Thomasina HOWELL

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HOWELL: Thomasina (Tina) Passed away peacefully on December 1st, 2010 at her residence in the Souris Personal Care Home. She will be lovely remembered by her family, Ray (Betty) Howell of Brandon, Barb (Murray) Arnold of Souris, Gary (Lois) Howell of Regina; grandchildren Carlie Howell (Toronto) Geoff Howell (Vancouver), Myles Arnold (Souris), Curtis Arnold (Souris) great granddaughter Malana Arnold, and chosen granddaughters Chelsey Gardner (Victoria), Jocelyn Gardner (Victoria), Nikki (Darryl) Moreau (Souris), and great grandson Keerin Moreau, sister Marjorie Howell (Victoria) brothers Dave Cook (New Zealand), Don Cook (England), sisters-in-law Bernice Howell (Treherne), Gladys Cooper (Calgary) as well as nieces and nephews in Canada and abroad. Tina was predeceased by her husband Albert, her parents Robert and Florence Cook and brother Rob Cook as well as extended family John Howell, Art Howell, Alf Howell, Bea and John McCulloch, Peg and Phil Hill, Dick Cooper and Toni Cook. Mom was born November 5, 1924 in North Shields, Northumberland England and came to Canada at the beginning of World War II, evacuated with her younger brothers and sent to stay with her Great Aunt Jean in Calgary. Upon Jeans' sudden passing mom was taken in by a wonderful Lacombe Alberta family, the Newman's, who became lifelong friends. In 1943 mom joined the RCAF Women's Division, being stationed in Ontario, Saskatchewan and B.C. After the war mom returned home to England, but she had fallen in love with Canada and decided she wanted to return. Upon arriving she worked several different jobs in Halifax and Toronto and was able to save up enough money to take the train west to Manitoba to visit her sister Marjorie and brother-in-law Alf Howell who lived in Souris. It was there she met and soon after married husband Albert. They started their life together on the family farm south of Souris in the Lily district where their three children, Ray, Barb and Gary were born and raised. It was a rewarding experience in our lives living and growing up on the farm but in the late 60's, due to dad's poor health, we all moved to Souris. Mom loved to cook so there was always a big > garden and plenty of preserves for the winter. Her love of sewing, knitting, crafts and painting were evident by the many red ribbons that were brought home from fairs around the countryside and her beautiful paintings and crafts have been passed down to be cherished by her family. But most of all mom’s family was always in her thoughts and prayers, she cherished her 3 children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren and always looked forward to their visits and phone calls. Despite health problems throughout her life, especially the Parkinson's in these latter years, mom persisted. Mom was a member of the Canadian Air Force, the Royal Canadian Legion, Souris Art Club and Souris Women's Institute. A Memorial Service and Celebration of her life was held Tuesday December 7th at St. Paul's Church, Souris. At mom's request The Reverend Mark Murray of St. Luke's Anglican Church officiated, with St. Paul's choir in attendance and a beautiful solo of "In the Garden " sung by Holly Doull. A heartwarming Eulogy was presented by youngest son Gary Howell followed by a musical recorded tribute sung by granddaughter Carlie Howell from her current CD. Urn Bearers were grandsons, Myles and Curtis Arnold and Geoff Howell. Royal Canadian Legion Souris Branch members attending provided a Commrade Salute. At mom's request Honorary Pallbearers were: Agnes Down, Doreen Strath, Mary Ann Carlisle, Ivy Morris, Margaret Leonard, Cecil Ross, Bunny Russell, Julia Semeschuk, Trudy McCulloch, Eric and Ardele Luke and Joan Shackleton . A luncheon and time of fellowship followed in the St. Paul's Auditorium. Cremation and private family Interment in the Souris and Glenwood Cemetery. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to all the caregivers over the years, especially Victoria Park Lodge, 4th Floor Assiniboine Centre Staff , Dr. Cram and all the wonderful folks at the Souris Personal Care Home. A special thanks to the Newman Family for all they did for mom over the years and to her extended family and close friends for writing, calling, visiting and being a part of her life. To honor her life and memory, donations gratefully accepted to the Parkinson Society Manitoba at 7-414 Westmount Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2J 1P4 or toll free at 1-866-999-5558, Souris Personal Care Home Sunroom Fund, C/O ARHA Box 10, Souris, Manitoba, R0K 2C0 or a charity of choice. Kowalchuk's Funeral Home of Souris entrusted with arrangements. Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day,Unseen, unheard, but always near,Still loved, still missed and very dear.

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 18, 2010