LENA EILEEN LAWRENCE

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LENA EILEEN LAWRENCE

(nee NANKIVELL)

February 2, 1927 - March 14, 2024

Lena Eileen Lawrence (Nankivell) passed away peacefully, in Birch Personal Care Home, Hamiota, MB., on Thursday March 14, 2024. Lena was born February 2, 1927, in the R.M. of Miniota, eldest of seven children born to William and Eileen Nankivell.

She began her education in Arrow River, Manitoba. ln 1935, their family moved to the Crandall district where Lena continued her schooling. ln 1942, Mom met lvan Lawrence of Crandall. They were married October 27, 1945. ln 1952 they built their home south of Crandall, adjacent to lvan's parent's farm. There they raised five children, Diana (Gordon) Miller, Ron (Doreen), Donna (Dale) Brown, Ken (Deb), David (Sherry). Lena was a grandma to 11 and a great-grandma to 18.

Mom was the epitome of a farm wife, working alongside her husband, as well as raising and nurturing five children. Lena was very busy in her community. In fact both Lena and lvan took a keen interest in being involved with Crandall United Church, the Community Centre and the community at large. Lena was a presbytery rep for quite a few years. She served on the Prairie Christian Training Center board in Fort Qu'appelle, SK. for eight years. Other groups she was a part of included the Palmerston Pals, UCW, Wl, and TOPS. She was a Sunday school teacher, and a leader for some of her children's groups. Lena and lvan were kept busy researching and compiling family stories leading up to the publishing of the first Crandall History book in 1971. She also served on the committee organizing the Crandall School Reunions.

Mom was a "maker" out of necessity, she was a terrific cook, a seamstress, knitter, hairdresser, chauffeur, tv repair person, writer, an avid reader, and more.

Mom and Dad were able to find the time to travel over the years, with many trips to the western provinces. The one highlight including Expo 86. ln 2007, they were able to fly to the east coast, this being their first trip in a plane! When we kids were young, the trips were usually Sunday drives and picnics.

Our parents enjoyed their retirement, travelling many miles in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan to take part in their favourite pastime - pattern dancing - providing countless hours of companionship with friends old and new. A good quantity of dance time was also spent volunteering in local nursing homes, bringing pleasure to so many residents. They also taught dance lessons to a kindergarten class as well as an adult dance class. They were even filmed for a television show.

As we kids moved away from home, both Mom and Dad were able to start dedicating more time to their gardens. The yard at the farm at Crandall, was a thing of beauty. After lvan passed away in 2011, Mom moved to Lilac Residence, Hamiota, were she was still able to water and maintain a pretty little garden space that was also enjoyed by her neighbours and those walking by.

Mom enjoyed 12 years there making new friends and taking part in the many offered activities. Family events over those years filled her heart as more weddings took place and more great-grandchildren swelled her family.

We were so proud of both our parents. Their work ethics, the way they presented themselves, and the way they interacted with others, has greatly influenced us and our families. Our Mom has been described by so many as kind, gentle mannered, and loving. How wonderful for us, her family, to know that others saw and knew her as we did.

She is survived by her children Diana (Gordon) Miller, Rivers, Ron (Doreen), Brandon, Donna (Dale) Brown, Oak River, Ken (Deb), Crandall, David (Sherry), Crandall; her grandson Sean (Alex) Miller, and their children, Kenzie and Gavin; granddaughter Tania (Mike) MacKenzie and their family, Skyer, Kaleb, Bennett, London; granddaughter Melanie (Curtis) Morin, their children Aiden, Avah; grandson Mark (Mandy) and sons, Jaxson, Brodie; granddaughter Erin (Trevor Hartel), granddaughter Amanda (Steven Gagaluk) and their daughters, Sophia, Kallie; grandson Ryan (Holly) and their daughter, Emmy; grandson Michael (Jenna) and girls, Kylie, Taylor; grandson Scott (Jenna) and their girls, Finley, Paisley; grandson Kelly; granddaughter Kaitlyn (Ryan) Kozma and their son Theodore. Sister-in-law Lorraine Nankivell; aunt Mae Watters; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mom was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, lvan, her parents William and Eileen; in-law parents Bert and Mary; great-grandson Sawyer Brown; brothers Edwin, Lawrence, Cliff, Stan, Dennis Nankivell; sister-in-laws Phyllis and Joanna Nankivell; sister-in-laws Violet and husband Bill Torfason, Helen and husband Ken Nelson; nephew Sheldon Nankivell.

A service to celebrate Mom's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on June 1,2024 at Crandall Community Centre, Crandall, MB. For those so desiring, donations may be made in Lena's memory to the Birch Lodge Personal Care Home, payable to Prairie Mountain Health, c/o Hamiota District Health Centre, Hamiota, MB, ROM 0T0 or to the Alzheimer Society Manitoba, 1A - 120 Donald St, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2 (www.alzheimer.mb.ca).

As published in Brandon Sun on May 25, 2024, May 25, 2024