By THEA RUTHERFORD
For two little girls whose grandmother passed away only to live on in their lives in the most tangible of ways, the most fitting tribute to her this holiday season was to ensure that her legacy of giving never died.
In honour of their grandmother Bertha Russell, who in life gave from the depths of a bottomless heart, Glaire Delancy, 12, and Reagan Delancy, 6, donated four water coolers and four microwaves to McLean's Town Primary School on Friday, December 7.
"My Nanna was such a giving person," said Glaire. "She would put people before herself, and that's what she tried to teach us."
The girls and their parents have held masses and done special things to commemorate Russell's life ever since her death two years ago. This year the family wanted to do something that mirrored the way Russell lived. The girls presented the gifts to McLean's Town Primary acting principal Dorothy Lewis at their parents' office.
Their mother, Rose Delancy, Russell's daughter, thought the tribute an apt one.
"I thought it was a good idea because mum was always a very giving person and I just thought it was a good idea for Reagan and Glaire to really understand the importance of giving," said Delancy. "I think that was a good legacy that my mum left."
Delancy said that her mother, who died at 60, lived the latter part of her life with the attitude of one who was just "passing through," determined to help as many people as possible along the way.
"There is no need to cling to things that are material," she said. "There was just a freedom of feeling free to give to those that need. If you're able to help somebody, go ahead and do it because this is just a journey. As Christians and as believers we don't need to hold on to anything."
Committed to ensuring that their girls always remember their grandmother's kindness, Glyne and Rose Delancy plan to encourage them in their spirit of giving. The girls have decided to fill a need wherever they can each year.
"I think she's really pleased that we did this," said Glaire of her grandmother. "I think she is smiling. She is happy."
LEGACY — The Delancy sisters donated four microwaves and four water coolers to McLean's Town Primary School on December 7, 2007. Their parents Glyne and Rose Delancy wanted to encourage their children's decision to make donations wherever needed each year in honour of their grandmother, Bertha Russell. Pictured from left are McLean's Town Primary Acting Principal Dorothy Lewis, Reagan Delancy, and Glaire Delancy. (Photo courtesy of The Delancys)
