A. MAE BODIE

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A. MAE BODIE January 31, 1918 - August 19, 2002 With sorrow, the family announces the sudden death of A. Mae Bodie, loving wife, mother and Nana, on Monday, August 19, 2002. Mae was born January 31, 1918, the eldest daughter of James and Millie White, in Sudbury, ON. It was there at the Young Peoples Group of St. Andrews United Church that she met her sweetheart, Bruce. Her grandparents home was the setting for their lovely wedding on June 21, 1941. A change in jobs moved the newlyweds from Sudbury to Brandon, MB where, in 1943, their first child, Maeva, was born. In 1947 the family moved to East Kildonan two months before the birth of their second child, Leslie. The family was completed with the birth of their son, Ron, in 1954. Mae and Bruce quickly established themselves in East Kildonan, making lifelong friends through their associations at John Black Memorial United Church and the East Kildonan Kiwanis Club. Mae was a homemaker whose focus was her husband and her family. It was because he knew Mother would keep the home-fires burning, that Father was able to devote so much of his life to civic affairs. Mae served her community, deriving great pleasure and personal satisfaction from her many years with the Lt. Melville Wood Guild at Childrens Hospital. Though not "crafty" herself, Mother appreciated the arts and crafts. It was during her tenure as President of The Crafts Guild of Manitoba in 1983-85 that plans were drawn up and executed to double the size of the facility on Edmonton Street, providing extended gallery space and ample space for crafters to teach their skills to others. Mother also formed lasting, deep friendships with the women of Group 5, UCW, and the Kiwanis Ladies. She served as President of the Kiwanis Auxiliary in 1961. She was also a member of Chapter N, PEO. Mother found great pleasure in the performing arts, being a season ticket holder of The Manitoba Theatre Centre for decades. Her good taste was displayed in the decorating of her home and the artwork she lovingly chose for it. Sunday dinners were always important to Mother, the one time she knew for certain that all her family would be together. When we were young it was around the dining room table. Her childrens spouses enlarged that family circle. In later years, when she no longer could prepare dinner herself, and especially after her move to Middlechurch, Mother looked forward with great anticipation to Sunday dinner at Red Lobster. The staff were always cordial to her and made the occasion special each time. Mothers love and support for her children was unwavering through the years. Her special delight was the seven grandchildren who blessed her life: Kevin and Andrew Bell; Meredith Pippio and David Szucs; and Kyle, Mathew, and Kara Bodie. Mother tended to her husband, Bruce, through that long goodbye of Alzheimers and bade farewell to her sweetheart on April 6, 1996. Though her heart was broken at their parting, she never doubted that she would be with him again - it just took a little longer than she thought it would - or should. Mother carried on, continuing to live in their apartment until the summer of 2000, when her health dictated a move into Middlechurch. Even though her life was more confined due to physical frailties she still enjoyed outings with friends and family. She particularly appreciated the daily visits from Ron and Susan and hearing of the latest accomplishments of their children, Kyle, Mathew and Kara. Nana followed the academic and scholastic achievements of David with keen interest. She was so proud of all her grand-children and made great efforts to be there for the milestones in their lives. By her presence, she blessed the weddings of Andrew to Sheri in Calgary in September 1998; Meredith to Dean in Palm Harbor, FL, in March of 2000; and Kevin to Dion in Calgary in June 2000. During her two years as a resident at Middlechurch, Mother was always a true "lady". The staff appreciated her quiet accepting demeanour and the grace with which she lived her life. She bore lifes last indignities with no outward railings at the unfairness of it all. They, as we, her family, were shocked by her unexpected passing. We express a sincere thank-you to all of them for their loving care and attention to Mother. left to mourn her passing, but with grateful hearts, are her children and grandchildren: Maeva and Bruce Bell, and their sons, Kevin (Dion) and Andrew (Sheri) Leslie and Joseph Szucs, and their children, Meredith (Dean Pippio) and David; Ron and Susan Bodie, and their children, Kyle, Mathew, and Kara. Mae is also survived by her sisters: Mun (Lou) Minter of London, ON and Myda Hodge of Sudbury, ON; sisters-in-law, Nell (Bill) White and Shirley (Campbell) White of Sudbury; brother-in-law Manson Hodge of Falconbridge, ON; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service to celebrate Maes life will be held on Friday, August 23, at 1:00 p.m. at John Black Memorial United Church, Roberta Avenue and Henderson Highway in East Kildonan. A private interment of ashes will be at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mothers memory to John Black Memorial United Church, 898 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg, MB R2K 3T4, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN EDEN FUNERAL HOME 4477 MAIN STREET 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2002