ALICE HOLLAND (BARFOOT)

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ALICE HOLLAND (nee BARFOOT) Alice Margaret Holland was born in Winnipeg, September 5, 1918 and died peacefully Sunday, November 23, 2008 after living with Alzheimer's for several years. Alice was predeceased by her husband Trevor, parents Will and Maggie Barfoot, and brother Ted. She was the last of her generation of sisters and brothers-in-law. Both her children, Lorraine Fingland (Gordon) and Trevor (Christine) are saddened by her passing. Alice is also survived by four grandsons, Brock and Sean (Teresa) Fingland, and Jason and Colin Holland. We shall also keep her memory alive for her two wee great-grandchildren, Joey and Megan Fingland - both of whom she held in her arms. Alice was an unselfish person from the time she was a little girl. Looking after her brother, Ted, with his diminished vision was her mission as long as he allowed her to, given that Ted preferred to take care of himself. Alice made many sacrifices which included, secretarial school so her dad could have his first car; her career as assistant manager at Eaton's Catalogue so she could follow her husband across the country during the Second World War; and delaying having the children she so wanted until the war was over and she could be sure they would have a father to see them grow. Alice returned to the work force when her children were older but abruptly quit her last job when she was told she couldn't have an extra day off to travel to Toronto to meet her first grandson Brock. Very shortly afterwards, she took in her newly widowed daughter and grandson to nurture them and guide them into the new life they were meant to live. Alice also shared in her daughter's happiness as Lorraine married Gordon and the joy in the birth of her new grandson Sean. Then the twins, Colin and Jason, arrived and her selflessness continued as she offered 24 hours of reprieve every week so Trev and Chris could get a little rest. Alice so enjoyed picking out an outfit to wear to her grandson's wedding and dearly loved welcoming her first granddaughter Teresa. All of us remember Alice as the caring wife who lovingly helped her aging mother-in-law; the never interfering mother; the not-always-so-patient wife who loved her husband so much; the quiet grandmother with the sweet smile and new word of the day ; the thoughtful aunt who treated young nieces as grown-ups ; and the genuine English lady. Alice's ability to accept life as it was and be content with whatever she had was an example to us all. Even Alzheimer's could not take away her manners, her dignity and her quiet caring nature. Alice/Mom will be missed. Our last fond memory of Mom is her diving into the ice cream cake on her 90th birthday; smiling all the way through the party; and holding our hands during the entertainment. Special thanks to the caregivers at Golden West Centennial Lodge, Mom's home for the last almost eight years, and her special visitor Margitta. Cremation has taken place and a private family graveside service at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens will take place at a later date. Rest in peace, Mom. Remembrances may be sent to Golden West Centennial Lodge, the Canadian Council of the Blind - Winnipeg Chapter, or the Children's Hospital Research Foundation. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 06, 2008