I first met Mercedes in the later 1990's. She was my mother's first cousin, though I never knew of her until after my mother passed. In perseving our family history, I came across a box of old photos my mother had that I had never seen before. Sitting with my aunt Madeleine (my Moms sister), I asked her about the photo of a beautiful young girl leaning against the hood of a car, and was told that was her cousin Mercedes that married a man named Fern and moved to Sudbury. Amazingly, my aunt remembered their last name "Aubin". This was before the internet and eventually found them calling information. We were invited up for a summer weekend and what a weekend! Mercedies sister Madalyn was visiting as well from Newfoundland and it was a weekend of discovering familiar family traits in each other in personality and resemblance. There such a welcoming warmth extended to us. I remember the care they had for a wild mother cat they lovingly took care of in their backyard that would have kittens, meeting my second cousins for the first time, having a wonderful meal and visit at Carol & Gregg's with their dog Taxa, meeting Dona and Tom and extended family. Fern's love for Mercedes was evident, and both of them were so easy to smile and laugh with the other! That is my strongest memory... the laughter, the smiles and love for their family. My heart feels the loss of her presence in this world, but also the joy of what she is experiencing now... healthy and whole once more, starting a new journey in the love of God, with Fern at her side. My sincerest condolences to all her family, for her loss, and know that in time to come, the wonderful love and memories she has left behind, will make you smile and laugh again. Your cousin, Michael Nelson (Toronto)