VIRGINIA EVELYN SANBURN

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VIRGINIA EVELYN SANBURN Peacefully, Virginia Evelyn Sanburn (nee Shore) passed away February 28, 2008 at the age of 83 in Neepawa, Manitoba. Virginia is survived by her daughter, Judith (Bill) Martin of Neepawa, grandchildren Christa (Donald) McKee of Brookdale, Colin (Tara) Martin of Neepawa and Aynsley (Robert) Melvin of Pierson. Great-grandchildren: Daisy, Lauren, and Justin McKee, Dylan, Adam, and Julie Martin. Sister, Elizabeth Montgomery of Neepawa and children Bruce (Katrina) Montgomery, Vina (Allister) Palmeter and Vance (Deb) Montgomery. Sisters-in-law, Dorothy Sanburn and Mae Plaseski and many nieces and nephews. Virginia was predeceased by her husband, Robert Arthur Sanburn, parents Vera and William Shore, brother-in-law Glenn Montgomery and members of the Sanburn family. She was born September 2, 1924 at Harlan, Saskatchewan, elder daughter of Vera Ione Gibbs and William J. Shore. She moved with her family to Neepawa at the age of 3 years. Virginia received her education in Neepawa. She attended Normal School in 1943 to 1944. Virginia married Robert Arthur Sanburn on April 21, 1945 and celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 1985. Virginia enjoyed 32 years of teaching. Learning was very important to her and she made a difference in so many students' lives. She began her career as a permit teacher at Willow Grove School near Minnedosa, MB. She then taught in Kenville, Swan River and Neepawa, Manitoba. In 1957, Virginia and her family moved to Winnipeg, where she taught in St. Vital in Winnipeg, Manitoba and retired from teaching in 1979. During her career, she taught summer school classes for the Department of Education, helped to develop programs in Language Arts and Canadian Studies at the Junior High level for the Department of Education and the school division level. Virginia did inservices with teachers throughout the province with these programs. She was honoured in 1967, when Virginia was awarded the Centennial Medal for her contribution to education. She always enjoyed sharing her stories about teaching and she was always pleased to see and visit with her former students. Family was always very important to her. Virginia was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt and shared many special events with her family that will always be treasured. She made many trips to Neepawa to be with her daughter Judith and son-in-law Bill at their farm. We gathered together at the farm for special occasions and she enjoyed the time with Judith, Bill, grandchildren and great-grandchildren always making a special connection with each of us. She was a source of strength and support to us and we looked to her for knowledge and wisdom. Virginia was always active in her daily life. She was a life member of Anemone Rebekah Lodge #23 of Neepawa and received her 50 year jewel, a member of the Knox Presbyterian Church of Neepawa and a member of the Manitoba Society of Seniors. She always enjoyed many activities, especially travelling, golfing, square and round dancing. She enjoyed her time in the executive level of Eastern Manitoba of Square and Round Dance Association and Manitoba Square and Round Dance Federation. Virginia and Art made many trips in the trailer and enjoyed camping with family and friends. They took winter holidays together to Palm Desert, California. Virginia has travelled the world she has been all across Canada and U.S.A. She went to Hawaii, Mexico, Columbia, Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor, Bermuda and Cuba. Virginia also enjoyed cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Hawaii. After Art's passing, Virginia went on many of these trips with friend Dorothy Naish. Friends have always been so important to Virginia. She spent lots of time with them over a cup of tea, golfing, going for lunch, shopping or visiting with friends at their home. Virginia will always be remembered as a supportive person who has shared her strength and wisdom with family and friends. Memorial service will be held Monday, March 3, 2:00 p.m., Knox Presbyterian Church, Neepawa, Manitoba. Donations may be made to: Neepawa Palliative Care Service, Box 1420, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 or Knox Presbyterian Church, Box 445, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. White's Funeral Home Neepawa-Carberry in care of arrangements. (204) 476-2848

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 01, 2008