ELIZABETH BARBARA GORDON HOWE (RUSSELL)

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ELIZABETH BARBARA GORDON HOWE (nee RUSSELL) Passed away peacefully at her home, near Cooks Creek, on April 25, 2011, at the age of 94. She is survived by her children Gordon of Indian Head, SK, Susan (John) of Deloraine, MB, and Robert (Janice) of Winnipeg; her grandchildren Debbie, Jennifer (Kobe) of Calgary, AB James and Jessica of Winnipeg, and her great-grandson Cohen of Calgary. She is predeceased by her husband James and her daughter Margaret. Born in Ticonderoga, New York on August 11, 1916, Mom spent most of her childhood in Lachine, PQ with many summer trips back to New York and to Scotland and the Ha-en . Her many descriptions of these beautiful spots will leave lasting memories for all of us. She was a great athlete in her youth pursuing interests in golf, tennis and canoeing the St. Lawrence. She was extremely proud of her hole in one at St. Andrews in Scotland. In 1939 while taking care of her Mother in Scotland war broke out and Mom quickly enlisted in the British Women's Air Force, later transferring to the Canadian Air Force where she was a radar operator during the Battle of Britain and D-Day. It was while serving that she met James, her husband to be, and they were married in April 1945 just before the war ended. They returned to Canada after the war and settled in Winnipeg on a beautiful river property on Assiniboine Crescent. Her many hobbies included sewing, knitting, gardening and most of all drawing and painting. She was a wonderful artist and has left behind many paintings for all of us to enjoy. She spent the next years raising her children and numerous litters of puppies. Once the children were out of school Mom and Dad purchased their retirement property near Cooks Creek and Mom designed her final home. They transformed the property to a Peaceful Park like setting with orchards and wonderful gardens. After dad passed away, 22 years ago, Mom spent her remaining years with her dogs, and support from her family, neighbours and friends. A special Thank you to her Home Care workers and Eugene, whose assistance and support allowed Mom to stay in her home where she wanted to be. Mom lived her life the way she wanted right to the end and was an inspiration to us all. Cremation and a small family gathering has taken place. A donation to the Winnipeg Humane Society, in her name, would honour her greatly.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2011