MARY-LOUISE YOUNG-WALTON (MOFFAT)

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MARY-LOUISE YOUNG-WALTON (nee MOFFAT) On July 21, 2018, Mary-Louise who travelled innumerable times to her parents' home, as well as on many trips to various countries around the world, embarked on her final journey to her Eternal Home. She was the wife (widow) of Delbert Eugene Walton, and widow of the late Frank Charles Sidney Young. Mary-Louise was the daughter of the late Russell and Christena (Tena) Moffat. She was born on her parents' farm in South-West Manitoba, and was educated locally until she completed her Grade 11. At that time, her mother took her to Winnipeg, where arrangements were made for continuance of her education, with particular emphasis on music. She studied with the late Phyllis Holtby, who always said that Mary-Louise was one of her most gifted students. Through the Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba, and under the tutorial guidance of the late Eva Clare of that university, Mary-Louise earned her A.M.M. Two years later, and after further studies, she received her R.C.M. degree from the University of Toronto, and thus held both Teacher's and Performer's degrees. While she was studying, and after, she was active, both as a teacher, and performer, giving recitals, both on radio, and at the university. In later years, she played at weddings, her church and her local Senior Citizens Home. Mary-Louise was from a musical family, so there was always music and dancing in her parents' home. She, herself, loved and enjoyed many different types of music. In earlier years, before opera was available in Winnipeg, she travelled to Minneapolis each May to hear the New York Metropolitan. Later, she and Frank were Manitoba Opera season ticket holders for several years. But Mary-Louise was equally at home listening to, and dancing to an old time waltz. She agreed with Isaac Stern's comments that music "touches the soul and our deepest feelings". Although Miss Holtby was anxious that Mary-Louise continue in her musical field, Mary-Louise herself felt she required a more stable income. Thus, she commenced her second career in office work, tolling, as her husband later said "in the female ghetto". Commencing as a pool stenographer, Mary-Louise gradually obtained more senior positions, culminating the the position of Director of Estates and Trusts in the Office of the Public Trustee. Because of her strong work ethic, she was always known in the business world as a dedicated, diligent worker, who had the ability to "get things done". On December 29, 1956, Mary-Louise married Frank Charles Sidney Young. Together they worked to acquire a home, which they both enjoyed. They both appreciated the beauties of nature, and they took pleasure in having others in their home to share God's handiwork, as well as the result of Frank's expertise on the barbeque. Additionally, Mary-Louise liked to sew, cook, read, write and travel. By virtue of putting aside a few shoestrings each month, the Youngs were able to travel to all continents with the exception of Arctic and Antarctica. As they trekked around, they thoroughly enjoyed learning about, and meeting people from other countries and cultures. For them, travelling was a learning experience. There were 'travellers' - not 'tourists on conducted tours'. Because of their love of adventure, they liked to explore on their own, to meet and speak to people, to learn about their way of life and their problems. They both particularly enjoyed exploring their roots - for Frank in South Africa, and for Mary-Louise in Scotland. Frank died on December 18, 1993, after a long battle with cancer. After his death, Mary-Louise carried on travelling, making long trips to several African countries, Australia, Papua New Guinea, the United Kingdom, parts of Europe and around Cape Horn. She also became more involved in volunteer work, such that it was not unusual to see her playing the organ at church on Sunday, and the following day, assisting with duties at the Oncology Clinic. Mary-Louise firmly believed that the best way find answers and cures for incurable diseases is through medical research - therefore she was an enthusiastic Ambassador for CancerCare Manitoba and St. Boniface Research Foundation. In later years, Mary-Louise got back to her "musical roots" at the University of Manitoba. She took pleasure in establishing an Endowment for worthy musical students, and as well, enjoyed some of the many events at the university, and her contacts with staff and students. Since Mary-Louise was always interested in history, after retirement, she spent more time researching and writing both Moffat history, as well as the progenitors of Franks' family. On January 18, 2001, in beautiful Hawaii, Mary-Louise wed Delbert Eugene Walton. They enjoyed a deep and satisfying relationship and much happiness. Their opinions and values coincided on many issues, and they had many interests in common, not the least of which were music and travelling. M.L. enjoyed her trips with Del, and the concerts and musical events they attended, both home and abroad. She took pleasure in being together with Del in their southern home, and she felt blessed to have met, married, and shared her life with a wonderful partner. Mary-Louise joined the Anglican Church in 1955. She tried hard to come to grips with 'spirituality' and God's place for her on this earth. Her religious faith was important to her - she was a faithful member of her church where she appreciated the opportunity to worship God, and deepened her Biblical understanding. Mary-Louise led a full life, and leaves an example to family and others who follow her, of what can be accomplished by dedication, dependability, diligence and good old-fashioned hard work. Besides her parents, and her first husband, Mary-Louise was predeceased by her brother Brian Moffat, her sister Georgena Moffat, her brother-in-law Calvin Gibson, nephew Brent Gibson and niece Marilyn Andries. Mary-Louise is survived by her husband Delbert Walton, brother Andrew Moffat, sister Christena Gibson, niece Sherry (Boyd) Mullin, nephew Shayne (Melanie) Gibson, nephew Derryle (Christina) Gibson and sister-in-law Gwen Moffat. A graveside service has taken place at the family plot in the Holmfield, Manitoba cemetery. Donations in celebration of her life may be made to the St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation, 409 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2H6, CancerCare Manitoba, 100 Olivia Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0V9, University of Manitoba, 179 Extended Education Complex, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, or to a charity of choice. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 204-783-7211 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 28, 2018