VIOLA GRACE BROPHY (BRACKEN)

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VIOLA GRACE BROPHY (nee BRACKEN) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Viola Grace Brophy on December 1, 2008 at the age of 87. Mom will be lovingly missed by her son Doug; daughter-in-law Carol; grandchildren, Kristin (Mark), Leah (Derek) and great-granddaughter Emily (Kristin). Mom was predeceased by her loving husband Alex; her parents, Violet and Manfred Bracken; brothers, Howard and John; sisters, Una and Pat. Vi is survived by 11 siblings, numerous nieces and nephews and will also be deeply missed by her friend of 73 years, Muriel McVicar. Mom was born in Tessier, SK on January 30, 1921. When she was 14, she moved with her family to Marchand, Manitoba. Following graduation she attended Business College in Winnipeg. While in Winnipeg she and brother Ted lived at Government House with Uncle John Bracken. Mom married the love of her life Alex on May 18, 1946. Together, by the time of his passing in 1966 they had established a very successful Prince Craft and Peterborough boat distribution company. Our boats and plane allowed them to enjoy their time together in many locations not commonly accessible. In 1955 Vi and Al along with several lifelong friends founded the Redboine Boating Club. She maintained her interest and affiliation with the Club until 1996. Mom worked for the Manitoba Health Commission and the C.N.R. Union, Western Region Grievance Committee until Doug was born. Returning to work in the early 1960s, she retired after an additional 26 years with the United Transportation Union. In retirement, Vi volunteered with the McKinnon Guild, the Rebecca's and the Order of the Eastern Star. In keeping with her generous and caring nature, by 1988 she had made 50 blood donations with the Canadian Red Cross. For 45 years, she enjoyed her monthly get-togethers with the Gab Club ! Mom's graciousness, integrity and sense of family carried her through troubled times. Never complaining and not only looking for, but always finding goodness in others. Mom and Carol bonded as mother and daughter. Their mutual devotion and admiration defined our family values. Gram was happiest and most proud when she was with Kristin and Leah. Sleep-overs, school concerts, graduations, weddings and quiet times with her girls sustained her. Mom set her expectations and standards by example, never by instruction. We will miss her support, strength, chocolate chip cookies and most of all we will miss her unrestricted love. Our family's heartfelt affection and gratitude goes to her friends in nursing, care giving, spiritual, maintenance, activities, dietary and administration at West Park Manor. These caring professionals' pride, dedication and compassion assured Mom's well being, spiritual health and quality of life. We deeply appreciate Dr. Berezny's selfless commitment to his patients at West Park Manor. We will gather to appreciate Vi's life on Saturday, December 6 at 1:00 p.m. in West Park Manor, 3199 Grant Ave. Interment will be held at a later date. Family and friends' affection for Vi may be shown in the form of donations to her memory at West Park Manor.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 04, 2008