MAUREEN (MOYRA) LONGSTAFFE

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MAUREEN (MOYRA) LONGSTAFFE Maureen (Moyra) Longstaffe passed away peacefully July 8, 2011 at the St. Norbert Personal Care Home following a lengthy illness. Moyra (Moy) was born in 1921 to Sayde and James Newton. She was predeceased by her beloved brother Jack. She is survived by her husband Edwin (Ted), daughters Marilynne (Bob), of Ottawa, Debbie (Jack), and Bert (Sally) all of Winnipeg, grandchildren Pato, Todd (Tim), Nori (Rory), Marni (Kevin), Trent (Emily), Darren, Jay (Sandra), Michael (Tracy), Scott (Melanie), Heather, James, Robert (Lianne), as well as 17 great grandchildren and her beloved miniature poodle, Zoe. Special thanks also to Denise Kendrick of Vancouver. Moyra was born and raised in East Kildonan, attending Lord Wolsely School, Kildonan Collegiate and St. Joseph's Academy. She married Ted in 1940 and they were to spend 71 wonderful years together. During the war years, she lived with Ted and Marilynne in Ste Hyacinthe, Quebec while Ted was in the Canadian Navy. Thereafter Moyra and Ted settled in Norwood where they raised their family, remaining in the family home until December, 2010. As her children matured, Moyra, already a multitalented housewife and mother, broadened her horizons entering into the business world. In many respects she anticipated by many years the confident and capable career woman of today. Engaged in the travel industry, she had opportunities to lead travel groups to many countries throughout the world, eventually becoming an office manager for Mackie Travel. Moyra was appointed to a provincial working group for Licenced Practical Nursing in Manitoba. Additionally she participated in and became Regent for the Sweet Adelines singing chapter in Manitoba. Moyra later managed the medical office of her son Bert until well past usual retirement age. Moyra had many interests. She was an accomplished singer, seamstress, cook, and watercolour painter. She maintained a lifelong passion for sports, being an avid fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. She played golf with her family until her 89th year. Moyra was an open minded individual with a keen affinity for young people and their issues. She was a valued resource to her children and grandchildren. However, the defining aspect of her adult life was always the insoluable bond of love and devotion forged between Moyra and Ted over their 71 years together. Like many women of her generation, Moyra sacrificed much, and faced difficult life decisions with fewer resources and options than those that are available to young women of today. In troubled times, she problem solved with courage and determination, always striving to better herself. Although thoroughly Canadian, much of her character harkened back to her Irish roots. She was proud of her Irish heritage, fiercely protective of her family and fearless in her approach to individuals or institutions that were counter to her convictions. A highlight for her was the chance to meet Irish relatives and visit her ancestral home, and grandfather's linen mill in Cullybackey, Ireland. In the last months of her life, Moyra lived at the St Norbert Personal Care home, where she received the highest level of compassionate and professional care from the staff. Without exception, the Centre and its staff are, in our view, a credit to the health care field, and provided great comfort to Moyra and her family. Anyone wishing to make a donation, could do so in Moyra's name to the Children's Hospital Foundation. Thank you Moyra, Mom . You will be missed! THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 16, 2011