MINA JEAN RAE (IRWIN) (HUFF) -

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MINA JEAN RAE (IRWIN) (nee HUFF) 1931 - 2008 On the morning of May 21st on the Palliative Care Unit at Riverview Health Centre, Mina Rae passed peacefully into the arms of God. She is survived by her loving husband Dennis Rae, brother Walter (Anne) of Calgary, sister Mabel Nikkel of Calgary (Eric), sisters-in-law Edna Baldwin, Mildred Huff and Joy Huff. She will also be sorely missed by her beloved children, Brenda Ebear of Cold Lake, AB (Randy LeGrand), Gwen Armstrong, Lance Irwin (Sandra), Garth Irwin (Kathy Kalinowsky), dear grandchildren Stacy Ebear, Andrea Clark, Chelsea Clark, Breanne Armstrong, Tayleigh Armstrong, Geneva Armstrong, Ashley Irwin, Colton Irwin, Graham Irwin, and precious great-grandchildren Emily Ebear and Finleigh Wilson. Survived also by step-children, Ken Rae (Caroline), Colleen Foster (John), Shannon North (Jim) and step-grandchildren Trevor Rae, Jason Rae, Jennifer Foster and James North. Mina was predeceased by her parents Henry Otto Huff and Mary Rentz, her husband of 42 years Jim Irwin, brothers Arnold (2003), George (1976) and Bill (2004) and sister Martha Davidson (2005). Mina was born in Morris Manitoba in 1931. Following the untimely death of her mother, she was raised from age one by her aunt and uncle, Minnie and Ed Huff. As a young woman, she worked for The Liquor Control Commission and CIBC. Married to Jim Irwin in 1952, Mina focused on raising their four children in Windsor Park. She worked part time at Eaton's mail order and later at Royal Bank, where she and a colleague introduced an innovative buddy system of job-sharing. Mina retired in 1991, nursing her first husband Jim during his terminal illness. After marriage to Dennis Rae in 1998, Mina and Dennis spent a wonderful ten years together enjoying family, friends, music, dancing and travel. Recently, Mina was thrilled to learn she would again be a grandmother. Although she only saw his picture, she already loved her new grandson who will be arriving soon from Russia. We are confident that she will be watching over him. Mina Rae will be remembered for her quiet and gentle manner and her endless caring for others. Despite daunting health issues, she remained strong and steadfast, the loving matriarch who guided and inspired us all. She always placed others before herself, and was ever present to help whoever needed her. Mina worried endlessly about her many loved ones, and we are so glad that her worries are over. Mina was a lovely woman who did much good in her life; she has earned her peace. Mina and her family are grateful for the years of great care at Cancer Care from Dr. Jas. Johnston, Erin Elphee, and the staff at Treatment Room, Clinic 5 and Radiation Unit. Thank you also to Dr. Crowe, Dr. Chapman and all of the staff at Riverview Palliative Care Unit for treating her with the respect and care she so deserved. Cremation has taken place. In accordance with Mina's wishes, there will be no formal service. A private family interment will occur this summer. Please celebrate Mina's life in a way that will be meaningful for you. Donations, should you wish, can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 24, 2008