Reta FINLAYSON

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FINLAYSON: Reta May passed away on June 30, 2009 in the Neepawa Hospital. Reta was born at Wellwood, Manitoba, September 17, 1911. She was the oldest daughter of Robert and Susan (Murray) Ross. The family moved to the Oakdale/Inkerman districts in 1919, where Reta continued her schooling. She was a member of Inkerman United Church, teaching Sunday School, a member of the church choir, and being involved in a thriving rural community. She was a member of the Inkeran Ladies Aid W.M.S. and the U.C.W. Those meetings and friendships were very important to her. Reta married John Finlayson in 1934 at Arden, Manitoba. They farmed in the Oakdale district, raising three children Margaret, Donald and Agnes. Reta helped with the farm chores, canned meat and the produce from a large garden. She was a wonderful cook and home maker, baking biscuits, buns and cookies to share with family and friends, up until she went into the hospital on June 16, 2009. John and Reta retired to Neepawa in 1974 and she enjoyed having neighbors close by and walking up town. Reta became a member of Neepawa United Church and worked on the Pastoral Care Committee, she was a people person and enjoyed visiting and meeting everyone. John and Reta moved into Kinsmen Kourts in 1990. John, her husband of 57 years, passed away in 1991. Reta enjoyed the residents and activities in the Kourts and with the help of friends was able to remain independent until her passing. Reta was the last surviving member of her generation of the Ross and Finlayson family. Despite this, she remained interested in all her family, including nieces and nephews. Reta is survived by her daughter Margaret Swidnicki (Allen Brown) and her children: David (Joni) Swidnicki, children Kyle and Kelsey; Barbara (Rob) MacLean, children Joel, Graeme, Paul James, Dariel and Lisa; Lori (Craig) Wenger, children Mathew and Ryan; Carol (Blaine) Sangster, children Tyler and Drew; Myrna Swidnicki; Cheryl (Glen) Crossely, children Kylie and Paige; Nadine (Mathew) Newham, children Victoria and Cameron; Son Don (Clara) Finlayson, Terry and his son Kurt and Tracy; Daughter Agnes (Clare) Moir; Erin (Jack) Meikle, and daughter Alice; Charlene (Kevin) Currie. Reta was predeceased by son- in-law Roman Swidnicki. A celebration of her life was held at Neepawa United Church on July 3, 2009 with Rev. Peggy Reid officiating. The Eulogy was given by nephew Bob Finlayson. Interment at Neepawa Riverside Cemetery. Pallbearers were: David Swidnicki, Kyle Swidnicki, Drew Sangster, Tyler Sangster, Terry Finlayson, Paul James MacLean, Mathew Wenger, Ryan Wenger. Arrangements were with White’s Funeral Home. If friends so desire donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Country Meadows Personal Care Home, P.O. Box 2609, Neepawa, Manitoba, R0J 1H0 or a charity of choice. “A life well lived leaves behind a beautiful bouquet of memories.”

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 18, 2009