ROBERTA INNES

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ROBERTA INNES After a healthy, well-lived life of 91 years, following sudden illness, Roberta Innes passed gently away on Sunday, August 8, 2010, surrounded by her family. Surviving to celebrate her life are daughter Leila Alvare (Gordon), grandson Graham (Jean), and sons Garth (Donna-May) and Edwin. Roberta was predeceased by her husband Donald in 1973, and later by her brother Russell, and sisters Doreen and Phyllis. Mum will be remembered as a generous and loving person, astute, and positive to a fault. Mum was a wonderful teacher who believed in us, taught pragmatism by example, but never compromised her principles. She had a deep interest in the well-being and companionship of her family - immediate and extended; and also a deep concern for the well-being of the larger community. She was well-read in local, national, and world affairs. Because she understood the power of a small group of committed people, she contributed behind the scenes to social justice and humanity first . Berta loved to reminisce about growing up on McLeod Avenue in the days when it was pastoral and her family enjoyed a dog, a cat, and a pony. She worked at Windatt Coal during the Second World War before her marriage. After raising her family she returned to clerical work at ARMCO and finally the Veterans Land Act, from which she retired at 58. Mum was an enthusiastic supporter and volunteer for the Opera, the R.W.B., and M.T.C., and loved Folklorama and the Folk Festival. Robbie thoroughly enjoyed bowling, golf, curling, and swimming into her 80s, and thereafter Rumoli, lawn bowling, lunches, and outings with dear friends. She learned to drive at 50 and took a series of highway vacations. She began travelling the world at 56, visiting Hong Kong, Australia, Europe, Morocco, and then numerous bus tours in later years. On her trips, she dared to ride a camel and a whitewater speed boat. In golf, she scored a hole-in-one and did not tell a soul. Thank you to the exceptional staff of N3W at Concordia Hospital who so often went to extra efforts during Mum's final weeks. And a special thank you to Michelle, Roberta's homecare aide, who looked out for her. In lieu of flowers, Mum would appreciate a donation to the greater social good. A celebration of Mum's life will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 18, Great Hall, Canadian Mennonite University, North Campus, 500 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 14, 2010