LOUISE RUDOLPH (MARTIN)

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LOUISE RUDOLPH (nee MARTIN) With her daughter by her side, and loving care provided daily by her husband, Louise passed away peacefully on October 20, 2013 at Concordia Hospital. Louise will be lovingly remembered by her husband Walter, daughter Lori (John) Crawford, grandchildren Kayla and Jordan; son Douglas (Carla) Rudolph and grandson Clifford of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister Mary Primmer and niece Sherryl Leandro and her sons Ryan and Shaun; and brother Rodrick (Anne) of Uddingston, Scotland. Louise was predeceased by her beloved son Gordon in 2011, her parents Isabel and John Martin, and brother-in-law Ken Primmer. She will also be dearly missed by her numerous friends and family such as the Rudolph's across Canada, the Crawford's in Winnipeg, and relatives in Scotland. Louise was born and raised in Winnipeg, was the eldest of three children, and attended Lord Roberts and Kelvin High school. Her sister Mary has fond memories of their childhood, and the activities they did together such as attending variety dance classes, going ice skating, and spending Saturday afternoons at the Park Theatre. Shortly after the Second World War, while going to Pala club and Palaminaki Camp, Louise and Walter met. Walter said Louise was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. They fell in love and were married in 1950. (They recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary!) Louise worked at the Canadian Imperial Bank until she had her two sons Douglas and Gordon, and spent her time dedicated to their upbringing. Several years later, Louise and Walter were blessed with the arrival of a third child, a daughter Lori Anne through adoption. Mom had many talents, and interests. She loved to cook (the house was full of the aroma of a delicious dinner), and she was famous for her chocolate chip cookies. She knit beautiful blankets and sweaters, and "helped" me with my sewing and cooking projects. She had an appreciation for the beauty that nature provided by enjoying her flowers, and bird watching - especially hummingbirds. Mom also enjoyed our family dogs (many "Lassies", and "Kytie"). Mom stayed active for many years by Scottish country dancing, and I recall the house being alive with Scottish music and the bagpipes through my childhood. Mom often attended "Girls Club" up until a few years back - this was a group of friends from high school that gathered regularly for 60 years! She also enjoyed many trips to the casinos with family, and friends. Louise was a dedicated, loving wife, mother, and grandmother who had a heart of gold, and gave everything to her family. She especially treasured the time spent together on family trips to Hawaii, the early days at the Big Whiteshell, and the later years at the Davidson Lake family cottage. Louise adored her grandchildren, and spent many hours caring for and playing with them. She is remembered by friends as a kind, gentle, sweet, and caring woman who always made everyone feel welcome. Mom was a remarkable woman who dedicated over 15 years to volunteering at Concordia Hospital, as well as doing "Meals on Wheels" for many years. But her real service to the world was the loving care she provided to her family - especially to her son Gordon throughout every step of his life and throughout his illness. She also courageously battled her own illnesses (she was a breast cancer survivor) and never complained of pain or sorrow...even in the later part of her life's journey. She lived a full and happy life, and she is an inspiration to us all. "Mom, we will miss our daily chats and miss having tea with you... we love you, and your inner beauty and cherished memories live on within us." The family would like to thank Dr. Doerksen for his years of kind and compassionate care, and thank you to the health care staff, and bedside neighbours at Concordia Hospital for her care over the past few weeks. There is no formal funeral service, however family and friends are encouraged to share their stories, memories, and thoughts through visits and chats over tea or in any other desired way in honour of Louise. Donations can be made in her memory to the Concordia Foundation, or charity of choice. Perhaps they are not stars, but openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 26, 2013