The easiest answer is that Etta Maud represents my grandmother on my maternal side. Her name is really Etta Florence Maude Magee McKibbin, and she remains an enigma because I was born too late to meet her. She died at age 61 when my mother was 23.
Etta was the youngest of 13 children, born in 1882 to Isabella Crawford and Hugh Magee, and was raised primarily by Isabella, a smart, strong pioneer who won a divorce from our great-grandfather in 1883. The reason for the split is unknown, in part perhaps because of the shame associated with a divorce, even though there must have been just cause as Isabella filed shortly after giving birth to Etta while my great-grandfather had means. He is recognized as a founding settler in Vancouver, and his and/or his son’s name James Douglas Magee, graces a high school and street. Etta’s brother James’ house is listed in the Canadian Register.
Through my mother, I have always felt the presence of Etta Maud as light and love. What she passed down to my mother was gentleness, a sense of wit and humor, and an open heart.