HELEN FRANCIS SAUNDERS

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HELEN FRANCIS SAUNDERS August 1, 1914 - October 10, 2010 Peacefully, on October 10, 2010 Helen Francis Saunders (nee Woodward) died in Winnipeg at the age of 96 years. She is survived by her son Grant (Janet Anne Rowse) of Winnipeg, grandchildren Allison (Ross Murray) of Ottawa, Ontario, Marilyn (Iain) Kirkpatrick, David, and Mark (Lisa Swan), all of Winnipeg, great-grandchildren Robert, Marian, and Catriona; siblings Jack (June) Woodward of Winnipeg, Charles (Mary) Woodward, and brother-in-law Bill James, all of Calgary, Alberta, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Clifford Brown Saunders of Winnipeg, who died March 31, 2001 at age 95, parents Charles Francis and Helen (Wilson) Woodward, and sisters Betty (Elizabeth) Woodward and Margaret James, all of Calgary, Alberta. Her father, Charles Francis Woodward, was born in 1890 in Southampton, England, orphaned at age 13, and immigrated to Winnipeg and then Saskatchewan in 1907. Her mother, Helen Smith Wilson, was born in 1893 in Dumfries, Scotland and immigrated to Winnipeg with her widowed father. Most of the Woodward family moved west from Winnipeg in 1940 when Charles became manager of the Westeel plant at Calgary. Helen was born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan August 1, 1914 and moved to Winnipeg in 1920. She married Clifford Brown Saunders of Meaford, Ontario and Roseisle, Manitoba on October 17, 1936 and has lived in Winnipeg. Her husband's career was with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Helen's and Cliff's lives were enriched by many circles of friends, among whom were a remarkable group of C.I.B.C. bankers who worked, socialized, holidayed, and retired together, maintaining their close friendship for more than half a century. The names of some non-bank families recall such fond memories that they must be mentioned. The Pratts, Hoovers, Coles, and Everetts were friends since the 1930s and enjoyed dinner dances at the Fort Garry Hotel, cards, weekend excursions, and dinner parties until disbanded by death. A group of families that had wonderful times singing, dancing and getting together on any occasion were the Dowses, Konings, Carious, Dixons, Woodwards and others. During the 1950s and 1960s life at the Lake of the Woods was an important part of Cliff's and Helen's summers, particularly in activities with the Monette family of Coney Island who became lifelong friends. In early retirement, travel became more frequent, with trips to England, Hawaii, and California with Margaret and Bill James. Parts of many winters were spent in Victoria, where so many retired bankers were temporarily in residence that friendships and activities continued uninterrupted. From 2005 to 2010 she enjoyed living at the Wellington, a friendly and supportive community of staff, Home Care workers, and fellow senior citizens. Other interests included Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, serving as president of Women's Auxiliary in 1955, Westworth United Church since 1955, and particularly her family. Helen was a charming and gracious person, supportive of her husband's career, and a friend to many, including her grandchildren. She will be remembered by those whose lives have been touched by her love, generosity, and kindness. A funeral will be held Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Thomson Funeral Home with Rev. J. Clark Saunders officiating. A private family interment will take place at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations to Westworth United Church Faith and Future Fund, 1750 Grosvenor Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3N 0H9 would be appreciated. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 BROADWAY, WINNIPEG, MB R3C OX4 783-7211 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 14, 2010