IRVINA (IRVA) ELEANOR SQUAIR

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IRVINA (IRVA) ELEANOR SQUAIR Irva, beloved wife of the late James Squair, died peacefully on August 21, 2007 at Hillcrest Place in Brandon, MB. Irva was born December 19, 1911, to parents Dr. and Mrs. T.I.E. Rutledge in Carberry, MB. When she was six years old she moved with her family to Swan River, MB, where her father was the first veterinarian in the Swan River Valley. She loved to tell stories of those childhood years. After completing high school she graduated from Normal School in Winnipeg and accepted a teaching position in Ossawa School Division north of Reaburn, where she met her future husband, Jim Squair. She taught in Renwer, MB for two years before returning to marry Jim in 1937. Their life together was filled with love, laughter, hard work, family and friends. They moved from the original Squair family homestead in 1955 when Irva accepted a teaching position in Marquette. A move to Warren in 1967 was prompted by the closure of one-room schools marking the end of an era in rural Manitoba. She taught Grade 3 in Warren until retiring in 1973. Irva later lived in Winnipeg before moving to Brandon to be closer to family. Irva was a woman of great strength and fortitude with an ability to deal with difficult situations. She influenced many lives through her years of teaching, but her greatest impact was on the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her love for her husband and children was always foremost in her life. Memories of her sense of humour, love of nice clothes and wonderful home cooking will always be with us. Irva was predeceased by husband Jim in 1975, parents (Doc) and Lily (Elizabeth) Rutledge, sister Lila (Bill) McMillan, son-in-law Stuart Granger, sisters-in-law Jean (Alex) Masson, Maggie (Andrew) Colquhoun, Elsie (Will) Round, Beth (Bert) Forsberg, Mina (Will) McKnight, Polly (Bob) Marley, Dodie (George) Bailey, Nan (Had) McKinley, Millie (Bill) Cordy, Edith (Bill) Delbridge and brother-in-law Frank (Nancy) Squair. Irva was the last surviving member in her generation in both the Rutledge and Squair families. Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Barbara (Mitch) Hamm and Diane Granger; grandchildren Cathy Grain (Rob Boyd), Robert (Teresa) Grain, Joan (Bob) Hall, James (Angie) Varley; great grandchildren Derek and Mark Grain and Aiden Hall. She is also survived by dear friend Patricia Varley and numerous nieces and nephews. Irva's family wishes to extend warm thanks to all the staff at Hillcrest Place for their wonderful, compassionate care. Their genuine caring is so appreciated. Interment will take place at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2007 in the Meadow Lea Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Irva's life at 2:00 p.m. in the Meadow Lea Hall (ten miles west of Warren at the junction of Hwy. 227 and Hwy. 248). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com. Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan, Brandon, (204) 727-0694.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 24, 2007