RUTH MACKIE SEEL

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RUTH MACKIE SEEL
February 1, 1922 – June 20, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ruth Mackie on June 20 at age 99 at Riverview Health Centre, after a year long struggle.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband Doug Mackie (1988), first born son Clive at age four months (1941), second husband Don Seel (2001), stepson Brian Seel (2000) and stepdaughter Laurie Seel (2013). Ruth and Laurie shared such a special bond enjoying many overnighters at the lake.
Ruth is survived by her children, Larry (James), Neil (Marie), Lynda (Pete), and grandchildren, Jamie (Michelle), Paul (Rachelle), Lisa (Derek), Andrea (Aaron) and Leah (Jonathan), as well as great-grandchildren, Kyla, Breanna, Rylan, Dreyden, Brenner, Emily, Alexander and newest addition Huey. Ruth also loved, and had a special place in her heart, for step-granddaughters, Tara (Sean), Bri-Anne (Scott) and Wilkie and Maeve.
Ruth was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba at Misericordia Hospital, to Alfred and Peggy Fieldsend. Mom grew up on a farm in Dugald, MB and went to a one room school in Plympton, MB until age 12 when they moved to Winnipeg. Then a move to Manor, Saskatchewan was necessary after Ruth's dad bought the hotel there, and that is where she met Doug - while walking down the street in Manor in 1939. Doug was a handsome young man in his army uniform and they soon fell in love and married on February 22, 1940. Ruth was 18 and Doug was 22. They had four children spanning a period of 18 years.
Doug passed away on November 24, 1988 and after a few years on her own, she met Don Seel. Don and Ruth were married January 1993 until Don's passing in 2001. They enjoyed their time together going on a cruise and other trips. This marriage brought a second family to Mom where she was welcomed and loved.
Mom worked for The Cottage Bakery in the 1960s for many years. She loved this job as she was such a people person but mostly because she got to bring home baked treats. Mom loved to be able to still go to The Cottage Bakery on Fridays (where this photo was taken) to eat the biggest baked goodie she could find. Mom also volunteered for the Victoria General Hospital Foundation for 10 years in the 1970s. Ruth then held a sales position at Olga Fashion Salon on Corydon Avenue for over 20 years, working into her 80s! She loved choosing outfits for the ladies to try on. Ruth was also very proud to be part of the Eastern Star Ladies Auxilliary and held a very special place in her heart for St. Paul's Anglican Church in Fort Garry.
Ruth instantly loved everyone she met and we are pretty sure the feelings were mutual. Mom had a great sense of humour and was the happiest person we knew.
Mom would be ticked off if there was no party, so a Celebration of Life is tentatively planned for Fall 2021 with her favourite things - Big Band music, wine, friendship and, of course, martinis. A family interment has already taken place.
The family extends a thank you to all the staff and caregivers at Riverview Health Centre, especially Nurse Krystyna who always brought a big smile to Mom's face.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
To share your favourite memory of Ruth or a thought about Ruth, please visit lyndamackie.com/ruthmackie

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 26, 2021