WINNIFRED MARY (MOLLY) CHEATER

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WINNIFRED MARY (MOLLY) CHEATER Peacefully on Friday, January 12, 2007 at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, MB, Molly Cheater passed away at the age of 84 years in the presence of her oldest son. She is survived by her brother Dick (Betty) Walker; her sister Margaret Bell; her five sons, (Brent, Glenn, Bryan, Bill and Terry), their spouses, 15 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and other relatives in Canada and the United Kingdom. She was predeceased by her beloved husband (Eldon); her mother (Alice Walker) and her father (Harold Walker). In keeping with her wishes a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2007 at Church of St. Stephen and St. Bede, 99 Turner Ave. at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Aubrey Hemminger and Rev. C. J. Adams officiating. Molly was born on May 19, 1922 at Macdonald, MB and grew up on her family's farm. She was educated in Macdonald and Portage la Prairie and trained as a stenographer. On August 12, 1944 she married Edwin Eldon Cheater at St. Mary's Church in Portage la Prairie. Although Eldon had been severely wounded in an explosion on the artillery training range at Petawawa, ON and honourably discharged from the Canadian Army on November 21, 1941, she never allowed his injury to stand in the way of their shared dreams. Throughout her married life, Molly worked very hard at maintaining her family home, raising her children and being a supportive partner to her husband. She was accomplished in many areas but was renowned for family dinners that featured her own baking and preserves. Although she saw her share of hard times and disappointments, Molly was always optimistic and her faith in God and the essential goodness of people seemed unshakeable. Molly especially enjoyed social times with her extended family, friends and neighbours too numerous to name. Her Christian faith and her church were central to her life. She and Eldon considered the raising of five sons, each of them successful in a different field and with children of their own, to be their most noteworthy achievement in life. She was quietly proud of the accomplishments of her family members and tried her best to overcome and heal hurts and disappointments. In her last days, she was looking forward to the birth of a third great-grandchild. Molly, like her late husband, was a reliable individual who asked for little but was always ready to help others. She was honest, hardworking, self-reliant, generous, and compassionate. She was a woman of integrity and good humour. Molly's family gratefully acknowledge the doctors, nurses and staff of the Health Sciences Centre, CancerCare and the Grace Hospital for their compassion and caring during their mother's surgery, subsequent treatment and final illness. They also wish to acknowledge the special support and care provided by her youngest son, Brent, during the last years of her life. His willingness to do whatever it took to help her in this difficult period was much appreciated, especially by his brothers living in Winnipeg. As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, friends may make donations in Molly's memory to the Church of St. Stephen and St. Bede (memorial fund), 99 Turner Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 2S9 or to a charity of their choice. Although Molly's mortal remains are now but ashes, she lives on in the memories of those she left behind. We will miss the sound of her voice and her words of advice and encouragement more than we can say. We loved her dearly. I'm going there to meet my mother/ She said she'd meet me when I come/ I'm only going over Jordan/ I'm only going over home NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 16, 2007