VERONICA FRANCIS GILMOUR

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VERONICA FRANCIS GILMOUR 1914 2010 In Loving Memory Mother left the cares of the world, peacefully, on December 7, 2010 at the Grace Hospital. She was predeceased by her six siblings, her husband John, her daughters Joan and Ellenor and her two sons-in-law Donald McLean and Michael Halicki. She leaves behind her daughter Violet, her grandsons John, Ross and Thomas McLean and their families. She was born on May 19, 1914 in the small hamlet of Lenard, Manitoba. A truly beautiful part of Manitoba, Lenard had soft rolling hills, the deep Shell Valley and large green fields that spread in every direction. Her family took great pride, which was recognized throughout the area, in her father's beautiful horses that were groomed and harnessed to perfection. When Vera and her siblings were not attending the local one room school house they would go berry picking saskatoons, cranberries and the little wild strawberries that would be preserved for the winter months. Unfortunately, as for many other Canadians, the serene setting was shattered by the flu epidemic of 1918. Vera lost her Mother and twin sister that year. Her older sister Cassandra provided a home for Vera, and her younger sister Marjorie, where she raised them as lovingly as any mother could. At the young age of 15, Vera left home to seek employment. She found a job, as a house helper, at a large farm near Russell, Manitoba. While working at the Gilmour farm, she met, fell in love with and married the middle son John. John, also known as Jack , took over the farm and lived there with Vera while they raised their three daughters Joan, Ellenor and Violet. Vera was careful to insure that her daughters were brought up as good Christians through regular attendance at the local United Church. Vera always made sure her house was immaculate and spent her time looking after her family. She was a great cook who also designed and sewed beautiful clothes for her three daughters. Annual summer trips, to Clear Lake, were always eagerly anticipated by the girls. When the war ended in 1944, Vera and her family pulled up stakes and moved to a brand new house at 869 Ashburn Street in the west end of Winnipeg. The doors at Ashburn were always open to neighbors and friends alike. While Joan and Ellenor were completing their studies in Nursing, Ashburn became a sanctuary for the girls and their friends. Always a fabulous host, Vera made sure that her home was a place where people were well fed and well looked after. On many Saturday nights, there was a get together where Vera and Jack would entertain the girls, their friends and occasionally cadets from the local Air Force base. When Jack passed away in 1991, Vera and her daughter Ellenor took up residence at 10 Sammons Crescent in Charleswood. Vera loved her new home and spent nine very happy years with Ellenor. When Ellenor passed away in 2000, Vera found herself living alone in her beautiful home for the next three years. Despite regular visits from Violet, life alone was too difficult. Although sad to leave her home, Vera took up residence with Violet and Michael, in 2003, where she was lovingly cared for until she passed away earlier this week. Vera was always proud of her children and their accomplishments. A good natured, generous and kind lady, she was full of fun and vitality and enjoyed dancing, music and travelling. She enriched the lives of all of us. She was a special person whose beloved memory and beautiful spirit will live on in the hearts and memories of all of us who loved her. Funeral service, Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 11, 2010