AURA MARGARET BIGGAR (GILLESPIE)

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AURA MARGARET BIGGAR (nee GILLESPIE) It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of Aura Margaret Biggar (nee Gillespie), beloved wife of the late Joseph Ronald (Ron) Biggar on March 30, 2009 at Misericordia Place Personal Care Home. Aura was born on September 20, 1921 in Stonewall, the only child of Jack and Marion Gillespie. Aura spent her first three years living in the Greenwood District before moving to St. Vital. She attended Glenwood School and Glenlawn Collegiate. After graduating, Aura attended business school and began working as a secretary. She later worked in the office at Burns Meats and then at Osler, Hammond and Nanton. Aura met her future husband, Ron, at a Y.M.C.A. club in 1948. The were engaged a year later and were married in St. Andrews River Heights United Church on May 13, 1950, the worst day of the flood. Ron and Aura had a house built on Lanark Street and raised their four children there. Life was full of happy times with road trips, camping, the cottage at Falcon Lake, church activities and friends. She took great interest in her children's activities and always made sure that the activities were well balanced and included music, sports and church. Aura encouraged each one of her children in furthering their education and in pursuing their dreams. As a daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, she was loving and caring. Aura was always the optimist and had a great love for animals. After 43 years in their home, Ron and Aura moved to Lindeholm Place to begin condo life. When Ron passed away in 2006, Aura moved to the Wellington, then to the Rosewood, and finally to Misericordia Place. Aura attended Regent's Park United Church where she attended C.G.I.T., taught Sunday School and enjoyed Young People activities. After she married, she attended church at St. Andrews River Heights then moved to Westworth United Church where she has been a member for over 55 years. Aura was a life member of the U.C.W. Aura is survived by her three daughters, Judy (Ken Nicolson) of Kamloops, BC, Laurie (Wayne Bracken) of Winnipeg and Nancy Pallett of Winnipeg. She was predeceased by her husband Ron on July 11, 2006 and by her only son David on June 20, 1990. Aura will lovingly be remembered by her five grandchildren, Kathryn and John Bracken, Jennifer and Heather Mathews (and their dad Dave) and Mikailey Pallett. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary (Ivan) Tufts of Vancouver, BC and brother-in-law Bill (Leona Biggar) of Cochrane, AB as well as, four nephews and three nieces. Many thanks to all those that cared for Aura's growing needs over the last two years. Your kindness and compassion has been much appreciated. A Celebration of Aura's life will be held on Saturday, April 4 at 1:00 p.m. at Westworth United Church, Grosvenor Avenue and Lanark Street, with Reverend Clark Saunders conducting the service. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to The Winnipeg Humane Society or the Heart and Stoke Foundation. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2009