HILARY ETHEL BROWNSCOMBE

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HILARY ETHEL BROWNSCOMBE After a lifetime of faithful and loving care from her family, Hilary Ethel Brownscombe (nee Putnam) passed away on May 17, 2018 at the age of 89 years. She was predeceased by the love of her life Bill in 2005, after 53 years of marriage. She is survived by her children, Richard (MJ), Melanie (Brian) and Marina (Randy); grandchildren, Sasha (Maggie), Jeff, Matt, Mia (Daryl), Ryan, Nick (Lesley); and great-granddaughter Portia, as well as her stepsister Denise, brother Michael, cousin Pamela and their families. Born and educated in England, she immigrated to Canada at the age of 18. Shortly after her arrival in Winnipeg, she joined the Greenwood United Young Peoples group and maintained these friendships throughout her life. While working as a bank teller, Mom met our Dad and together they raised a family and were active in the Fort Garry community. She donated regularly to those less fortunate, spending time with people in need and was a supporter of many charities either financially or as a volunteer canvasser. As a member of the Fort Garry Chimo Toastmistress Club, she became an accomplished speaker and student of parliamentary procedure, winning several local and international contests. As a member and Past President of the Wildewood Club, both Mom and Dad enjoyed curling and golf with many of their friends. They also contributed to the Victoria Beach Club running the annual membership drive and dog show for several years. Before recycling was fashionable, they walked the avenues of Victoria Beach and cleared the bush of the numerous beer bottles left by us as young adults! Mom was an avid card player and an exceptional bridge player until last year when her eyesight diminished her ability to play. In her 75th year, Mom wrote a story about her youth that will serve as a legacy capturing memories of the challenges in her life; the playfulness of being a child and the determination to grow and enjoy life to the fullest extent. In our short time here, the one thing that we hope we can leave behind is the love and pride that our children and others feel when they speak our name. For us, we say with love and pride, our Mom, Hilary, was typical of a British woman of her time; she possessed good manners, humility, kindness, love and forgiveness in her daily life. She had a great sense of humour, an incredible inner strength, a keen interest in meeting and engaging with others and a love for all furry creatures. Mom carried herself with sweetness and dignity through to the end. As our Mom and Grandma, she will be remembered fondly and greatly missed. Hilary and family extend our gratitude to Dr. Sheldon Permack and his staff, as well as the many caregivers who attended to her health care needs throughout the past few years, particularly her last companion Alyssa. All of you allowed us to maximize our time with Mom, and your efforts made for a better quality of life for her. At Mom's request there will be no formal service. If friends so desire, contributions may be made to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Winnipeg Humane Society or to a charity of your choice.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 26, 2018