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GUDRUN PEARL MCLEAN (HANSON)
Born: Dec 10, 1915
Date of Passing: Aug 27, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGUDRUN PEARL MCLEAN (nee HANSON) Pearl McLean passed away peacefully on August 27, 2013. Pearl was born on December 10, 1915 in Gimli, Manitoba to Hilda Hanson (nee Holt) and Joseph Hanson (Hjatalin). Her childhood was spent in McCreary, Manitoba where she developed an early interest in music, specifically piano. Her late teens were spent in Winnipeg, where she earned degrees from the Toronto Conservatory of Music and the London College of Music. During the Second World War, Pearl worked for MacDonald Aircraft in Winnipeg assembling armaments. She met her lifelong love and partner, Air craftsman 2nd class Malcolm Serviss McLean through mutual friends, and they were married in 1943. Mac was ordained in 1950, and Pearl inherited the roles of choir director, organist, music teacher, and full-time participant in the life and mission of the Presbyterian churches in Barvis, Yorkton, and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Pearl was an inspiration to many over her 97 years. She played the piano right up until her last week here on Earth. She loved following Canadian and American politics, and well into her 90s she took up the computer and iPad to keep in touch with the world. She loved to travel, and she managed to live on her own in her apartment until February of this year, and enjoyed a lively social life at the apartment complex, organizing social events, and hosting Sunday family dinners. Her sense of humour, play, and fun will be remembered by all. Pearl is survived by her three sons, Malcolm (Melva), Grant (Sally) and Dave (Patti) and five grandchildren, Celia, Joseph, Megan, Naomi, and Sam, as well as many nieces and nephews and their children. A memorial service, with Rev. Bruce Miles officiating, will be held at St. James Presbyterian Church, 1476 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg (south of Polo Park, West of the Empress St. overpass) on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow. The family would like to express its sincere gratitude for all the excellent care and support Pearl received from the staff of The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 14, 2013
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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My Uncle- Bert Graves grew up with Pearl and was actually quite fond of her- they would walk to school together and share dreams of the future. He signed up for the air force before the war. Came back to McCreary for a visit and to spend time with Pearl---oh how he wanted to ask her to marry him, but as a new recruit he could not marry until he was 21 or had permission from his commanding officer- so they walked and talked and he kept his feelings to himself thinking maybe with time it would be possible...but the war came...Pearl moved....Bud moved...each found others to be the loves of their lives....Bud is now 97 and still speaks of Pearl- her kindness- her goodness- and misses her (Bud- Bert was also best friend with Pearls brother Paul) She must have been a very fine woman. - Posted by: Louise Graves (my father aund uncle grew up with Pearl) on: Aug 18, 2016
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Malcolm, Grant and Dave - we are so very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I had tried to phone a number of times but couldn't get through. Please phone me at work 403 232 4395 when you can. Our Auntie Pearl was very special to our family, full of fun, laughter and undeniable talent. To have her play "Flight of the Bumble Bee" was an absolute treat! I had kept in telephone contact with your mom for many years and still so enjoyed her wit, wise words and kindness. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. Peggy, Joe, Tim, Glen Hanson and Family xo - Posted by: Peggy Wittrock (Hanson) (niece) on: Nov 30, 2013
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Pearl was my friend and pal for nearly 40 years. not only was she a gifted musician she also had a lovely singing voice. I met Pearl in a group of eight women, "The Good News", who all played guitar, sang, entertained when and wherever we could and loved every minute of it. We will all miss her! - Posted by: Elsie williamson (friend) on: Sep 27, 2013
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Pearl was my piano teacher for many years. Mac and Pearl lived just a few houses down from us on Tulane Bay. My dad was a police officer and worked a lot of nights so I couldn't practice as much as I wanted. This reflected on my piano playing from week to week but Pearl never criticized. She was always so kind and gentle. Quick to smile and quick to give encouragement. I would go to her house and see the Tetley Tea china figurines that were displayed on her foyer room-divider. You received those figures free inside the box of Tetley Tea. 35 years later I was in the interior of B.C. and came across a collectible store. I purchased about 20 of these figurines because they reminded me of the lessons I took from Pearl. It reminded me of her kindness. What a wonderful person she was. The world is a much-less-nicer place without her in it. Dory Cameron from Calgary, Alberta - Posted by: Dorothy Schmidt (Student) on: Sep 25, 2013
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As an upstairs neighbor of Pearl's at Silverview, I so admired and appreciated listening to her piano playing (songs from my era) and Dave's contribution almost every morning. I did tell her often how much I enjoyed it, as she was concerned she might bother me. I felt it was a wonderful way to start my day. A great lady!! - Posted by: Betty Pell () on: Sep 14, 2013