Florence BIRMINGHAM

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BIRMINGHAM: With heavy hearts but wonderful memories our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Florence Birmingham (nee Gratton), went home to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon at the age of 94 with her family by her side. She leaves to cherish her memories, Daughters Lorraine Lenton (Russ), Beverley Abey (George), Joyce Peters (Eric); Son Melvin Birmingham (Kathy); Son-In-Law Henry Sawatsky; 20 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; sisters Ethel, Hazel, Irene; sister- in-law Evelyn as well as nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Lawrence 1997; daughter Gwen Sawatsky 2011; sons-in law Dale McIntyre 1980 and John Baraniuk 1983; grandsons Chadwick Abey 1980 and Grant Baraniuk 2006, and her 3 brothers Austin, Leslie, and Bill. Florence was born April 2, 1918 and grew up in Brandon, MB along with her six siblings. She attended Earl Oxford School. She met the love of her life Lawrence and they were married October 22, 1936 and farmed in the Elton District for 54 years before retiring to Brandon. Mother's career was a homemaker and she was excellent at cooking and baking, sewing, knitting, playing the piano, planting a vegetable garden and making the best carrot pickles. She extended extraordinary hospitality to others with tea and her famous shortbread cookies. Mother also enjoyed driving the tractor or riding on the combine up to age 94. She was a member of the Sparling Ladies' Group. She made it a priority in her life to be part of Bethel Christian Assembly since the age of 16. Mother will be sadly missed by her family and friends. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. E Moller, Dr. G. Edward and the staff of Palliative Care at the Assiniboine Centre. Funeral Service to be held at Bethel Christian Assembly, 440 Richmond Avenue on Saturday, October 6, 2012 (TODAY) at 1:00 p.m. with viewing prior to the service. Pastor Len Smith will officiate. Interment will be held at the Brandon Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Florence may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, Palliative Care, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B3. Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com.Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 06, 2012