1949 – 2025
Amey Cushman spent her final week at the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence after a courageous battle with cancer.
The beloved daughter of Robert and Janet (Chafee) Cushman, and sister of Robert (Lynne MacGregor), Hope (David Cape), John (Heather Lawson) and Charlotte (Enzo Cefis), Amey was born in Morristown, New Jersey and came to Pointe Claire with her family in 1952. Amey adored her nieces and nephews – Robert, Hunter, Alex, Emily, Tim, Claire, Jenny, Adriana and James – and they in turn loved her for her kind manner, courage and wonderful perspective. She was her family’s moral compass.
Amey lived in a West Island Residence for the Intellectually Handicapped (WIRIH) group home in Valois for over 30 years, and was renowned for her joyful disposition, delightful sense of humour and savant-like memory. Hearing only a few bars of a tune she could readily identify the song, artist and the year of release. Amey was regularly consulted to remind us of times past, the people, the events and best of all the legendary sayings of her father which usually provoked peals of laughter.
Faith played an important role in Amey’s life, and she regularly said her favourite grace at family gatherings and at her Valois home. She seldom complained and was very positive about others. In addition to family, countless friends and acquaintances, Amey’s ideal world was filled with dogs and music, and she was renowned for her grace, good manners and etiquette. “Please and thank-you” punctuated her conversation, and all overnight visits resulted in a thank-you note prior to her departure. Amey participated in countless activities for those with intellectual disabilities, many of which were the legacy of her parents, Jan and Cush. They worked tirelessly to pioneer such services in the 1950s and 60s when little was available.
We want to thank WIRIH for the wonderful group home years, and particularly Arden de la Paz the caregiver of almost 30 years, and Brenda Moses for the past 3 years. Brenda showered Amey with love, personal care and spiritual guidance for the 2 months that she was able to spend at home after her month-long stay in the hospital. Our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude go out to the Teresa Dellar palliative care team who offered Amey and our family exemplary and compassionate care in the final days.
A memorial service will be held at St. John the Baptist, 233 Sainte-Claire Avenue, Pointe Claire on Saturday February 22, 1:30 pm followed by a reception at the Forest and Stream Club, 1800 Lakeshore Drive, Dorval from 3:00 – 5:00pm. Donations may be made to the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence at residencesoinspalliatifs.ca/en/donate/ or to West Island Residences for the Intellectually Handicapped at wirih.residences@gmail.com, or by mail to WIRIH, att: Mr R. Held, 111 Donegani, Pointe Claire, Qc H9R 2W3.
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