MONA MCCRAE

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MONA MCCRAE After a short fight with cancer, Mona Florence McCrae, beloved wife of John McCrae, died Thursday morning, July 5, 2007 at the Portage la Prairie General Hospital. Mona was born to Guy and Beatrice Whitcher on July 16, 1927 in Gladstone, Manitoba. She is survived by her husband John, brother Marlin of Toronto, and several nieces and nephews. Mona received her early education in the Pembroke District, and her high schooling in Gladstone. Following graduation she studied nursing and graduated with her R.N. from the Winnipeg General Hospital. John and Mona were married in October 1949, returning to Gladstone where they took up farming. Mona nursed at the Gladstone General Hospital for several years, eventually retiring to join John in the rewards of life on the farm. Mona was always active in the community. She was a charter member of the Royal Purple and an active participant of the Hospital Guild, a member of the United Church, and enjoyed many hours working at the Agricultural Fair and Sports Day. During the winter of 1976 John and Mona headed south and thus began 26 wonderful winters in Texas. In the early days they spent part of each week helping Mexican children learn to read. She loved to tend her many rose bushes there and took particular delight in showing their Canadian visitors all the sights in Texas. During the summer months John and Mona travelled to the Okanagan Valley, where she loved picking the fruit always preserving some for the winter ahead and packaging up peaches for family and friends back home in Manitoba. Mona loved to golf, to bowl, and as a young woman was known for her prowess on the ladies' softball team. When poor health decided they should spend their winters in Manitoba, John and Mona purchased their present home, and once again Mona kept busy with her garden and her fruit trees. She took great pleasure in sharing her abundance. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gladstone United Church with Rev. Marg Scott officiating. Interment will follow in the Gladstone Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Central Plains Cancer Care Service or to CancerCare Manitoba. Mona's family would like to send their love and appreciation to all the staff at the Portage Hospital and to the many friends at CancerCare who were always there when called upon. Clarke's Funeral Home, Gladstone in care of arrangements. www.clarkesfuneralhome.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 07, 2007