hazel Fraser who has been our friend for over 26 years since we moved to New Brunswick. We cannot say that it was a sad occasion. Mrs. Fraser was 100 years old, had lived a long and profitable life and is now in the presence of her Lord and Saviour, and is also with her husband. We enjoyed remembering her life. There were a few humorous stories:
Towards the end of her life Shelley Courser visited her. Evidently Mrs. Fraser did not recognize Shelley. She said, "I'm Shelley Courser!" Mrs. Fraser, who had become VERY deaf, said, "You're selling corsets?"
Also we always did enjoy the story she told about herself. After cataract surgery, she could see without her glasses. "However," she said, "there was a downside. She found out she had wrinkles!" And at that point her eyes would wrinkle up as she smiled.

The most important thing about Mrs. Fraser was that her life was spent serving the Lord. She was a pastor's wife for 43 years until her husband retired and then went to be with the Lord a few years later. We know that her testimony would be that she had accepted the fact of her own sinfulness and and accepted Christ's death, burial and resurrection on her behalf. It is such a joy and comfort to know that she is now with the Lord forever more!

Recently we also said good-bye to Frank and Lorraine Smith. They were also special friends. We stayed in their home the first time we visited Saint John in February of 1982. They moved out to the camp property as caretakers when we bought it. Lorraine had always cooked at camp and talked about "retiring" as a cook until we acquired our own camp. Then she came alive...just bounced...and was ready to dive in! I think she had to do some persuading to get Frank to agree. She never did get to retire. She just moved up to heaven and Frank wasn't far behind. He had not been well for years and was as skinny as a rail, but he kept on going. We will miss them but would not wish them back. And what a blessing that Frank could follow about 5 months after Lorraine. He was lonely for her and lonely for heaven. 23 years ago he was upset that doctors had revived him after his heart attack!

Our lives have been blessed by all three!