On January 18, 2021 at 7:00 pm, Mom passed peacefully in her sleep at Salem Home in Winkler.
She is survived by four sons and their families; David (Claudia), Brett (Sheana), Nathaniel and Joey; Henry; Paul (Evelyn), Melissa, Tracy, Tyler (Stephanie), Emmett and Connor; Harvey (Lillian), Jacob and Timothy; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by husband Charles (2012), granddaughter Andrea (2003), and all her brothers and sisters. (Mom’s Dad had passed a few months before Mom was born)
Mom was born in the Village of Reinland, the youngest of 8 and was the last of this family group.
Mom grew up in the village going to a one-room schoolhouse, up to grade 8. To pursue further education, you would have to leave, and at that time was not an option. As the youngest sibling, she helped the next older sister Helen and brother David with the farm chores. These three were always together, playing music, singing, and joining with various chorus groups. Music and singing remained a major part throughout Mom’s life.
Mom always wanted to be a nurse, subsequently her life long caring and nurturing personality. However, becoming a nurse was not to be at that time and Mom moved to the big city to work.
It was there she met her “Viking”, and off they sailed to life’s adventures. Dad and Mom were married on June 19, 1954. They soon after left Winnipeg to begin a “new” life back to their roots on a farm; two young boys in tow and two more to come! They farmed together near Barnsley from 1959 to 1978. Dad built many buildings on the farm and for surrounding neighbours.
Mom had a huge garden every year, was a busy farm wife, milked cows, had chickens, canning hundreds of jars, and filling a large freezer every year. And she was a mother to 4 growing boys. On the farm and for some time after she continued to make time to continue as a member of the McDermott’s Ladies Club.
Dad wanted to return to building and Mom was ready to move to town, “Carman”. Mom just wanted a yard large enough to have space for a good garden. And that became 142 Bishop Bay, a new street on the north fringe of town; they built the first home on that part of the street. They would go on to build 5 more houses on that street, but 142 remained the base for 30 years. Mom’s fruit, vegetable and flower garden were lovely every year, Dalia’s being her favourite flower.
Grandchildren were on the way in the early 80’s, she could not have been happier. She always had time to spend with them, taking them places and just enjoy them immensely. Throughout the summer vacations, there almost always was a grandchild staying for a visit.
Mom and Dad built, renovated, and sold numerous properties throughout Carman, the last being the 4-plex. Mom kept meticulous records for their ventures and became friends with all their long-term renters. She always loved to visit with people, picking up the rent was a just a good excuse to visit.
Mom and Dad were avid travellers until age became too much a factor. They had travelled to many places throughout Canada, the USA and to Europe many times.
Mom volunteered many years for her Church, the MCC Store, Hospital Auxiliary, Boyne Lodge and was always available to help someone in need.
Who can forget Mom’s cinnamon buns! She loved to cook and bake and was very good at it. When someone stopped in the first question, have you eaten? There was always something quickly available from the freezer. (We were always lucky she never fell in, she was so short, and the freezer was so huge)!
Seldom was there not a dog somewhere close by, she had a great love for animals and for most of her life had pets. Her loved Ginger dog passed just a few months before Mom and Dad moved to the Meadowood Estates. The large yard and house had just become too much!
Her beloved Charles passed away on December 23, 2012. Then a couple years after celebrating her 90th birthday in Carman, Mom requiring a bit more help, moved to an Assisted Living facility at Homestead South in Morden.
As Mom’s eyesight failed – she said her most treasured asset – so did her ability to read. Never was Mom without something that needed to be read or should be re-read! Her ever expanding collection of books, pamphlets, and writings were so numerous, she had family giveaways of books to nieces and nephews more than once! At Homestead South volunteers, nieces, and friends would read scripture to her. Over the years, through Bible Study and her own reading and research, I’m sure she had been through the Bible several times. Margin notes in her handwriting were evident on many book pages and papers.
The Homestead South stay was only a year and after falling, and eyesight continuously regressing, Mom required more help than Home Care was able to provide.
Salem Home was her last and final move. Mom resided there for nearly 2 years in relatively good health, loss of most of her eyesight was her greatest deficit. We thank the many people than continually visited her there, she always enjoyed everyone’s company. But, the “lifeline” was her phone. Mom throughout her life always made time to visit and discuss everything from the Bible to politics to world affairs. Mom was very well read and could discuss a variety of subjects, recently not as much with in person visiting, but the “lifeline” was to the rescue. If you were lucky, but it was seldom you could get through to her phone on your first attempt. Again, we thank so many of you for calling as often and as regularly as you did, Mom really appreciated the calls, it kept her going daily.
Mom was 95 years, healthy and happy to the end. Mobility had lessened this last year, but the wheelchair allowed her to continue and participate in activities at her care home. We graciously thank all the Staff of Salem Home for the fine care our mother received and for keeping her involved in daily activities and entertainment. She passed away peacefully in her sleep leaving this earth to finally meet her Dad for the first time and into God’s open arms. We will miss her dearly, rest in peace Mom.
Provincial protocol allows for a private family funeral and interment only, we apologize to everyone who wished to attend. However, the service will be recorded and will be made available for everyone to view on Doyle’s Funeral Home website. The family will, at a later time, after the Covid virus has passed, fulfill Mom’s wishes and have a family and friends gathering to celebrate Mom’s life with a good visit and share a meal.
If people so wish, in lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Salem Home or to a charity of one’s choice.
A special thank-you to Doyle’s Funeral Home, Mark and Craig as well as Pastor Rachel Siemens and Mary-Anne Falk from Carman Mennonite Church.
She is survived by four sons and their families; David (Claudia), Brett (Sheana), Nathaniel and Joey; Henry; Paul (Evelyn), Melissa, Tracy, Tyler (Stephanie), Emmett and Connor; Harvey (Lillian), Jacob and Timothy; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by husband Charles (2012), granddaughter Andrea (2003), and all her brothers and sisters. (Mom’s Dad had passed a few months before Mom was born)
Mom was born in the Village of Reinland, the youngest of 8 and was the last of this family group.
Mom grew up in the village going to a one-room schoolhouse, up to grade 8. To pursue further education, you would have to leave, and at that time was not an option. As the youngest sibling, she helped the next older sister Helen and brother David with the farm chores. These three were always together, playing music, singing, and joining with various chorus groups. Music and singing remained a major part throughout Mom’s life.
Mom always wanted to be a nurse, subsequently her life long caring and nurturing personality. However, becoming a nurse was not to be at that time and Mom moved to the big city to work.
It was there she met her “Viking”, and off they sailed to life’s adventures. Dad and Mom were married on June 19, 1954. They soon after left Winnipeg to begin a “new” life back to their roots on a farm; two young boys in tow and two more to come! They farmed together near Barnsley from 1959 to 1978. Dad built many buildings on the farm and for surrounding neighbours.
Mom had a huge garden every year, was a busy farm wife, milked cows, had chickens, canning hundreds of jars, and filling a large freezer every year. And she was a mother to 4 growing boys. On the farm and for some time after she continued to make time to continue as a member of the McDermott’s Ladies Club.
Dad wanted to return to building and Mom was ready to move to town, “Carman”. Mom just wanted a yard large enough to have space for a good garden. And that became 142 Bishop Bay, a new street on the north fringe of town; they built the first home on that part of the street. They would go on to build 5 more houses on that street, but 142 remained the base for 30 years. Mom’s fruit, vegetable and flower garden were lovely every year, Dalia’s being her favourite flower.
Grandchildren were on the way in the early 80’s, she could not have been happier. She always had time to spend with them, taking them places and just enjoy them immensely. Throughout the summer vacations, there almost always was a grandchild staying for a visit.
Mom and Dad built, renovated, and sold numerous properties throughout Carman, the last being the 4-plex. Mom kept meticulous records for their ventures and became friends with all their long-term renters. She always loved to visit with people, picking up the rent was a just a good excuse to visit.
Mom and Dad were avid travellers until age became too much a factor. They had travelled to many places throughout Canada, the USA and to Europe many times.
Mom volunteered many years for her Church, the MCC Store, Hospital Auxiliary, Boyne Lodge and was always available to help someone in need.
Who can forget Mom’s cinnamon buns! She loved to cook and bake and was very good at it. When someone stopped in the first question, have you eaten? There was always something quickly available from the freezer. (We were always lucky she never fell in, she was so short, and the freezer was so huge)!
Seldom was there not a dog somewhere close by, she had a great love for animals and for most of her life had pets. Her loved Ginger dog passed just a few months before Mom and Dad moved to the Meadowood Estates. The large yard and house had just become too much!
Her beloved Charles passed away on December 23, 2012. Then a couple years after celebrating her 90th birthday in Carman, Mom requiring a bit more help, moved to an Assisted Living facility at Homestead South in Morden.
As Mom’s eyesight failed – she said her most treasured asset – so did her ability to read. Never was Mom without something that needed to be read or should be re-read! Her ever expanding collection of books, pamphlets, and writings were so numerous, she had family giveaways of books to nieces and nephews more than once! At Homestead South volunteers, nieces, and friends would read scripture to her. Over the years, through Bible Study and her own reading and research, I’m sure she had been through the Bible several times. Margin notes in her handwriting were evident on many book pages and papers.
The Homestead South stay was only a year and after falling, and eyesight continuously regressing, Mom required more help than Home Care was able to provide.
Salem Home was her last and final move. Mom resided there for nearly 2 years in relatively good health, loss of most of her eyesight was her greatest deficit. We thank the many people than continually visited her there, she always enjoyed everyone’s company. But, the “lifeline” was her phone. Mom throughout her life always made time to visit and discuss everything from the Bible to politics to world affairs. Mom was very well read and could discuss a variety of subjects, recently not as much with in person visiting, but the “lifeline” was to the rescue. If you were lucky, but it was seldom you could get through to her phone on your first attempt. Again, we thank so many of you for calling as often and as regularly as you did, Mom really appreciated the calls, it kept her going daily.
Mom was 95 years, healthy and happy to the end. Mobility had lessened this last year, but the wheelchair allowed her to continue and participate in activities at her care home. We graciously thank all the Staff of Salem Home for the fine care our mother received and for keeping her involved in daily activities and entertainment. She passed away peacefully in her sleep leaving this earth to finally meet her Dad for the first time and into God’s open arms. We will miss her dearly, rest in peace Mom.
Provincial protocol allows for a private family funeral and interment only, we apologize to everyone who wished to attend. However, the service will be recorded and will be made available for everyone to view on Doyle’s Funeral Home website. The family will, at a later time, after the Covid virus has passed, fulfill Mom’s wishes and have a family and friends gathering to celebrate Mom’s life with a good visit and share a meal.
If people so wish, in lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Salem Home or to a charity of one’s choice.
A special thank-you to Doyle’s Funeral Home, Mark and Craig as well as Pastor Rachel Siemens and Mary-Anne Falk from Carman Mennonite Church.