JEAN McMURRAY

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JEAN McMURRAY (nee KOZAK) January 20, 1911 - January 18, 2002 It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Jean McMurray (nee Kozak) in Winnipeg, just before her 91st birthday on January 18, 2002. Jean was born in Ituna, SK, on January 20, 1911. Her parents emigrated from the Ukraine in the late 19th century. She was orphaned at an early age and went to live with the Kilburns, a foster family from whom she learned to speak English. Her working career began at the age of ten as a hired hand on the Kilburn farm in Western Manitoba. She later met her husband Jack McMurray of Castle Douglas, Scotland while they were both employed on the farm, near Neepawa. They married on November 6, 1936 moved to Winnipeg and later Lorette where they eventually settled and raised their five children, James, Irene, Lawrence, Gordon and Ruth. Jeans life provided an example of independence and courage from the start. She learned to read and write without formal schooling, repair minor electrical, plumbing, heating and automotive problems at home and as a caretaker of many public buildings in the town of Lorette. These included the Lorette School, Lorette Convent, Lorette Hall and the Lorette Arena. After her retirement at the age of 85, she enjoyed gardening, the companionship of her Pomeranian dogs, Penny and Tiny and many handicrafts including woodworking. Jean maintained her own residence for 51 years, until July 2001 when she moved to Fort Garry Care Centre. She died there peacefully early Friday morning. Jeans memory will be cherished by her children, James McMurray of Winnipeg, Irene Shandroski of Toronto, Lawrence (Lynn) McMurray of Winnipeg, Ruth (Marcel) Leclaire of Ile-des-Chenes; grandchildren, Gwen, Randall, Larry, Sheila, Sheryl, Christine, Jamie and Dean; and great-grandchildren, Jessica, Kyle, Randilyn, Carly, Christian, Michael, Jasmine, Faith, Charity, Jaylene and their families. She was predeceased by her three brothers, Carl, Pete, and Jack; son Gordon in 1947; husband Jack in 1987; daughter-in-law Frances McMurray (nee Lipischak) in 1984 and son-in-law Melvin Shandroski in 1988. The family wishes to thank the South Eastman Health Homecare Services and the staff at Fort Garry Care Centre who provided excellent care to Mom in recent years. Prayers will be said on Monday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m. from Green Acres Funeral Chapel, Hwy. #1 East at Green Acres Lane. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 22 at 1:00 p.m. from St. Bernadette Roman Catholic Church, 820 Cottonwood, with the Rev. Fr. Fred Olds presiding. Interment will follow at Green Acres Memorial Gardens with the following acting as pallbearers, Jamie McMurray Jr., Larry McMurray, Dean Leclaire, Germaine Jeanson, Scott Naaykens, and Christing Naaykens. Flowers are gratefully declined, donations in Moms memory may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 5 Kent St., Winnipeg, MB, R2L 1X3. GREEN ACRES FUNERAL CHAPEL 222-3241

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 21, 2002