MARY CATHERINE LUTES (TERRELL)

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MARY CATHERINE LUTES

Mary Catherine Lutes (nee Terrell), our mom, grandma and wife to Jack Reginald Lutes (deceased January 8, 2017), let go and found her peace Saturday, September 12, 2020, at 2:45 p.m. She was 92 years old. At her bedside were her daughter, Carolyn and close family friend, Roma.
She was beautifully cared for by the staff at Calvary Place Personal Care Home. Our family will be forever grateful for the respect and compassion you gave our mom.
She is survived by her three children: Cathy MacLean, David Lutes (Margaret) and Carolyn Lutes; her grandchildren, Sean MacLean and Julie Lutes; her cousin Crawford Jenkins (Marjorie); plus her remaining brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Born December 6, 1927, in Brandon, MB to Henry and Janet Terrell (nee Nelson). She grew up an only child save the brief life of June, her younger infant sister. Her cousins, Murray and Crawford Jenkins served as substitute brothers - the teasing she tolerated during her summers spent at the Jenkins farm proved them qualified enough. Our mom was a gal who didn't like frills or to make a fuss. Didn't take a shine to the domestic aspects of life. Out in the world, with the people, on the move - an old YMCA girl - swimming, skating, playing basketball, badminton, teaching gymnastics and dance routines - eventually enjoying both downhill and cross-country skiing. Loved her square dancing and later in life, aquasizing, bridging, volunteering with HOPE and playing her "A" with the English Handbell Choir at St. Andrews River Heights United Church. As a young woman she worked for the YMCA in Brandon, paid for her own schooling and graduated with a BA from Brandon University. She furthered her studies in Early Childhood Education at the University of Toronto. After starting her family, she completed her teaching certificate at the University of Manitoba and for 15 years, taught nursery, kindergarten and grade one at Isaac Brock School here in Winnipeg. Both "Y" people, she met our dad at a Y convention in Geneva Lake, ON. Married December 30, 1954, and somehow managed to stay that way for 62 years. Both were hard workers although between bringing up three kids, studying for school, working full time, taking care of the house - in winter shuffling us kids back and forth to speed skating practices / meets (which included volunteering as "Timer"- just ask any speed skating parent), art classes, music lessons and recitals - who knows how she did it all! Together, she and my dad created a truly special place in our cottage on Rush Bay, Lake of the Woods - those summers were filled with never ending activities and memories now treasured. Christmas' were bursting and shared with good friends - New Years we'd downhill ski. She loved her children deeply. Did her best to listen and understand. She would do anything for us. The best mom a kid could have. All will miss your infectious laugh, beautiful smile, sarcastic humour, warmth and bubbly friendship. Now you can go and do whatever, whenever and love the kitties to your heart's desire. We love you Mom, always.
Our family also would like to thank the staff at The Rosewood for your care and attention during her time with you.
Due to Covid-19 gathering restrictions a private family funeral service will be held.
If you wish to make a donation, please do so to a charity of your choice.

For those who wish to sign the online
Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 19, 2020