ANNE HABING (LUY)

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ANNE HABING (nee LUY) February 29, 1920 - February 13, 2010 We are saddened to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved family member, Anne Habing, on February 13, 2010. Anne is survived by Mern, her husband of 68 years, son Ron and his wife Isabel, daughter Donna and her husband Terry Hayward, grandchildren Sean Habing, Tim Hayward and his wife Kristen, Richard Hayward and, great-grandchild Tristan Hayward; as well as her sisters Phyllis and husband Bill Rosentreter, Cassie Barnes and Virgie Flett, and brothers Edward (Bud) and wife Helen Luy and Don Luy. She was predeceased by her sisters Rose Lamont and infant Victoria and brothers-in-law Keith Flett, Gerry Barnes and George Lamont. Anne is also survived by five sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews of whom she was very fond. Born February 29, 1920 to Peter and Mary Luy in the Ladywood district, Anne had a simple and happy childhood surrounded by her continually-growing band of siblings. She thrived on the simple country life and had many stories to tell of childhood Christmases and horse-drawn sleigh rides to school and church on stormy winter days. The 1930s brought lean times but Mom only talked about how her parents continually managed to find work and give the family the best they could. Anne grew up to be a very principled, hard working and selfless woman. On January 20, 1942 she married her childhood sweetheart, Mern Habing, just 20 days before he left for military training and service overseas. Shortly after that, Anne travelled to Toronto to join her sister Rose in the manufacturing plants supporting the war effort. There, she met her lifelong friend, Lil Booker, working as a welder and later as an assembler of military side arms for the troops. On his return from overseas at Christmas 1945, Anne and Mern returned to Manitoba. Their son Ron was born shortly thereafter. In 1947, the family moved to the Eastdale district, south of Beausejour, where she and Mern carved a farm out of a half section of virgin bush. Daughter Donna was born in 1951 and the family was complete. In 1952 Anne and the family moved into the home they had built themselves with the help of the Habing and Luy families, especially Mern's brothers Virgil and Jack and Anne's father Peter. The rhythm of farm life in the mid 20th century continued unabated. Never looking back, Anne raised her family, seeing both children through university and set on the courses of their own lives. Her children will never forget the welcome supplies of fresh farm produce that Anne was famous for, as well as her special recipes that we both looked forward to and try to reproduce today. In 1990, Anne and Mern ceased active farming and began to enjoy some well-deserved and previously scarce leisure time with their families. Anne remained in retirement on the home farm, remaining active and healthy until June of 2008 when she suffered a debilitating stroke. Robbed of her mobility, Anne took up residence in East Gate Lodge in Beausejour where she continued to enjoy the company of her husband and both children, until her death. The proximity and devotion of her daughter Donna, and her brother Don particularly, made her last days full of love and companionship. In accordance with Anne's wishes, cremation has taken place and a family gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate her life.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 22, 2010