YVONNE DONALDA DOWN

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YVONNE DONALDA DOWN 1941 - 2005 Another angel was welcomed in heaven. Peacefully, after a courageous battle with cancer, Yvonne, loving companion, daughter, sister, mother and grandmother, passed into eternal rest November 10, 2005 at the Tiger Hills Health Centre at the age of 64. Left to mourn her passing and to cherish her memory are special friend Murray McMannis of Holland, MB; sons, Don (Melanie, Bryanna and Kiara) Down of Oakbank, MB, Ken Down (Leisa Forster) of Belmont, MB and Rob (Sara, David and Kaitlyn) Down of Winnipeg, MB; daughters, Kim (Dale, Ayla and Amy) Gee of Holland, MB and Debbie (Carl and McKenzie) Zacharias of Austin, MB; her parents, Donald and Winnie Conibear of Baldur, MB; her brother Bob (Shirley) Conibear of Baldur, MB, sister Lynne (Keith) Howden of Brandon, MB and numerous nieces and nephews. Yvonne was predeceased by her husband Ken Down and mother-in-law and father-in-law, George and Allie Down. She was born Yvonne Donalda Conibear, January 21, 1941 in Glenboro, MB and grew up on the Conibear family farm near Baldur, MB. She moved to Holland and married Ken Down in May of 1973 and raised their family of five children until Ken's sudden passing in 1984. Yvonne was a lifetime caregiver and took great pride in the time she spent with people in need. She spent many years providing homecare to seniors in the community of Holland. When she wasn't providing home care she could be found baking for others, tending to her bountiful vegetable garden, preparing and delivering meals to seniors, or knitting something warm and cozy for a child or grandchild. Yvonne Down was a lady of great compassion, unselfishness, and character. During her lifetime she faced many challenges with grace and courage. As children, her family couldn't appreciate just how strong she was. But as adults, it wasn't difficult to realize more fully just how amazing she was. Her children and grandchildren were her life and all have special memories of her kindness, thoughtfulness and determination. In 2002, Yvonne retired and along with Murray they shared a shortened time in their new home together. After all the years of caring for others it was time for her to enjoy her the comforts of retirement, and these four years were some of the happiest in her life. The family wishes to thank the thoughtful staff at the Tiger Hills Health Centre for the care and comfort they provided during Yvonne's final days. They would also like to acknowledge the dedication of family member Jackie McMannis who was a tremendous support to Yvonne each day, allowing her to reside at home while taking treatments. The funeral service was conducted at the Holland Community Centre, Holland, MB on Monday, November 14, 2005 at 2:00 p.m., followed by interment in Brookdale Cemetery, with Rev. Ron Fletcher presiding. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Yvonne's memory to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9. One day at a Time, Sweet Jesus. That's all I'm asking from you. Just give me the strength, To do every day, What I have to do. On line condolences may be made at www.budz.ca Budz Funeral Service of Holland, Manitoba in care of arrangements. 526-2380, 866-526-2606

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 26, 2005