Getting Through It: With Sadie at the helm in the Shervino house, this family knows they can get through anything life throws at them
June 27, 2023
Mom celebrating first Mother’s Day
June 28, 2023
Colleen Clara Galbraith already is and will go down as one of the best moms in history to her two sons Neil and Mark Galbraith. However, she didn’t get there without an incomprehensible amount of selfless sacrifice and an incredible journey to ensure that her family has support, structure and love.
Colleen was born in Winchester, Ontario to Alex and Illeen Moore where she grew up with her three siblings Aaron, Wes and Diane. She would go on to marry her husband Dale Galbraith on September 20th, 1981. Where they were fortunate enough to travel much of Europe, after Dale was stationed in Germany for the Canadian Military.
This marriage would lead to the birth of now-36-year-old Neil Galbraith and now-34-year-old Mark Alex Galbraith. Mark’s middle name comes from Colleen’s father’s name, Alex Moore, who served in the Canadian Military.
Colleen is known for her honesty, openness, helpfulness and for being unselfish. These are just some of the qualities that have not only made her a great mother but have given her an amazing career of more than 30 years working in nursing homes as a Healthcare-Aide and Registered Nurse.
It’s no surprise her caring nature led her to this career as her mother also worked at a retirement living home. However, Colleen went the extra mile by earning a degree from Mohawk College to become a registered nurse and has acted as a go-to Union representative.
She even got her bus license to support client outings. It wasn’t just in her career that she went the extra mile as she went the extra mile for her family as well.
“What I admire about my mom is her will,” said Neil. “[I admire] her will to work hard, take charge and help others. Her never-give-up attitude has always helped her find a route to accomplish any goal she sets her mind to.”
Neil also admires her unconditional love and support for her family as well as her fair and honest words. Mark admires a great deal about his mother, even saying that she means everything to him.
“She gives me hope and has never let me down when I needed her,” said Mark. “[I admire] her smile, her smarts, her ability to sit, listen and offer advice.”
Neil and Mark have many wonderful memories with their mom including seeing her hold her grandson Jack for the first time. Neil can even remember the joyous expression on her face that showed love for her new family member while Mark appreciates certain qualities that make her a great grandmother.
“[What makes her a great grandmother] is her undying love for her grandson Jack. She is stern, but kind; loving and teaching,” said Mark. “She never forgets to let him know that he is loved by everyone around him no matter what.”
Colleen loves to FaceTime with Jack so she can still be there for him when they’re apart. When they’re together the two transform into professional bakers as they bake the most delicious cookies imaginable.
Colleen also created wonderful memories for her kids during their childhood. Whether they were playing baseball or football, Colleen could be found capturing the moment as the “camera mom.”
She wasn’t your ordinary camera mom as she was always able to snap the perfect action shots of her kids and their friends. The camera mom ended up with plenty of photographs of cherished childhood memories that her kids can always reflect on.
Creating memories with her sons and grandson are some of Colleen’s favourite hobbies. She also loves gardening, painting the house, moving furniture around the house and visiting the bluffs at Erieau.
Colleen may have been a nurse in her career, but she functioned as a teacher in her family imparting many great lessons to her kids.
“My mom has helped me become a moral, honest, accountable and good-hearted person,” said Neil. “My mom taught me what it means to be a family.”
“[She taught me] money management is important, but family is more important,” said Mark. “[She taught me to] live within your means and know when to walk away.”
Neil wanted to share a special message with his mother to close off this story of the best mom in the world:
“You’ve had unconditional love for your family during the hardest times in our lives. You have been the ultimate support system that anyone in our family could lean on when we have been in tough spots in our lives,” said Neil. “You’re there to pick us up when we fall down and you’re there to celebrate our successes. Everything you do doesn’t go unrecognized. I’m grateful to have you in my life. Love Neil.”
