HEATHER MORDEN

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HEATHER MORDEN

Peacefully, with her husband of 64 years by her side, Heather Morden, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on July 13, 2023, at the age of 85 in Swan River.



Heather was born in Winnipeg to Dudley and Nellie Paterson, the eldest of their family of five. She spent most of her childhood in Winnipeg, spending a short time in Yorkton when her dad's radio job took them there. She graduated from Kelvin High School, eventually taking a job at Great-West Life where she met Charles Morden at a company bowling function. A spark was ignited and they began a lifelong adventure together when they married in 1958. They began the journey in Stony Mountain, where they started their family. Three of the their four children, Tara, Patrick, and Andrew were born there. In 1972 they decided to take a leap and bought a grocery store in McCreary, Manitoba which they ran for 17 years, adding a dry goods store along the way. Their youngest child Robin was their McCreary baby.



Our mom was always busy. A church-goer all her life, she served as a board member at Knox United Church in McCreary for many years. She was active politically as well, elected to the school board and spending time on the Clean Environment Commission. Mom was also on the regional hospital board for many years. Heather was a community builder, always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it was selling pies for the McCreary Heritage Committee fund raiser or advocating for a new kitchen at the Alpine Manor, mom would be there to lend her spirit of volunteerism.



She was an equal partner in her and dad's business ventures, adding her creative flair to every project. At home mom was a great if somewhat forgetful cook. Halfway through many meals, we'd often hear mom, as she jumped up from the table, "Kids! The buns! I forgot the buns!" She was an avid reader, crossword puzzle ace, skilled writer, wicked bowler, good singer and talented seamstress, crocheter, and knitter. Mom could do it all and did it well. She was unfailingly supportive of her children and grandchildren and so proud of their accomplishments.



After she and dad sold the stores, they moved to their country home on Number 19 near the East Gate of Riding Mountain National Park where they welcomed friends and family for delicious holiday meals, hikes in the park and campfires. In 1999 they moved into town where they lived until last year when they moved to Swan River to be closer to family. All told, they spent 50 wonderful years in McCreary, their adopted community.



Heather is survived by her husband Chuck, sister Lindsay, daughters, Tara (Curtis) and Robin, sons, Patrick (Nancy) and Andrew, grandchildren, Meaghan Peters, Nicholas Ross, Evan (Heather) Morden, Riley (Jessie) Morden and great-grandchildren, Ellie and Jackson Peters.



She was predeceased by her sisters, Lola and Riva and her brother George.



A memorial service was held on Friday, July 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. from Knox United Church, McCreary, MB.



Norma Windle officiated with a private interment following in the McCreary Municipal Cemetery.



The family would like to thank Dr. Izadi, the nursing staff and health care aides at the Swan River Hospital who took wonderful care of mom during her stay.



In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, a donation can be made to the McCreary Heritage Advisory Committee, Box 251, McCreary, MB R0J 1B0.

Sneath-Strilchuk -McCreary Chapel

204-835-2004

www.sneathstrilchuk.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 22, 2023