ANNE COMBERBACH

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ANNE COMBERBACH August 5, 1909 - June 21, 2011 Anne died peacefully on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 surrounded by her family at Oakview Place in Winnipeg. Born in Ulceby, Lincolnshire, England, she immigrated to Stephenfield, Manitoba in 1911. Anne was predeceased by her husband Garnet in 2005, parents Ephriam and Mary Ellen Baker, sister Ruby (Oscar), infant daughter Wendy and eldest daughter Beatrice. Surviving to cherish her memory are her sons Joe Fleming (Carole), Delbert (Josephine), Wayne, Medric (Kathy) and daughters Lacona (Ted), Maroah (Ray) and Lorise (Randy), 22 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Millie, Esme and Jane. Settling into a farming life, Anne took on the responsibilities of an adult at an early age. She was stooking grain, milking cows, tending to gardens, driving horse-teams, and feeding the threshing gang before the age of 15. She attended school to Grade 8, usually on horseback, where she took regular studies as well as knitting, hand sewing and tatting. In 1937 Anne moved to Winnipeg where she held a number of positions as a domestic. In 1938 she met her future husband Garnet who was a delivery driver with Eaton's, marrying in 1939. In 1944 they moved into the house on Lipton Street where she resided for over 60 years enjoying endless family celebrations. She continued in her career as a domestic until the age of 93 when she suffered a stroke. In the mid 1950s, Anne, Garnet and the children built their cottage at Jessica Lake and thus began a close bond which would last for the rest of her days, her final visit being in May this year at the age of 101. Here she would spend summers with family and friends baking, picking blueberries and teaching them an appreciation of nature. Anne has lived a wondrous life spanning the age of the motor car to space travel. She leaves behind a dedicated and loving family and an extraordinary number of old friends, many who attended the celebration of her 100th birthday. The family would like to acknowledge the special role played by Rev. Aubrey Hemminger who has provided friendship and spiritual guidance to Anne and her family throughout this journey. We would also like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Griggs and the staff at Oakview Place where Anne has resided for the past five years and who made a special effort to see to her needs and comfort. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of Anne's extraordinary life will be held on Monday, July 4, 2011 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. at 2:00 p.m. with interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to make a donation in the memory of Anne to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or to a charity of your choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2011