LEILAH CLARA MCNAMARA (MEASNER)

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LEILAH CLARA MCNAMARA (nee MEASNER) Peacefully, on December 14, 2008, at West Park Manor, Leilah Clara McNamara passed away at the age of 97. Leilah was predeceased by her beloved husband John Norman Douglas McNamara in 1963; brothers, Earl (Millie), Jack (Vesta); and sister Irene (Bill) Long. Leilah will be lovingly remembered by her nieces, Peggy Anne (Paul) Taylor, Donna Mae Measner, both of Portland, Oregon, Dorothy (Fred) Mockford of Sidney, BC; nephew Jack (Pauline) Long of Saanichton, BC; niece Gaile (Doug) Kish of Calgary, AB and their families. Sisters-in-law, Marjorie McNamara, Lillian Evans, Gladys McNeice and their families of Winnipeg. Leilah will also be greatly missed by her many friends at The Wellington, the Bridge Club, The Rebekah Lodge and all those she got to know while pursuing her nursing career. Leilah was born February 28, 1911, in Maryfield, SK to John and Pauline Measner. Later, her family moved to neighbouring Fairlight where she grew up on a farm one mile from town. Leilah moved to Moosemin, SK for her Grade XII and while there she babysat in order to pay for half of her room and board. After attending Normal School in Regina, Leilah taught school in Saskatchewan for 15 years. Leilah left teaching and entered the Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing in 1945. During her time as a student, Leila was granted a precedent concession: she was the first to be able to have her own radio in the nurses' residence. In 1948, Leilah graduated as a Registered Nurse and was immediately appointed Head Nurse, Supervisor of West 1 in the Winnipeg General Hospital men's surgery ward. Over her career, Leilah mainly served at the Winnipeg General Hospital, also acting as Head Nurse for the Students' Infirmary and the Student Health Program. In 1951, Leilah married John Norman Douglas McNamara, a returning war veteran, and they bought a home on Campbell Street in River Heights. 12 years later, Norman passed away after a long battle with a cancer. In 1964, Leilah accepted a job at the Manitoba Clinic, as Office Nurse for noted Cancer Surgeon, Dr. R. L. Cooke, and worked there until she retired in 1976 at the age of 65. Leilah had many passions in retirement some of which were: * Member of the Horticultural Society because of her love for gardening. * Active member of the St. James Rebekah Lodge since 1967 - positions held were Noble Grand, District Deputy, President, Chaplain of Manitoba Rebekah Assembly. * Member of Christ Church Anglican on Corydon Avenue - helping with Soup Pot Lunches, Bridge Club, Plant Sales, Bazaars and Crafts. In 1996, Leilah sold her home on Campbell Street and moved into The Wellington on Grant Avenue. True to her spirit of always trying something new, Leilah continued her active lifestyle acting as a Resident Council Member for three years, arranging Bridge Club Marathons, volunteering in the Library and continuing with her love for gardening. In 1998, Leilah gave up her car and driving and decided it was time to start slowing down...just a little. Three years later, at age 90, Leilah arranged her own birthday party which was attended by approximately 150 well-wishers. Leilah was a woman who lived life to its fullest and she will be missed dearly by all who knew her. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Leilah's special friends, Ena Macklin, Emily Sleeman, Mary Abrahams and Russell Thompson for their friendship and their extraordinary care and kindness. Leilah truly considered you her angels on earth. As per Leilah's wishes, a graveside service will be held on July 13, 2009. Please contact Bardal Funeral Home (204-774-7474) for additional information. I thank you for all the love you each have shown, But now it's time I travelled on alone. So grieve for a while for me if grieve you must; Then let your grief be comforted by trust, It's only for a while that we must part, So bless the memories within your heart. - Author Unknown

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 20, 2008