MERVYN ALICE JOY CODE (MERV) (MITCHELL)

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MERVYN ALICE JOY CODE (MERV) (nee MITCHELL) May 14, 1917 January 16, 2008 After a brief episode of pneumonia, Merv was promoted to glory on January 16, 2008 to join her beloved husband. Mother to Valerie Dopson (Norman) of Winnipeg, John Code (Jeanette) of Auckland, and Barbara Code (John Boddington) of Edmonton. Grandmother to Kathryn Landry (Roger) of Calgary, Heather Meisner (Dwayne) and Colleen Seel (Mark) of Winnipeg, Valerie (Zoe) Code (Philip) and Jason Code of Auckland. Great Nana to Carter, Emily and William. Oldest friend of Marguerite Powell. Special friend of Juliana Topolniski and Judy Mollot. Mother was predeceased by her parents, John and Rose Mitchell and her partner of 63 years, William Albert Code (Bill). Born in Winnipeg, Merv spent many childhood summers at her parents' cottage on Stevenson's Point near Winnipeg Beach. Later, for 50 years, she and Dad shared their love of cottage life with their ever-growing family and many dear friends, enjoying the good times at Matlock Beach. A homemaker and professional woman, Merv held a number of interesting positions, but excelled as the Executive Secretary to the Director, Health Sciences School of Nursing, and the St. Boniface School Division Superintendent of Schools. Guided throughout her life by the call to service values of the Salvation Army, Mervyn was an active member of Grace Hospital Women's Auxiliary, UNICEF, and United Church Women (St. John's and Norwood United Churches). She served as a role model for many young women as a C.G.I.T. leader. Until her last days Mom volunteered her time and talent, contributing knitting to the Christmas Cheer Board's Mitten Tree initiatives at the Transcona and McClure United Churches. In her later years, Merv enjoyed residing at Lion's Place. She was an active member of the Red Hat Ladies . Most recently, at age 89, her lifelong love of travel led her to discover cruising and two big trips on Mom's checklist in life were fulfilled - she sailed to Alaska in June 2006 and in November of 2007 her daughters accompanied her on a final adventure to Central America, the Panama Canal and Ecuador. Mervyn was a remarkable woman; strong in mind and spirit, a mother and friend who touched the lives of all those who knew her. Our family expresses its gratitude to the ICU and 3rd floor nurses at the Concordia Hospital who cared for Mom in her time of greatest need. The family is also grateful to Mom's family doctor Sheila Domke, who cared for her in recent years. Finally, the family extends special Thanks to the Concordia Hospital's, Dr. C. Duerksen, who looked after her so compassionately in her final days. Donations in Mervyn's memory may be made to the Salvation Army, 500 55 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1L8. Memorial services will be held on Monday, January 21 at 1:00 p.m. in Thomson Funeral Chapels, 669 Broadway. GOD SPEED MOM THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 Broadway- 783-7211 www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com Life stories may be shared with friends and family across the globe at www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 19, 2008