MARY ELFREDA ROOK

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"FREDA" MARY ELFREDA ROOK "Freda" Mary Elfreda Rook, aged 95, passed away June 29, 2001 at Glengarry Hospital, Victoria. Freda Rook was born in the Treherne, MB on October 25, 1905, daughter of Annie and Ernest McMillan. She grew up there, spending some time in Saskatchewan before returning to Manitoba, where she lived a long, active life, contributing in many ways to the various organizations and communities in which she lived. Freda had a lifelong interest in music in all its fields: choral, instrumental and symphonic. She was an accomplished pianist and organist and was always in demand in many areas of Winnipeg and later in Victoria. She and her late husband were stalwarts in the organization and participation of the Manitoba Music Festival until they retired to Victoria. She was an avid gardener and could tell you the botanical names of every tree, shrub and flower. Freda was a life member of Girl Guides of Canada, after giving many years of volunteer service as an active Guider, Trainer and Camp Advisor. She and her husband Will took a British evacuee into their home and hearts during the Blitz in England and Hazel (Wilson) Sands became an integral part of their family to this day. About the same time, they also opened their home to another young girl, Audrey (Donald) Henitiuk, a niece from rural Manitoba. Freda was an active member of the Womens Canadian Club of Victoria and a life member of James Bay New Horizons. She was predeceased by her husband Will to whom she was married for 67 years and by her brother Lorne. Special thanks go out to the staff of the Fairfield Unit at the Glengarry Hospital. They provided Freda with excellent and sensitive care. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at James Bay United Church on Wednesday, July 4, with Rev. Betty Griffiths-Ling officiating. Reception will follow at James Bay New Horizons, 234 Menzies St. In lieu of flowers, if friends wish, they may send donations to James Bay New Horizons Society, 234 Menzies St., Victoria, BC V8V 2G7, or the charity of your choice SANDS of VICTORIA "A Tradition of Trust" (250) 388-5155

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 03, 2001