FLORA EILEEN STACEY

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FLORA EILEEN STACEY (nee MCDONALD) Peacefully on Wednesday, November 13, 2013, and surrounded by her family, Flora passed away at Victoria General Hospital, two days following her 94th birthday. She will be sadly missed by her sons Wayne (Helen), Brian (Elaine), and Brent (Cynthia), grandchildren David, Karen Ehlebracht (Mark), Andrea Rehirchuk (Darrell), Michael (Kelly), her sister Ruth Frith, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Allan, her granddaughter Christine Egilson (Rob) and sisters Jean McIntosh, Anne Hunter and Kathleen Wagner. Flora was born in Edam, SK but lived most of her youth in LaRiviere, MB. It was during the tough years of the depression that Mum learned frugality, her faith in God and the importance of family ties and friendship, skills that served her well throughout her long life. It was also in LaRiviere that she met the love her life, Allan Stacey. They were married in the home of Mum's parents on February 24, 1942. After moving to Ottawa due to Dad's war posting, they returned to LaRiviere in 1945 where Dad resumed his position with the C.P.R. In 1948, Dad was transferred to Winnipeg and they bought a home in West Kildonan where they raised their three sons. Mum stayed in their home after Dad passed away in 2004 but had to give it up in 2011 due to failing health. Mum was actively involved in the U.C.W. and Couples Club at Kildonan United Church. She was also an Explorer and C.G.I.T. leader for many years and taught Sunday School. Often our home was filled with goods for church fundraising projects or special events. Mum and Dad also helped out with church construction projects, Sunday offerings and accounting. Friendships were very important to Mum and she developed many long lasting ones. She loved writing letters to friends and family and loved even more receiving them in return. Mum tried hard to remember the names of everyone she met and important details about their lives. We remember how she was always quick to provide moral support and lend a sympathetic ear whenever we needed it. She especially loved family gatherings and was always anxious to hear our latest news. Some of the special things she loved were vacations at Clear Lake, picnics with family, Scrabble games with Dad, crossword puzzles (exchanging answers with her boys), going to church on Sundays, collecting and sharing recipes and making sumptuous meals for her family. The family would like to thank the staff at Riverwood Square, the Simkin Centre, Riverview, Seven Oaks and the Victoria General Hospitals for the care and compassion they provided to Mum during the past few years when her health started to fail. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 18 at Kildonan United Church, 187 Kilbride Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2V 0Z7. If so desired, donations can be made in Flora's memory to Kildonan United Church or your charity of choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2013