Elizabeth Lee "Liz" Chenier

Chenier, Elizabeth Lee (Boyd) of Coldbrook died April 28, at the age of 50. So yes, It’s true, I’ve died, likely of a broken heart, no honestly, I had a bad ticker. If you don’t know me, it’s too bad, as I’m a good person with a great sense of humour. I have the ability to see the bright side of most things and find humour in most situations. Which is why I ’ve decided to write my own obituary. Let’s keep this as lighthearted as possible and ultimately, I’d like to have the last word.

Let’s get the formalities out of the way, predeceasing me are my paternal grandparents, Clifford and Marjorie Boyd of Kentville; maternal grandparents, Minard W. "Bud" and Elizabeth (Muff) Graves of Coldbrook; and my father, Douglas Boyd of Kentville.

Surviving me is my wonderful, loving husband Jeff, who has put up with me since we were 17. Heads up to a potential second wife, he’s hard working, caring, and devoted but can’t cook or balance a check book. He was always worried that he would die first, and I would sell all his tools and magic cards for what he told me he paid for them. My fabulous sons Justin of Halifax, and Kyle of Coldbrook, who are kind, caring, funny, amazing young men. Ladies…they are both unmarried, attractive men, who know how to cook and clean, and best of all, they won’t come with a mother-in-law. My sweet granddaughter Brynlee Elizabeth Vidito of Kentville. My mother, Lee (Graves) and stepfather, Geoff Lindup of Port Williams, who somehow survived my rebellious, unruly, unlawful teenage years, to appreciate the incredibly wonderful, humble person I am today. Brother from another mother, Steve Muise of Port Alberni, BC, who had the best alibi fabricating sister ever. Shout out to nephews, Deaman and Cohen of Port Alberni, BC; aunts, uncles, cousins, and Jeff’s large extended family, who have always been so kind and loving. Honourable mention goes out to the scouting community, as they are like a second family of wonderful people. I feel like I’m accepting an Oscar, and am forgetting other important people....so here’s to playground friendships, broken hearted boys, epic long teenage phone calls, friends who skipped class with me, smoked pot in the girls bathroom together, and joined in other mischief, bouncers who didn’t check ID’s, amazing co-workers, everyone who tolerated me cutting the crusts off my sandwiches ....even as an adult, store clerks who pack groceries as I have sorted them on the conveyer belt, and everyone who shared a laugh with me, especially at the inappropriate things.

We all die, I have done it quicker than most, but I’ve always had a competitive streak. Honestly though, I feel I’ve had a wonderful life. I was born in Halifax and moved to the west coast with my parents when I was young. I grew up in Vancouver but came back to the valley every summer to see family, before officially moving back when I was 17, which is when I met Jeff. I never imagined then that the guy in the leather jacket and mullet would one day become my husband or that we would have a family together. But that’s exactly what happened. I was able to travel to some amazing places, experience other cultures, and spend time with some good people. Jeff and I had great adventures together, wonderful vacations, and an epic cross Canada road trip, all of which we have very few photos of, because I was always enjoying the moment and not grabbing the camera, and never grabbed the camera. I loved every day of being a mom and was so fortunate to experience all the firsts of their childhoods and be involved with their interests. I was also involved with Scouts Canada for almost 20 years, holding different volunteer positions, though the majority was as Group Commissioner for 2nd Berwick Scouting. And most of all, I enjoyed as much time as possible at the cottage at Aylesford Lake with family, friends, and all of nature’s critters. It was a good life.

Cremation has already taken place, as the thought of people looking at my corpse disturbs me. I’ll be watching, trust me! A Celebration of life (with a livestream available) will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. So, gather together, enjoy the day, raise a glass, and share a laugh.

Oh, and don’t send me flowers, it’s very kind, but obviously I can’t enjoy them, however you can send a donation in my memory to the Kings County SPCA. My life couldn’t be saved, but you can save the life of another. #mydyingwish

So that’s it, if you didn’t know I was sick, it’s too late, I’m gone!

Don’t mourn the loss, celebrate the memories.