MARY NEILONA (CHATFIELD) ROBINSON

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MARY NEILONA (CHATFIELD) ROBINSON Peacefully, with family by her side, Neilona Robinson, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at Stonewall and District Health Centre at 93 years of age. She was predeceased by her husband Roy Robinson, sister Margaret Peacock, son-in-law Herb Meier, and several other extended family members. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her three daughters, Sandra (George) McKerracher, Avis Meier, and Jean (Gerry) Holm; by her seven grandchildren, Darren McKerracher, Kerry (Karen) McKerracher, Michael (Shanna) Meier, Crystal (Craig) Riese, Eric (Chelsea) Meier, Ryan (Wendy-Leigh) Holm and Shawna Holm and her friend Michael Fagundes; and by her seven great-grandchildren, Nicole, Justin, and Cameron McKerracher, Logan and Reis Meier, and Nicholas and Lily Holm. Mom was born April 25, 1916 on her parents' family farm near Balmoral, . She became a school teacher and first taught at Scott's Hill and then Dugald. On December 27, 1941, she married Roy Robinson from Whitemouth. They moved to Balmoral in 1942 and in 1953 made their home on the Chatfield family farm. Mom went back teaching in September, 1959 and taught until June, 1971 at Balmoral School. Mom and Dad retired to Stonewall in 1980. In retirement, they traveled by bus to the Maritimes and to California. After Dad's passing, she enjoyed a cruise to Alaska. In the fall of 1994, Mom moved into Stonewall Lions Manor and remained there until June of 2007 when she moved to Rosewood Retirement Community in Winnipeg. There she made new friends and was a representative on the Tenants Association. Mom was always active within her community. She was involved in the Victoria Presbyterian Church, the Balmoral Methodist (United) Church, and later the Stonewall United Church. She was very involved in the Balmoral Centennial Celebrations, writing a play which was re-enacted again at the 125th Celebrations. She was a Past Nobel-Grand and a Past District-Deputy President of Acadia Rebekah Lodge 41. She was an avid Cancer Canvasser organizing the Door-to Door drive in Stonewall for the Rebekah Lodge for several years. Mom was always knitting, crocheting, and doing needlework in her retirement years. She made sure all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren have needlepoint pictures and afghans to cherish. She enjoyed gardening and tending her flower beds, and was an avid curling and football fan. She always looked forward to family gatherings, camping and fishing trips. She loved her family deeply and found great pride in their accomplishments. A celebration of her life will be held at Stonewall United Church on Monday, October 5 at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, the Stonewall and District Health Centre, or a charity of your choice. MacKenzie Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 03, 2009