ALISON (BETTY) WOOD (CRAIG)

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ALISON (BETTY) WOOD (nee CRAIG) April 23 1915 - January 12, 2008 Alison died peacefully at Victoria General Hospital on Saturday, January 12, at the age of 92. Alison was predeceased by grandson Liam (1981), son Craig (1998) and daughter-in-law Kerry (2004). She leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Dennis of Morden, Ron (Janice) of Winnipeg, daughter-in-law Jan Ungerer-Wood, of Lethbridge, Alberta. Grandchildren Robin (Jodi), and Rosanna of Lethbridge, Emma of Vancouver, Joshua and Hannah of Morden, Caitilin and Jesse of Halifax, Michael (Cindy), Meredith, and Christopher of Winnipeg and great-grandchildren Breanna, Makena and Owen of Lethbridge. Born April 23, 1915 at the family homestead in the R. M. of Odanah, Alison was the only child of Andrew and Mildred (Black) Craig. Schooled at Edna, a one-room school, she spent the first third of her life in the Minnedosa area. Married in 1941 to Arthur Wood of Cordova, they lived on both coasts during the war. Alison earned her PhT (putting hubby through school) while raising her growing brood in Saskatoon and Palo Alto, California. In 1956 they moved to Winnipeg where Arthur taught at the U of M. Alison was active in a wide variety of groups, often on the executive, including U of M Women's Association, Gourmet Club, Manitoba Outdoor Club to name just a few. In 1958 the family moved to Marshall Crescent in Fort Garry where many fond memories and lasting friendships were formed. Her house was always open to all, and friends of all ages would call her ma . The Canasta cards and cribbage board were always near at hand. She loved cooking and treated her friends and family to many dinner parties. Alison described herself as a people person. In 1968 they built their dream home on the Red just south of the University. She turned parts of it into a jungle with her many houseplants. Knitting and crocheting were part of her life for over eighty years. Her children, grandchildren and friends were blanketed, sweatered, mittened, toqued and scarved with love. In a recent reminiscence, Alison wrote, I like to say I must have used up a million miles of yarn. Although many knew her as Betty she resumed using her given name after her divorce in 1985. Alison moved to Armadale Hollows and became very active with the social activities at Armadale. She was a convenor of their monthly potluck suppers. Also active with the Victoria C.C. Over 50 Club, MSOS, Age Opportunity and Friendship Garden. The regular round of cribbage and Scrabble was laced with wild Fashion Shows where Alison did the bag lady and other colourful characters. And no gathering was ever really complete without her bringing a verbal or picture puzzle for the group. Weekend crosswords? Just ask Alison, as hers were always complete. A great library user and fiction reader, she avidly supported the live theatre and foreign films. In Alison's frailer years, the mutual care and neighbourly concern shown by the Armadale community added immeasurably to the quality of her life there, and helped her remain at home until her final illness. Bless you. Thank you to the Home Care Staff for eight years of service. Blessings also to the staff at the YMCA Senior's Day Club. Their work adds so much to our seniors' lives! The family would also like to thank the professional staff at the Vic who took care of Mom with such care and compassion. At Alison's request, no flowers. Friends may wish to memorialize Alison by supporting the VGH Foundation. A Service of Remembrance will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 4000 Portage Avenue on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. Reception to follow. As per Alison's wishes, cremation has taken place and interment will occur at a later date at Minnedosa Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2008