INGRID BIRT

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INGRID BIRT Peacefully on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at the Victoria General Hospital our mother and grandmother passed away. Mom fought right to the end, but she was tired and finally allowed herself to rest. Left to remember Ingrid are her children Nancy McCullough, Frank Birt and Betty Cinq-Mars; grandchildren Cody, Chance and Mason McCullough (and their father Tim McCullough) and Brady and Alexa Cinq-Mars (and their father Jamie Cinq-Mars); as well as by her sisters Anne Scott and Betty Wakeling (George) of California; along with many nieces; nephews and other family members. Mom was predeceased by our dad, her husband Elwood Birt in 1992 and by her oldest grandchild, Matthew McCullough in 1997. Mom was born in Lac du Bonnet on September 10, 1936. She spent her early years living summers in Riverland, MB and coming back to Winnipeg for the winters. Her family moved to BC when she was still a young girl and she remained there until the death of both of her parents in her teens. Mom returned to Winnipeg on her own as a young woman. It was here that she met a young man from PEI and married him. After the birth of their first child mom and dad moved to Sanford, MB where they stayed for the next 30 years before spending a few years in Carman nearer to their McCullough grandchildren. During her years in Sanford mom worked various jobs, but her favourite was working as a teacher's assistant at Sanford Collegiate. She loved getting to know all of the kids in the area and she also loved it when many years later those kids, now grown up, would approach her to say hello and catch up. Mom was a lifelong, diehard sports fan. It didn't matter what your sport was, if she had a connection to you she was your biggest fan. She spent many hours over the years at ball parks cheering for everyone from young kids to professionals, giving advice to both on their game. Hours spent at Shaw Park watching and "coaching" her Goldeyes were some of her favourite times. In 1995 mom moved back to Winnipeg to be near her next batch of grandchildren. She became very involved in Age and Opportunity and made many new friends at their Smith Street location. Monday afternoons she bowled with the Kelvin Ladies at Mosienko Lanes and this continued until she became too ill. She was first and foremost a committed Gramma during these years and never missed a performance or game, or any opportunity to spend time with and show off her grandchildren. The last year of mom's life was spent battling cancer, but she was lucky to spend much of the year at home. We would like to thank the home care workers who helped her during this time, along with the folks from the Palliative Care program who helped keep her comfortable and at home for as long as possible. Her last month was spent at the Victoria Hospital and we want to thank the staff on the 4th floor, South wing for their care and support. Following mom's wishes, no formal Funeral Service will be held. she will be laid to rest at a family service in the Sanford Cemetery. In honour of her love for young people and baseball, anyone wishing to donate in mom's memory is encouraged to donate to the Winnipeg Goldeyes Field of Dreams Foundation, One Portage Avenue East, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3N3 Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204 897 4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 12, 2013