MAUREEN LEBEL

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MAUREEN LEBEL Born: March 19, 1922 Date of Passing: January 27, 2018 Maureen died peacefully on January 27, 2018, in her 96th year, at Lions Manor in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Maureen was born in Winnipeg in 1922, the only child of Maurice Still and Catherine O'Mahoney. Her mother's untimely death when Maureen was 12 was a tragedy that affected her entire life. Her father later remarried, and Maureen joined the family with her stepmother Evelyn Still and stepsiblings, Hubert, James, and Grace Cunningham. Maureen was delighted when her half-sister Joy was born in 1936. After graduating high school, Maureen's first job was at Eaton's department store in downtown Winnipeg. She later enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force, where she met her husband and life partner Leo Lebel. They worked together at the R.C.A.F. No. 7 Bomb and Gunnery School in Paulson, Manitoba throughout most of the Second World War. Leo was a Sergeant, and, as they both often laughed, it was the only time he could "pull rank" on Maureen. When they were married in Winnipeg in 1944, Maureen was forced to leave the R.C.A.F. under the rules of the day, and they moved to an apartment in nearby Dauphin. After the war, they settled in Winnipeg. A redhead in both temperament and hair colour, Maureen gave as good as she got with Leo. Whenever he called her "Red" (an old air force nickname) you knew the discussion would soon be over. They had a passionate relationship, loved entertaining, and enjoyed many fine dinners at Rae & Jerry's and Hy's to celebrate life events. Although she had six children at home, Maureen worked at several part time jobs when she had the time. She worked at Eaton's over Christmas seasons, did census work, and served as a District Returning Officer (DRO) for municipal elections. She famously ejected a city councillor from the polling station in her home when he attempted to influence a voter in the booth. She was also an active member of St. Alphonsus Church, the Catholic Women's League, and St. Jude's Sewing Circle. Maureen's real career was as a wife and mother. A true partner for Leo, who was an orphan, she supported him in good times and bad, celebrating the big commission paydays while sewing clothes for the kids to save money. She was an excellent cook, serving delicious meals to a very particular husband (and constantly growing family) without complaint. In her later years, suffering from dementia which often left her confused, she handled things with grace and humour. Before an operation for bladder cancer when she was 89, she asked the doctors, "While you're in there, can you fix my brain too?" She spent her final years at Lions Manor in Winnipeg, where her zest for life was well-appreciated by staff and fellow residents. Maureen remained the gracious hostess until the end, welcoming visitors to her room and apologizing for its lack of amenities. The family is especially grateful for the kind care provided by Lyla, Carol, and Margaret at Rimmer House for many, many years. Maureen was predeceased by her husband Leo Lebel (1920-1992) and her daughters, Nancy Minarz, (1946-2007) and Linda Atkinson (1949-2016). She is survived by her sister Joy Hopkins; her children, Joanne Lowery (Glenn Lowery), Paul LeBel (Pamela Kostur), Mavis Hess (Barry Hess), and Michael Lebel (Laurie Lebel); her grandchildren, Kevin and Darren Minarz; Christopher and Jennifer Atkinson; Shannon, Joseph and Meghan Lowery; Matthew and Laura LeBel; Wesley and Andrew Layer; Scott Hess; Daniel and David Lebel; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Garrett Minarz, Henry Kryminski, and Liam and Dawson Layer. A private family memorial service has been held. Maureen will be buried at Green Acres Funeral Home and Cemetery in Winnipeg, resting alongside her beloved Leo. In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to make a donation to the Salvation Army.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 03, 2018