CYNTHIA ELEANOR WALKES (FORDE)

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CYNTHIA ELEANOR WALKES (nee FORDE) Cynthia Eleanor Walkes (nee Forde) left this life at the age of 77 on Saturday, September 20, 2014 peacefully, surrounded by love in the I.C.U. at Victoria General Hospital. She was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad on September 2, 1937 the second of four children to Ralph and Mildred Forde. Married Stirling on October 30, 1964, at St. John's College Chapel. Her passion for education began at Bishop Anstey High School in Trinidad; in Winnipeg and graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.A. and B.Ed. While Cynthia was at university she worked at Eaton's in the handbag department. After graduation she began her teaching career in the Winnipeg School Division at Churchill High School. She took a few years off to care for her young family. She volunteered at Ryerson Elementary school while her children were there. She went back to teaching in the Fort Garry School Division, then later to Winnipeg School Division. She became a Vice-Principal at General Wolfe Jr. High School, Kelvin High School and Elmwood High School from where she retired in 1998. In high school Cynthia played field hockey and travelled to other islands to compete against other high schools (male and female). She was an avid seamstress, voracious reader, golfer and volunteer. She was an active member of the Southwood Golf and Country Club serving as president of the Ladies Section at different times. She volunteered with the Manitoba Museum, Afro Caribbean Association of Manitoba, Golf Manitoba and The Anglican Church. She was appointed to the Manitoba Women's Advisory Council. She was a member of St. Luke's Church and St. Paul's Church. Through the years she served as the Sunday school teacher and superintendent; vestry member; people's warden; altar guild member; president of ACW; and was instrumental in facilitating prayer shawl ministry. While a member of the Board of Governors at the University of Manitoba where she served as Vice-Chair of the Board, Cynthia was proud of her input in the establishment of University 1. Cynthia is survived by her husband Stirling; daughter Suzanne of Eden Prairie, MN; son Stirling (Lisa); her treasures Victor and Warrick; brothers Keston Forde (Gaynell) of Pickering, ON; Edwin Forde (Margaret Deshong) of LaSalle, PQ; nephew Wayne Wyke (Donny - Darnell and Reece) of East St. Paul, MB; niece Cathy Letkeman (Nikki and JD) of Tuscon, AZ; niece Dyane Forde (Samuel Lampron - Caleb and Chloe) of LaSalle, PQ. She is predeceased by her parents, her sister Jean and brother-in-law Clement Wyke, and her infant granddaughter Karly. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, September 26, 2014, 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Anglican Church, 830 North Drive with her friend, incumbent The Reverend Canon Geoff Woodcroft officiating. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to any of the following: Canadian Diabetes Association, The Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, Kidney Foundation of Canada, CancerCare Manitoba, St. Paul's Anglican Church Educational Fund or a charity of your choice. Thank you to the staff at Harmony Court, Riverwood Square, the doctors and nurses in the I.C.U. at the Victoria Hospital (Dr. Manji, Cyndi, Vicki and others). Much appreciation for the care over the years from Dr. Brian Penner at H.S.C. "I will love you through the ages." 204-782-3541

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2014