AUDREY HUGHEEN WILKINSON, R.N. (CHEATER)

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AUDREY HUGHEEN WILKINSON, R.N. (nee CHEATER) Peacefully on Saturday, February 9, 2002 at the Portage District General Hospital in Portage la Prairie, MB, Audrey Wilkinson, wife of the late Harold Wilkinson, passed away at the age of 83 years. In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Friday, February 22 at Trinity United Church in Portage la Prairie, at 1:30 p.m., with Rev. Ross Taylor officiating. Born in Scarth, MB, Audrey was the oldest of the three children of Jack and Opal Cheater. Her parents separated when Audrey was very young and her brothers, Eldon and Mac, went to live with their grandparents on their farm. Her early years were spent living with her mother, a teacher who taught in many schools in rural Manitoba. The lack of a permanent home during these formative years greatly influenced Audreys feelings in later life about the importance of having a home of her own. Hard times in the "Dirty Thirties" made it impossible for Audrey to take Grade 12 (at a cost of $100 plus board and room). One of the few careers open to women of her day was nursing and somehow Audrey and her mother were able to scrape together the tuition. Shortly after graduation, Audrey married her beloved Harold and together they worked hard to build their future on a farm in the Flee Island area. During her life Audrey provided private duty nursing for many people including her grandparents. Although Harolds death in 1979 was a deep loss to her, she found solace in her family, her friends, her church and her community. During her life, Audrey prepared many memorable family dinners in her home and enjoyed parties (especially in Tin Town) with her friends. She was noted for her green thumb, her curling prowess, her homemade wine, and her sense of humour. She was a very caring and compassionate person and a free spirit. She held many leadership positions in her church and community organizations and was a past Noble Grand of the Rebekah Lodge No. 3. She was founding member of The MS Society in Manitoba (it began in her living room). The Right Honourable Ed Schreyer presented her with the Order of St. John during his tenure as Governor-General of Canada. She leaves to mourn her passing her brother Eldon, and her many cousins, nieces, nephews, their children, and many friends in Portage la Prairie and abroad. She had instructed that her estate be divided among three charities in hopes that this will benefit future generations. She will be sorely missed. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Audreys memory to the Lions Prairie Manor Foundation Inc., 24 - 9th St. S.E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3V4 or Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 - 5th St. S.E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A8 or to a charity of your choice. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Audrey by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel which is entrusted with the arrangements. Phone 204-857-4021. www.mediatributes.com/FH/mckenzies.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 15, 2002