ALMA FRIEDA LEONA JONES

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ALMA FRIEDA LEONA JONES (nee KNECHT) September 12, 1920 - April 21, 2016 Alma slipped away peacefully, on the wings of angels, in the early hours of April 21. She was a kind soul but with a strength of character. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Douglas, Richard, Linda (Lee), grandchildren, Kelly (Andy), Jenny (fiancé Payden), Brett, and great-granddaughter Kaylan. She is also survived by her sisters Elsie, Hilda and Doreen, in-laws Fred, Don and Trudy, Pat, Linda and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Ken, parents Frieda and Josef, brother Wilf, in-laws Cliff, Al, Tony, Ted, Bette, Vicki, and niece Marcia. Alma was born and raised in the small town of Aneroid, Saskatchewan. She had a wonderful childhood and would delight her family with amusing stories from her youth. As a young woman she made the decision to move to Winnipeg and train as a nurse at the Winnipeg General Hospital. She was meant to be a nurse. Alma was always caring and compassionate. All her life she held dear her profession and kept in contact with her fellow nurses in the graduating Class of 1943. She maintained her connection with nursing by volunteering for over 26 years, mostly in the emergency room of the Health Sciences Centre providing a sympathetic ear to all. The Second World War ended and the young men came home. Alma met Ken and they were married in 1947 and for 63 years were a very devoted couple. They became the proud parents of twin boys Douglas and Richard. In 1954 daughter Linda was born. Alma was a wonderful mother. She was a homemaker who enjoyed a good game of bridge, crossword puzzles, painting, sewing and knitting. She was a great cook as anyone who sat at her table would know. She was a member of Westworth United Church for over 50 years. She was always helpful, always sweet natured - always a lady. Alma and Ken usually headed south in the winter to Florida or Texas, and then Palm Springs became a favourite. They always seemed to know someone holidaying wherever they were and had themselves a time' as Alma would say. The summer would find Alma and Ken at their Caddy Lake cottage. Alma loved her three grandchildren, Kelly, Jenny and Brett, and they loved her in return. She helped shape them into who they are today. Alma had a long and wonderful life. We are thankful for the years we had together. You will live in our hearts forever. A celebration of her life is planned for a later date. Alma was first and foremost a mother and grandmother: She always leaned to watch for us, Anxious if we were late, In winter by the window, In summer by the gate. And though we mocked her tenderly, Who had such foolish care, The long way home would seem more safe, Because she waited there. Her thoughts were all so full of us, She never could forget! And so I think that where she is, She must be watching yet. Waiting till we come home to her, Anxious if we are late - Watching from Heaven's window, Leaning from Heaven's gate. By Margaret Widdemer

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 30, 2016