Mary MILNE

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MILNE: Mary Ellen, March 9, 1914 - November 16, 2015. Ellen passed way peacefully at her residence Fairview Home. Ellen was born at Kelloe, MB, the youngest of 7 children born to John and Catherine Wilton. She spent her growing-up years at Shoal Lake where she was actively involved in sports, youth groups and church. It was at a dance that she met Bob Milne. They married and started their life together at Lavinia. They had 2 sons, Leslie and Earl. Ellen was no stranger to hard work. Besides caring for the home, she did chores at the mink ranch, did caretaking at the 2 schools and boarded the local elevator agents. Later, she drove school van for 30 plus years and worked several springs at Bailey’s Greenhouse. To balance the hard work there was a great time of socializing, visiting, card games and dancing. Bob and Ellen were both very musical. They formed an orchestra with other local musicians and later including Les and Earl. Milne Orchestra played for many years entertaining at community halls and in country schools. Ellen also played for church and Christmas concerts and while living at Lion’s Manor she played Monday morning music and drummed in the kitchen band. If music was her love, baking was her passion. Ellen read cookbooks as others read novels. She could put a meal on the table in short order. Her specialty was her pastry - butter tarts and lemon meringue pies. These won her many ribbons at local fairs. After Bob died in 1991, Ellen made her home in Brandon at Lion’s Manor. She enjoyed her years there, taking part in many activities and forming lasting friendships. As her health started to fail she moved to Fairview Home where she received excellent care. Of greatest importance to Ellen was her family. She supported her sons in their endeavors and was proud of the families they created. She thrilled to become a grandmother and followed Geoff and Brad’s progress in school, sports and later in their careers. The crowning joy in her last years was the arrival of her 4 great-grandchildren, Soren, Arlo, Bode and Presley. Her days were brightened by their visits when they entertained her with their play, hi 5’s and songs. Ellen was predeceased by her husband Bob in 1991 and son Leslie in 2003. Ellen is survived by son Earl (Maureen), daughter-in-law Delia, grandsons Geoff (Jane), Brad (Carla) and great-grandchildren Soren, Arlo, Bode and Presley. A celebration of life was held on November 21st at Hamiota United Church with Rev. Glenna Beauchamp officiating. Eulogy was delivered by grandson Geoff and Brad was urn bearer. Interment followed in Hamiota Cemetery. Lunch and a time of fellowship followed in Chumah Hall. Campbell Funeral Home, Hamiota, were in care of arrangements. Life’s work well done,Rest peacefully.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 28, 2015