NANCY BEDDOME (BRIDGETT) HAWKINS

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NANCY BEDDOME (BRIDGETT) HAWKINS It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Nancy Beddome (Bridgett) Hawkins at Dauphin, Manitoba on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at the age of 81 years. Nancy is survived by her children, Robert (Marie-France) of Regina, Nancy (Bill Bargeman) of Vancouver, John of Winnipeg, and Patty (Don Macri) also of Winnipeg, sister-in-law Frances Bridgett of Brandon, and her precious grandchildren, Nicolas, Pierre, and François Hawkins and Sarah Green. Nancy was predeceased by her beloved husband Ted in 1995, her parents, the Rev. Dr. Harold and Millicent Bridgett, her brother William Bridgett, and her sister Christine and brother-in-law Bob Thompson. Nancy was born in 1927 in North Battleford, SK and spent her early years in Humbolt, SK where her father was Archdeacon of the Anglican Church. The family moved to Dauphin in 1935 and Harold continued his ministry at St. Paul's Anglican Church. Nancy attended Dauphin schools and, in 1943 -1944, went to Rupertsland Ladies College in Winnipeg where she graduated from Grade 12. After two years studying Home Economics at the University of Manitoba, Nancy took a secretarial course at Little's Business College in Dauphin. She went to work at the Robert Hawkins Insurance Co. Ltd. where she soon met Ted, a Dauphin lawyer. They married in 1949 and the birth of their four children followed over the next nine years. Nancy was a devoted mother and homemaker. She participated in the activities of St. Paul's Church including singing in the Choir and serving on the Chapel Guild. She enjoyed curling and belonged to the Kilty Curling Club and the Farmers' League for many years. Nancy also belonged to several bridge clubs. She believed strongly in community service and sat on various town committees including serving as President of the local ballet school. She was also a member of the Board of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet from 1973 to 1977. Nancy took special interest in the Dauphin schools and was an elected representative on the Dauphin-Ochre School Board from 1972 to 1978. She devoted a great deal of time and energy to her work as a School Trustee and believed passionately in it. Throughout her life, happy summers were spent at the family cottage at Dauphin Beach where this past August family and close friends celebrated her 80th birthday. Nancy always especially enjoyed time spent with her many good friends and was often the life of the party. She loved to travel and saw much of Canada and went to Jamaica with Ted, visited Cuba, California, Spain, and Portugal with Nan and Bill, and had extended visits with her kids in various locations. She treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren and loved talking to them and hearing all about their various activities. During Ted's lengthy struggle with Alzheimer Disease and his final sojourn in St. Paul's Nursing home, Nancy proved her love and devotion through her vigilant attendance and constant care. She made remarkable personal sacrifices to be at his side and offer comfort. For the last 30 years of her own life Nancy coped bravely and stubbornly with several serious health issues, including a bitter struggle with rheumatoid arthritis which led to the serious circulatory problems which contributed to her death. Nancy was devoted to her family and cared passionately for them. Her children will always remember their mom as a strict task master who laid down a solid foundation for them of strong moral and ethical values, participation in and respect for people and the community, and love. During Ted's illness and, especially her own final days, she was the most determined and courageous person we know. We will always remember her with great love and respect. Nancy has been cremated. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Anglican Church, 404 First Street S.W., Dauphin. The Hawkins Family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Sandra Clark, Bev Matwee, and all of the nurses and therapists at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre who cared for mom so compassionately during her final illness. Special thanks also to Marilyn Park whose steadfast love and special care brightened mom's final days, and to her many loyal friends who expressed their friendship, support, and encouragement not only while mom was in hospital but throughout her life. We know those friends were precious to her. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Nancy's memory to the charity of your choice. ...and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Shakespeare Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Services Dauphin, Manitoba (204) 638-4110

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2008