VERA MARGARET ROSE (ERWOOD) MANNESS

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VERA MARGARET ROSE (ERWOOD) MANNESS February 6, 1923 - February 23, 2018 Words cannot express the profound grief at the passing of my dear, sweet mum. Mum's life was like something one would read in a novel or see in a movie. So much living packed into 95 years, so much joy, sadness, tragedy, loss and heartache. So many things to overcome, and Mum did, for she was a strong-minded, hard-working, determined, resilient, and most of all, brave, woman. Mum was born in Hamilton, Ontario, the youngest of seven siblings. She came out West to marry my dear dad, her beloved Dougie, whom she met at a dance in Hamilton during the Second World War. It was love at first sight for both of them and now, they are together again. Dad was a farmer, Mum became a farmer's wife. Later on, they left the farm and settled in Winnipeg and so Mum became a city slicker again, working at the Salvation Army Grace General Hospital for 10 years. Mum loved working there, she always said it was her second home. People loved to hear Mum's stories of her life, but really, she was more of a listener, rather than a talker about herself. Mum could speak to anyone, would make them feel at ease as she had a warm personality and a terrific sense of humour. She made me laugh every day. Mum had a wonderful, strong, mezzo/alto singing voice and was selected to sing in many school and church choirs, the Hamilton Children's choir for one. In later years, she enjoyed singing with the Winnipeg Seniors Choir. Mum was kind and caring and she had such a sparkle about her, such a wonderful spirit for life right up to the very end. In fact, the day before she passed she sang "They'll Be Bluebirds Over The White Cliffs of Dover." That twinkle in her Irish eyes made people fall in love with her. No flowers or cards, please. Mum always supported the charities and, if you wish, please do likewise. That would make Mum really happy. Many thank yous go out to Aunt Grace and Uncle Allan, our dear friends, Sandy and Don, Margaret and Jim, and all our kind neighbours, particularly Mei, Raj and Zapure for their love and support during this difficult time.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 03, 2018