JOSEPHINE MARIE DUNLOP (ALLEN)

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JOSEPHINE MARIE DUNLOP (ALLEN) Josephine passed away at Riverview Health Centre on July 3, 2012. She is survived by her husband of nearly 62 years, Bruce; her children, Dale (Alison Scott), Anne, Peter (Laurel Russick), Kaye (Chrys Pappas) and Robert; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandsons. Also surviving are her sisters Lila MacLean (Sandy) and Patricia Longino (Peter), her brother Robert Allen (Muriel), her brother-in-law, David Dunlop (Virginia) and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her infant son, John Reid, her son-in-law, Bruce Dryburgh (Anne's husband), her parents, Elmer and Leah Allen, her sisters, Mary Ellis and Thelma Duncan, her brothers Edwin, William and Peter Allen, her parents-in-law, W.C. and Priscilla Dunlop, her brothers-in-law, Hugh and his wife Anne Dunlop, and John Dunlop and by many dear friends. Also surviving is her beloved cat, Mitzi. Mom was born on the farm in the beautiful Annapolis Valley on August 18, 1926. Although she lived far from the Valley for most of her life, she always considered it home . She graduated as a Registered Nurse from Aberdeen Nursing School in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia in 1948. Mom made many life-long friends in nursing school. She loved her career as a nurse; however, she gave it up to raise her family. She took the refresher nursing course in 1979 at Red River College and passed with flying colours and had many offers of employment. Mom met Dad at the skating rink in Wolfville, Nova Scotia and there began a love that lasted almost 63 years. They were married September 11, 1950. In the early years, Dad's career as a geologist took them to Quebec, Newfoundland, Ontario and The Pas, Manitoba. It was in The Pas that Bruce and Josephine brought up their family and made their dearest friends. They had a beautiful home on LaRose Avenue that was always the center of activity for adults and children alike. Dad was always bringing home stray prospectors whom Mom would feed and provide a bed for on a moment's notice. Mom was involved in many of her children's activities including the Girl Guides and The Pas Music Festival. She took an active role in the United Church Women, serving as president for a term. She supported many charities throughout her entire life. Josephine loved her cottage at Sunset Beach, Clearwater Lake. Even after moving to Winnipeg, Mom would spend every summer at the cottage until recent years when poor health prevented her from going. Bruce and Josephine moved to Winnipeg in 1974 where she made a lovely home for her family in their house on the Assiniboine River. Even though most of the children had left home by the time they moved to Winnipeg, there were always many family gatherings with the increasing number of grandchildren. Who could forget the annual pumpkin parties when Dad was in his giant pumpkin growing phase? Mom was always good-humoured about Dad's hobbies and was a wonderful hostess. For many years she prepared all of the food, including wild duck and fish, for Dad's annual office Christmas party. Mom loved beautiful things - antiques, a love song, or an exquisite rose grown by Dad. She enjoyed collecting and spent many hours in antique stores across Canada. Her absolute favourite thing to do was to poke around in an old junk shop. She would always find a treasure! She also loved to listen to her younger brother, Peter Allen, play the piano for her. The two of them had a very special bond. Mom was also a creator of beautiful things. She sewed hand-made quilts for all of her children, made countless items of clothing for her children and grandchildren including duffle parkas for everyone. She was very talented at folk art, painting, and many other crafts. However, all of her family would agree that her greatest creations were her famous pies! Mom had many illnesses in the last years of her life, all of which she bore with stoicism and courage. Dad cared for her devotedly throughout these years. All of her family and friends will miss her enormously, but we are happy that she is now with those who have gone before and that she is free of pain. She was a beautiful person in every way and loved by many. Dad adored her and always will. Thanks to Dr. Mark Elkin and Trish who looked after Mom with kindness and compassion for many years. A very special thank you to Si-Si who lovingly cared for Mom in her final months. Mom's service will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue on Monday, July 9 at 10:00 a.m. A private family interment will take place at a later date this summer at Lakeside Cemetery in The Pas. As Josephine loved kittens and cats, if friends so desire a donation may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Mom used to sing this to us every night when we were kids: Goodnight Irene, I'll see you in my dreams.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 07, 2012