ALMA ELIZABETH KELLY (BAILEY) -

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ALMA ELIZABETH KELLY (nee BAILEY) 1921 - 2002 Peacefully and with dignity, as a result of illness, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 at the Grace Hospital. Alma was born September 14, 1921 on her parents farm near Meadow Lea. After her schooling, Mom worked as a nanny for several families in and around Winnipeg, most memorably for Constable Dan and Mrs. Mary Bissett of Headingley. The Bissett girls still affectionately refer to Mom as "Ammy", and remain special members of Moms large, extended family. In October of 1941, Alma married Alan Kelly of Poplar Heights and began a new phase of her life on the farm along the winding Assiniboine River at Belcourt. As her family grew, so did Almas involvement in church and community activities. Mom became a longtime member of St. Pauls A.C.W., served on the board of Marquette Co-op, as a provincial board member of M.F.A.C., a member of Federated Co-op Womens Guild, the Poplar Point Horticultural Society, the Rupertsland Diocesan Council, a Synod Delegate, was active in the Belcourt Community Club, the Poplar Point Seniors Club, the St. Francois Xavier History Book Committee, and later, the S.F.X. Historical Society. Mom enjoyed so much of what life offered her. Her love of music and her talent as an organist and pianist ran like a thread through all her life activities and touched the hearts of many others. Mom will be remembered for her love of baking, flower gardening, old-time dances, reading, writing, crocheting, redecorating, and mushroom picking on Sunday afternoons at the farm. Mom sewed, watched birds, loved trees, rocked babies to sleep and in later years on the farm, took up oil and acrylic landscape painting. After giving up heavy farming, Mom and Dad loved to swim daily in the pool they had built and they shared the fun with family and many visitors. In 1986, Mom and Dad retired to Winnipeg where they continued to make new friends. They took to travelling and enjoyed their trips to Alaska, the Maritimes as well as to England, Scotland and Ireland. Alma enjoyed her volunteer work, playing piano for seniors first at the Kiwanis Courts then at Grace Hospital, 3rd floor, for 10 years. Last June, Mom and Dad moved from Victoria Arms to the Westhaven where Mom once again brought her music to a new group of appreciative friends. Almas memory will be cherished by her husband of 60 years, Alan; by her children, Richard (Marcie), Robin (Anne), Alana (Jim), Christopher (Diane) and Andrew (Anna Mae) nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Georgina and Pat. Mom was predeceased by her parents, George and Georgina; infant son Michael; sister Agnes; brothers, Allan and Hedley; grandson Joshua; and daughter-in-law Kathleen. Friends and family are invited to share in a celebration of Almas life at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 18, at St. Andrews Anglican Church, Portage at Woodhaven Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace General Hospital Foundation, 300 Booth Dr. Cremation has taken place. Well all miss your hugs Mom Gods blessings and heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Westhaven and on 3 north Grace Hospital for care and compassion shown to Alma.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 15, 2002