AUDREY EVELYN HADDOCK (MULLIGAN)

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AUDREY EVELYN HADDOCK (nee MULLIGAN) June 28, 1921 - December 4, 2012 A Tribute To Her Life We will weep for the days that come no more. For the sunbeam gone from the heart and door; For a missing step, for a nameless grace, For a mother's form, for a mother's face; But not for the soul whose crown is won, Whose infinite joy has only begun; Not for the spirit, enrobed in light, Crowned where the angels are tonight. This poem is a tribute to Audrey and is from the obituary of Olive Eveline Mulligan (nee Morran), beloved Mother of Audrey, who died at Childbirth when Audrey was born. Audrey is survived by her sister Linda Statland, sisters-in-law Thelma Anderson and Lillian Mulligan, brother-in-law Dick Mikkelson, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Audrey was born in Grandview, MB, the second child of John George Mulligan Jr. aka Jack , and Olive Eveline Morran. Olive and Jack were married in 1913 and resided one mile west of Grandview when tragically Olive died. This was the first of many hardships that characterized Audrey's young life. Almost immediately Audrey was whisked off to Winnipeg, by train, to begin her life under the care of her Grandparents John George Mulligan Sr. and Susan Mulligan (nee Callaghan). Her Grandfather John Sr. was born in Chelsey, ON in 1861. John Sr.'s parents and Audrey's Great-Grandparents emigrated from a small town just outside of Belfast, Ireland. Later Jack's sister Laura returned to Grandview with Audrey and stayed on to care for her and her brother Gerald. On December 14, 1922 Jack married Keturah (Kate) Bell who became an instant mother to Audrey, age one and a half and Gerald born in Grandview (1915 to 2004). They went on to have three additional children and siblings to Audrey, George William Nelson aka. Bill who was born in Grandview (1926 to 2012), Jackie Connor born in Calgary (1928 to 1961) and Linda born in Grandview in 1931, who presently resides in Wadena, SK. At age six, and just starting school, adversity struck again with a vengeance. Her father, a successful business man and living comfortably in town with his family, accepted a job in Calgary because of sudden changes in the local economy. The trip to Calgary was made in late fall (cold wet weather) in an old rag top touring car over primitive prairie trails. The trip lasted five days traveling day and night. Upon arriving in Calgary they rented a house in the Mount Royal District. Gerald managed to land a spot in the local school but there was no vacancy for Audrey. She was forced to climb onto a streetcar, (a frightening experience for a little girl from a small town) and travel several miles to a school that could fit her in. Worse still, the entire family was stricken with diphtheria and had to be quarantined for several weeks. When the quarantine ended Audrey continued to ride the streetcar to school, mostly without a chaperone. The family returned to Grandview by train, late in 1930. Winter had already arrived. They moved into the John Mulligan Sr.'s farmhouse in the Wicklow district. The house had no modern facilities and an outdated heating system, a significant step backward from their customary lifestyle. For a few years Audrey walked a mile and a half to Wicklow School, trekking along behind brother Gerald. When middle school was reached she moved in with the Nicholas Shield family whose wife Bertha (a cousin to Jack) was ailing and needed help with the housekeeping. From there, the distance to Wicklow School increased to four miles, which Audrey walked in both winter and summer weather. Audrey completed grade 9, 10, and 11 by following a Department of Education correspondence course at Wicklow School. From there she made her way to Toronto where she found work in a factory, manufacturing clothing for the Second World War Armed Forces. Later in Toronto she was hired to work in the office of Sears Canada. At the same time she took a night course in the operation of information processing office equipment and received a promotion. When the war ended she enrolled in a hairstyling course in Winnipeg. Upon graduation she opened her own Beauty Shop in Grandview which she operated for a number of years. Audrey also kept house for her brother Bill living in Neepawa, while looking after their brother Jackie's children from 1957 to 1960. Audrey always made herself available to help out family in need. Years later Audrey married William Bill John Basil Haddock aka Red , the only son of Amy and Billy Haddock of Grandview. Red had two sisters, Thelma and Jean. Red was a high profile young man, who excelled in sports and helped his father deliver freight for the railway from the station to its destination with a beautiful team of black Percheron Horses. Red enlisted in the Canadian Army early in the Second World War and served with distinction during the invasion and recapture of Western Europe from Nazi Germany. Upon discharge from the Armed Forces he enrolled in a plumber and pipe fitter course. Years later, following their marriage on December 14, 1968, Red and Audrey settled permanently in Calgary, Red's base of operation. In almost every respect they were the perfect couple and very much in love. Audrey returned to work at Sears in Calgary until they retired together. Following retirement they purchased a home in Kelowna, BC and spent the winter months in Southern Arizona where they established a second home. Audrey and Red had a passion for gardening and love of golf. They enjoyed entertaining family and friends and were always the life of the party. Red and Audrey had been married for 34 wonderful years before Red passed away May 13, 2002 after a struggle with prostate cancer. Audrey had published a poem as a dedication to her husband after his death as follows: In Memory of Bill Haddock December 8, 1918 - May 13, 2002 When I'm counting all my blessings, there is one thing I always do I stop and say a thank you for the friend I had in you. For you will ever be a dear and precious part of the warm and treasured memories I hold within my heart. Sadly missed by your wife, Audrey. Audrey continued to reside in Kelowna until 2008 when she was again whisked off to Winnipeg to be near family to assist her in her declining years. Under the care of her family she attended many family functions and enjoyed many great memories. Audrey passed away peacefully with family at her side. A special thanks for the exceptional care provided by all the staff at the Charleswood Personal Care Home. We are forever indebted for the compassion and kindness of the staff, shown to Audrey and her family. Special thanks also to Jeff Hamilton (the son she never had), for giving Audrey so much joy and care over the past four years. In compliance with Audrey’s and Red’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice, in memory of Audrey. “Aunt Audrey, every time we hear the Garth Brooks’ song “The Dance” we will think of you. Thank you for the love, kindness and care you have provided to all of your family over the years. You will be forever missed and forever loved.”

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 08, 2012