GEORGINA PLAYFAIR MACKECHNIE HARRIS

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GEORGINA PLAYFAIR MACKECHNIE HARRIS September 11, 1917 - October 16, 2006 Georgie passed away peacefully at her home on October 16, 2006. She loved her family members, and was much loved by them. She is survived by her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her father and mother, Mac (Hugh Lyon Playfair) and Dorothy Maude, by her husband James Marston and by her son James Michael. She was also predeceased by her grandson John Marston, by her sister and brother-in-law Dottie and Jack and by her son-in-law Floyd. She dearly treasured all of these folks who have gone on before her, and who will welcome her home. Georgie grew up in Toronto, in a home and a time filled with lovely antiques, and so began her lifelong interest, appreciation and care of beautiful furniture, china and crystal, in her homes and in her shops. Georgie moved to Winnipeg from Toronto in 1935 and, as a young wife and mother, she supported her husband in his careers with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the family business - Canada Packers, and through his love for his farming interests at Headingley, where she also had her Antique Shop. She took on years of study at the University of Manitoba, acquiring her Bachelor of Arts degree and then her Bachelor of Laws degree, being one of the first women at that time to earn this accomplishment. Georgie had a wonderful sense of humour and a kind spirit, always the first to welcome a new neighbour with a chicken pie. She was a gracious hostess and loved a party! Georgie loved to dance. She had great memories of the Second World War years when she and her husband helped to entertain airmen from Australia and New Zealand who were involved with the Commonwealth Air Training Plan and stationed at Dauphin and Gimli, spending their leaves in Winnipeg. Hence - her love of the music of that era and of the wonderful songs that stirred her spirit! Her favourites were Hello Dolly and As Time Goes By . As a Red Cross Volunteer at Deer Lodge Hospital, she spent many hours helping to get our boys back on their feet as they returned from the front, with the mud from France still on their boots tied to the ends of their stretchers. Georgie was a woman of great hope, faith and integrity. Georgie was especially valued as President of the Antique Arts Club where she enjoyed sharing her own collection of treasures and her wealth of knowledge with her fellow members. During the hot prairie summers, she loved her times playing tennis and sailing with her family at Kenora and at Gimli, where she entertained holiday-time friends. Our family thanks Dr. D. Breckman and Dr. H. Gooi for their loving care of our mother. We thank all of the wonderful Home Care and We Care nursing and service providers who helped to make it possible for Georgie to live peacefully and comfortably at home, as well as the Westhaven staff and residents who brought warmth, joy and support to her life there. A private family burial has taken place. A Service of Celebration for Georgie's life will be held for close family and friends, by invitation only. Donations in lieu of flowers, may be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, in Georgie's memory at ON1160 - 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. Georgie taught us all to live by The Golden Rule . She will be deeply missed by her family. Thank you Mum, for all you have been to us. We love you oh so dearly. Peace now be with you Mum, for always. In Loving Memory of Georgie Not how did she die, but how did she live Not what did she gain, but what did she give These are the merits to measure the worth Of a woman as a woman, regardless of birth Not what was her station, but had she a heart And how did she play her God-given part Was she ever ready with a word of good cheer To bring a smile or banish a tear Not what was her church Nor what was her creed But had she befriended those really in need Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say But how many lives were touched As she passed by their way

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 18, 2006