MARGARET JEAN IRWIN (BROOMFIELD)

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MARGARET JEAN IRWIN (nee BROOMFIELD) February 4, 1919 - February 8, 2017 Jean passed suddenly on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at Calvary Place Personal Care Home, four days after a family dinner celebrating her 98th birthday. She leaves one sister-in-law, Jean L. Irwin. She will be sadly missed by her three daughters: Geraldine Irwin-Kilfoyle (William), Patricia Wachs, Jacqueline Sarna (Randall); grandchildren, Lawrence Wachs (Marni), Suzanne Kay (Shaun), Caitlin Sarna, Carlyn Sarna; great-grandchildren, Lauren Wachs and Trey Wachs; and numerous nieces and nephews. The eldest child of Jennie (Mangan) and William John Broomfield, Jean arrived early, missing the train to Birtle Hospital, and was born amid the 1919 influenza epidemic, in the Binscarth Hotel. For the majority of her schooling, Jean boarded in Binscarth with the Clement family. A true survivor, she conquered not only diphtheria, which took the lives of her brother Robert John and sister Dulcie Ann, but also scarlet fever. She was awarded a provincial prize in Grade 8 for highest marks in French studies by correspondence. Upon completion of Grade 11, Jean assisted her father in running the family farm, then married Clarence Campbell Irwin in 1939. Together they moved to Gurney Gold, MB, where Clare operated the power plant. Upon closure of the mine, they moved to Winnipeg and became longtime residents of the West End. Together they enjoyed travelling, time spent at Clear Lake and many winters in Arizona. Jean was a gracious hostess and a terrific cook/baker. She faithfully read her Bible, was a member of Harstone United Church, volunteered for several organizations, kept a daily diary, loved to play bridge, solve the Free Press Jumbles and was the family archivist. A sincere thanks to the wonderfully caring staff of the second floor of Calvary Place, where she had resided for the past two years. Cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will be held at a later date. Should friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 25, 2017