MARY ELIZABETH FLORA MEDLAND

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MARY ELIZABETH FLORA MEDLAND On July 16, 2007 Mary Elizabeth Flora (Betty) Medland (nee Blair) died peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Predeceased by her beloved parents, J. M. (Jack) Blair and Anna Selina Blair, her husband William Abbott Medland (Barney), her brother-in-law Ivan Williams, her son-in-law Nick Christie and her grandson Alexander Josephson. She is survived by her sister Barbara Williams, and her children, Margot, Leslie (Burton), Caroline (Rick), Maryanne, Christopher (Karen), Wendy (Peter), and her grandchildren, Craig, Rhian, Kit, Bethan, Kate, Laura, Michael, Blair, Joan, Jim, Laura, Johann and Jack, as well as her three much loved great-grandchildren. Betty was born in Winnipeg and spent the majority of her life there. She graduated from Kelvin High School, after which she joined the T. Eaton Co. where she began her career as a catalogue model, and rose to become the Head Buyer for Women's Fashion. Betty was an accomplished and trained singer who performed at many weddings, receptions and recitals, in addition to being the soloist for the church choir. She fostered a great love for all kinds of music in all her children. In 1944, Betty married Brian Johnston and had a daughter, Leslie. This marriage ended in divorce and she embarked on her seven years of glorious freedom . Finally she met and married W. A. (Barney) Medland and became mother to his four children: Margot, Caroline, Maryanne and Christopher. This union produced one last child, Wendy. This family provided Betty with her greatest life's work, and it is a tribute to her that they were all together by her side on July 16. Betty had many interests and accomplishments. She was a dedicated supporter of the Winnipeg Humane Society and was involved in showing and breeding her own dogs. Her dogs were one of the loves of her life and she always had one or two by her side. Reading was an integral part of her life. She always had an opinion and loved the challenge of a debate. Her special treasured possessions were all her books. She was always trying to enlighten others and encourage them to read as voraciously as she did. Betty's favourite times were spent in Minaki with her family and friends. She loved the beauty and isolation of her island home. She had a special place in her heart for all the animals and birds that she carefully fed. She particularly enjoyed capturing nature and her family and friends on camera. One of her most cherished moments was her daily skinny dip. Betty's zest for life endeared her to people of all ages and interests. She was a devoted and caring friend to many and she will be remembered as a unique and colourful character. She will be missed by all who loved her. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 19, 2007, 1:00 p.m. at St. Georges Anglican Church, 168 Wilton St. Flowers are gratefully declined. If desired a donation in Elizabeth's memory may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Thomson Funeral Home 669 Broadway Ave. - 783-7211 www.thomsonfuneralhome.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2007