JUNE STEWART

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JUNE STEWART It is with deep sadness, the family of Eleanor June' Stewart announces her passing on Sunday, February 7, 2010. June passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 79 in Health Sciences Centre. She was predeceased by her husband, partner, life-long friend of 50 years, Charlie. June is survived by her sons Bob (Marilyn), Bruce (Rosa), daughter Heather (Gerry Martin), sister Ruth Johnson and grandchildren Cameron (Brooke), Ian (Corissa), Craig (Shaylene), Christopher (Lisa), Jeffrey (Jena), Amy and Andrew Martin; great-grandchildren Jayden, Lane, Keanna, Kayden and Malori. June was born June 12, 1930 to Elmore and Madeline (Hay Copeland) Ridge in Winnipeg at Victoria Hospital. June received her early education while attending Little Mountain School and then went on to receive her school education at Isaac Newton where she was the provincial high jumper. June then attended Normal School (Teacher's College) in Winnipeg. Her first teaching position was at Donore School in Sanford, MB. Some of Mom's classmates remained her dearest, life-long friends. June then took a teaching position in Winnipeg so she could be closer to family and friends but most importantly Charlie Stewart. Mom and Dad exchanged their wedding vows on July 7, 1954 and moved onto the third generation family farm in Lilyfield where she remained until this past Christmas. She even hosted Christmas Eve dinner for 33 family members this year despite not feeling well. Mom was not only a wife, mother, nana and great nana. She was a hard working, loyal business partner to Dad on the farm. Mom was dedicated to family and farm no matter what was asked of her. She took pride in providing meals, gardening, sewing and Mom enjoyed cutting grass on her John Deere for hours at a time. Some of Mom's proudest memories were her times attending grandchildren's sporting activities, music concerts or recitals. She loved hanging out with her family. Mom shared in the raising of three families and took great pride in their lives. Each and everyone were loved and respected. Mom's surprise deliveries of freshly baked buns and pies will be missed by all. June's devotion and hard work didn't end at her family. She was actively involved in Lilyfield United Church, Mount Lildon Women's Institute, Lilyfield Cemetery committee and her quilting group; she was endlessly volunteering to help out anyone in need. She committed her time graciously to driving friends to appointments, meetings, church services, assisting with bonspiels and fundraising events. Mom also enjoyed curling and truly enjoyed seniors curling in the later years. She loved the game and socializing. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 15, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Chapel, Stonewall with interment following at Lilyfield Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to join the family to offer their condolences and share memories of our wonderful Mom's, Nana's life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation. We would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at the Health Sciences Centre for their care during Mom's stay. This poem by Emily Dickinson tells much of how she lived her beliefs. If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 11, 2010