VIOLET ELIZABETH KIMBALL, RN (FORD)

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VIOLET ELIZABETH KIMBALL, RN (nee FORD) April 2, 1914 - August 14, 2011 The family of Violet Kimball announce the passing of their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on August 14, 2011 at the age of 97. Vi was predeceased by her husband, Francis Leo (Kim) Kimball in 1999 and sons-in-law Pieter Keizer in 1983, and Gordon King in 2004. She is survived by her four daughters: Janice King, Pat Watson (Graham), Lois Keizer and Kathy Curtain (Larry); four grandchildren: Kim Horne (Allan), Steven Keizer (Carol), Tracy Curtain (Jason), and Kevin Curtain (Jennifer); and four great-grandchildren: Kate and Alex Horne, Cole Ladouceur and Lia Keizer. Vi was born near Saltcoats, Saskatchewan on April 2, 1914. Always a fiercely independent and feisty person, she left home in 1937 for Fort William (now Thunder Bay), where she graduated in 1940 as a registered nurse from McKellar General Hospital. She made many lifelong friends during her nursing training, especially classmate and roommate, Eleanor Cunningham of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her classmates held reunions every five years that included many of the spouses. Also, in Fort William she met and married a handsome baseball player, Kim Kimball, from Radville, Saskatchewan. Vi and Kim moved to Winnipeg in 1947 and raised their four daughters in Riverview. Mother was an active member of the Riverview community for many years. She worked part-time at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital caring for polio victims in iron longs; had an extensive career as an Occupational Health nurse at Eaton's; and worked for the Victorian Order of Nurses. In retirement, Vi and Kim moved to Brandtwood Estates in St. Vital, wintered in Mission Texas and spent summer weekends in St. Laurent. They had a wonderfully long retirement, made many friends and together participated in community activities such as golf, pot luck meals, and card games. After Kim's death, Vi remained in their home until the last 10 days of her life. She enjoyed visits with her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and continued to be an avid fan of the Winnipeg Goldeyes. Mother was very gregarious. She sought out social activities many of which were with her friends at Brandtwood Estates. She enjoyed Bridge and Whist, exercise programs, pot luck meals, crafts and sitting out on beautiful summer evenings. She was a good cook and liked to bake for her family and friends. The family is truly grateful for the kindness she received from her neighbours at Brandtwood estates, the Province of Manitoba Home Care Program, and the St. Boniface Hospital's Palliative Care. Cremation has taken place and by mother's request there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please consider visiting an elderly person living in the community or making a donation to a charity of your choice. It will be lonely here without you, We will miss you every day. For life will not be the same for us Since you have passed away. We will always remember The way you looked, The way you walked and smiled, All the things you did for us, Will be with us all the while. You always did your best, Your heart was true and tender. You lived your life for those you loved, And those you loved will remember. I had a good life Vi Kimball. Vi and Kim are together forever in St. Vital Cemetery.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2011