MARGARET RUTH HURLBURT (IRWIN)

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MARGARET RUTH HURLBURT (nee IRWIN) Peacefully on Wednesday, August 15, 2007, after a lengthy battle with C.O.P.D., Ruth passed away at the Victoria-General Hospital. Her extended family of caregivers grieves her loss, yet acknowledges relief that her struggle is over. Ruth will be lovingly remembered by her four children: Alan (Frieda), Bob (Fran), Kim and Pat, her five grandchildren: Jennifer, Chris, Joe, Tom and Craig, and her two sisters-in-law Eileen and Edith with niece, Judy. Ruth touched many lives and particularly treasured her lifelong friendship with her cousin Bea Lowen whom she described as the sister she never had. She was born October 9, 1921, on the family farm near Plumas, Manitoba. Her childhood was spent on the farm and later in the Town of Plumas. Her education began in Plumas and was completed at United College in Winnipeg. In May 1947 Ruth married Fred Hurlburt and they spent 56 years together prior to Fred's passing in 2003. Ruth spent many years in the home, raising her family and later resumed her administrative career with stints at The Child Guidance Clinic, the Adult Education Centre and the Lord Roberts Resource Centre. Lifelong learning was a passion of Ruth's and retirement brought more time to attend many courses offered at the University of Winnipeg, Division of Continuing Education. Recreational leisure time was centred on the family cottage at Victoria Beach with such varied activities as tennis, golf, gardening, swimming, berry picking and yoga. Ruth and Fred spent many summers hosting their grandchildren at the cottage and teaching them about the many wonders of cottage life. Ruth enjoyed travel and learning about different places and cultures. Her trips abroad included England, Ireland, Spain, Iceland and South-East Asia, with additional extensive travels in Canada and the USA. Ruth was a longtime member of Chalmers United Church and McClure United Church. The family would like to thank Dr. R. Singer and Dr. G. Eschun and their respective office staffs for their compassionate care over many years. Thanks also go to the caring staff at WRHA Home Care and Victoria-General Hospital. The support and assistance of all Ruth's friends and colleagues at McClure Place was invaluable in allowing Ruth to remain in her home setting. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 20, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. at McClure Place, 533 Greenwood Place, with a reception to follow. A private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association, 629 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1P6, or a charity of your choice. Oh, Lord, support us all the day long until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, in Thy mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 18, 2007