ELIZABETH (LIZ) LAYNE (DUNSDON)

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ELIZABETH (LIZ) LAYNE (nee DUNSDON) It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother, Elizabeth Layne, on August 5, 2007 at the Victoria General Hospital. Her memory will be cherished by her children, Patrick Layne and Ellen Hartle of Winnipeg, Eleanor and Dr. Earl Brewster of Trinidad and Jennifer and Jeff Morris of Winnipeg; her grandchildren, Kevin Layne (Trudy), Shireen, Mark, Malaika, Jason and Michael Brewster and Shad (Amanda Wutke) and Jamie Morris; her great-grandchildren, Kristian, Kylee, Kaelyn Layne and Cierra Nelson; her nephew Anthony Bavasah of Vancouver, nieces and nephews in Toronto, as well as many friends and relatives in Canada and South Africa. She is predeceased by her husband Winston Layne who passed away in 1999. Our Mom was born and raised in Caledon, South Africa. She moved to Cape Town where she graduated from Nursing specializing in Midwifery. During that time she met and married our Dad and together they participated in many social and educational movements in South Africa. Some examples of their involvement include founding members of the New Era Fellowship, the National Liberation League and the Unity Movement organizations, which played an important role in bringing about fundamental policy changes to the African National Congress of the day. As an inter-racial couple under Apartheid laws our parents taught us what true diversity is and that all human beings are born equal, but most of all they gave us the courage to express our thoughts and views. Their struggles in South Africa will never be forgotten. After the Sharpsville Massacre in 1962 our family arrived in Winnipeg. Mom became a stay-at-home Mom to ensure that her three children assimilated into Canadian life. She made many new friends and rekindled long time friends who had immigrated to Canada. She, along with our Dad, became involved in several local organizations like the Afro Canadian Association of Manitoba (ACAM) and were active members of the New Democratic Party of Manitoba. Renowned for her warm hospitality, Granny always made you welcome in her home. Guests would savour her curried shrimp, samosas and other goodies. She traveled the world with our Dad and more recently traveled to London, South Africa and Trinidad. She loved to spend time with all her grandchildren particularly at her summer home on Lake of the Woods. Her adventurous spirit embraced life. We would like to thank the Doctors and staff of the Victoria General Hospital (5th floor) for their loving care. Special thank you to Audrey Klassen for the loving care she showed our Mom in her last few weeks. A memorial service will be held Friday, August 10, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. The Venerable David Pate will officiate. In lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation in our Mom's name to the Canadian Diabetic Association, 102 - 310 Broadway Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0S6. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 08, 2007