WEBER : It was April 14, 1923, a baby girl by the name of Isabella was born to Peter and Anne Baker in the small town of Biggar, Saskatchewan. Our mother was the first of 12 children, six boys and six girls. The time came when Mom, along with her parents, began a trip which in the end would have them go to Hillside on the Lost Horse Cree area. Mom told us that the name of Lost Horse came about when an RCMP officer on his horse decided to go across the creek, little knowing in that area there was quicksand, thus causing the horse to be sucked down in the sand. That is how this creek came by its name. Mom along with her parents made their first stop on the way to their homestead, in the Iffley area at the home of a family by the name of Mr. And Mrs. James Williams. These folks were from the United States. Mr. Williams' father had been a former slave. As our mother grew up, the bond of friendship continued until Mr. And Mrs. Williams had both passed on. These people were folks who stayed in all our memories. As time went on our mother and her parents made their way to Hillside Last Horse area. It was here that our mother was joined by another five sisters and six brothers. Our mother left her home and started working. One of Mom's first jobs was with the Newell family. How long Mom worked there, we don't know. From this job Mom went to work at the Saskatchewan Hospital. If I recall correctly Mom made $20.00 a month. But when you stop to think now, we can make $20 an hour. What a change! It was at this time our mom met a young man of English heritage by the name of Alfred Hunter Illingworth. Mom and Dad were married at St. Paul's Anglican Church in North Battleford. In the following year the first of five children came along; Alice, followed by the twins Bruce and Brian. Then in the later '50s the last two children were born - Eleanor and then Alvin. Times were hard, but by the grace of our Lord, Mom was able to raise her family by making many fine gardens which would sustain the family from one year to the next. In the spring Mom would raise a flock of about 100 mixed chickens; the hens for our eggs, and the roosters for part of our winter meat supply. At that time a flock of mixed chickens would cost about $20. Mom also raised about 25 turkeys, which would cost about 75 cents each. I will never forget the gardens Mom would produce. In the summer the three oldest kids spent time picking peas, beans, and tomatoes, and in the fall it was digging up carrots, turnips, beets, and potatoes. Summer also meant berry picking - mainly Saskatoons and wild raspberries. One time when our mom, Bruce, Brian, and I were picking Saskatoons we lost all that we'd picked. This came about when we became lazy and did not put our pails over the fence. Instead we just set them on the outside of the bush, and then went back into the bush to pick some more. In the meantime, along came our neighbour's horse and he ate the whole works. From that we all learned a good lesson. Our mom had many talents as a homemaker. These talents were sewing, knitting, painting, and writing poetry and songs. The one thing that stands out in my mind was the patchwork quilt Mom made was about the Lone Star of Texas. I do not know how long it took Mom to make, but I do remember there was over 800 pieces. Some of Mom's other sewing accomplishments was the making of jackets out of denim from blue jeans. After the sewing was done, she'd paint on them, most of the painting themes were of wild roses. As time went on Mom took up writing poems and songs. The one poem that stands out in my memory was about the Missing Bell of Batoche. This poem was about 30 verses in length. Many of Mom's poems and songs were about life on the prairies. While Mom wrote the songs, a very dear friend Hap Boyer, who is a Metis fiddle player, helped her put music to the song. One song that Hap and Mom wrote was about Wapuss Stew and Bannock. This type of stew was a staple for many during the Dirty Thirties. It was 11 years ago that Mom became ill and became a resident at Battleford District Care Centre. The residents of Ward 5 became her extended family. Because of the wonderful and kind care of the staff, we were able to have our mother with us until June 16, 2011. At that time our Lord took her home. My sister and Mom's two great-grandchildren were with her. Mom, we loved you dearly, but you are now with our Lord and Saviour. Isabella (Illingworth) Weber is survived by daughters Alice Grove and Eleanor (Bob) Widdowson and son Alvin Illingworth; grandchildren Linda Paradis, Tara Widdowson, and Stacey Illiingworth; great grandchildren Jaydon Paradis and Avery Rose Paradis. These ones were Mom's little man and little lady. Our mother is also survived by her sisters Madeline Tatton, Ann Sager, and Bernice Sullivan, and brothers Guy Baker of Hillside and Robert (Bobby) Baker of Vancouver Island, BC as well as many nieces and nephews. Mom was predeceased by her parents Peter and Anne Baker; our father Alfred Illingworth; her twin sons Bruce (2000) and Brian (2011); brothers Sam (Peter), Carl, Jack, and Ted (Vern) Baker; sisters Phyllis Egeland and Chris Bastian; as well as son in law Bruce Grove, and daughter in law Sherry Illingworth. On behalf of our family I would like to thank all who helped in any way - the staff and residents of Battlefords District Care Centre; Dr. James Johnson; Sallows and McDonald Funeral Home; our pastor Dan Millard; Ettina Fedorchuk for providing the music. Also a very special thank you goes to Mom's nephew John Baker, who was the urn bearer. This is my feeble attempt at trying to sum up a life of 88 years. Mom, we will always miss you, but we can have comfort in knowing you are in the arms of our Lord. (Alice Grove) Memorial Service for Isabella was held on Saturday, June 25, 2011 from the Chapel of Sallows and McDonald Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Millard officiating. Interment took place at the City of North Battleford Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations in Isabella's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Hands of Friendship Auxiliary (PO Box 69, Battleford, SK S0M 0E0). Condolences for the family may be left at Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Kristeen Nylander of Sallows & McDonald Funeral Home, North Battleford, SK. (306) 445-2418 ____________________________________________________
