IRENE ELIZABETH REDPATH -

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IRENE ELIZABETH REDPATH 1905 - 2003 Irene Redpath (nee Lees), who was born in Mather, MB, died peacefully at Rock Lake Personal Care Home in Pilot Mound, MB, on Sunday, March 2, 2003, at the age of 97. She lived most of her life at Mather, then in Cartwright for 21 years and lastly in Rock Lake Personal Care home in Pilot Mound for two years. Irene was predeceased by her husband Fred Redpath; and her daughter Marge Clayton; and a son Frank who died at birth; and also by her brothers, Hamson, Alfred and Roy and dear sister-in-law Winnie; brother-in-law Eric and Bessie Redpath. Cherishing her memories are, her sons, Joe (Judy), Vern (Jane), and Larry (Arlene) and son-in-law Stew Clayton. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; as well as dear sisters, Marge Alcock and Hazel Campbell; and two sisters-in-law, Hilda Lees and Eva Lees. Irene graduated from Normal School (Teacher Training) in Manitou and taught at Monominto, Stuartburn, Otterbourne and Rock Lake, all in Manitoba. She was a born teacher, dedicated to her students progress, using the techniques of behaviour modification to call from them their best. She established lifelong friendships with many of them and their parents. Irene and Fred were married in 1934 and lived and farmed in the Rock Lake district north of Mather until retirement. Being a farmers wife and raising four children was her main focus. She taught her children respect for others, the value of work and friendship. She also shared with them the Christian faith, music, singing, dancing, spelling, reading, writing, arithmetic and humour. Her extended family was always important to her and she often hosted her siblings and their families to good home cooked meals, lots of talk, and the music and singing as she would play piano and Fred who pay fiddle. Three of her interests were: keeping her birthday book current, gardening especially growing gladiolas and keeping in touch with her friends and extended family through letter writing. The last year before her health began to fail she sent out over 300 Christmas cards and letters. She was a member of the United Church in Mather and Cartwright and the United Church Women. She played the piano and loved the spiritual hymns. She was an active member of the Rock Lake Loyal Workers, and in later years she joined the Cartwright Legion and the Cartwright Merrymakers. In most of those organizations she often was the secretary. She was a generous spirited woman who supported many causes and gave many gifts to her three generation family. She played cribbage to win, yet she often counted more accurately than her opponent and would often say "but you never counted your jack," which meant she gave him a point he didnt see. Her family believes that "Heaven is a more attractive place now that she is there". Funeral Service will be held in Mather United Church on Monday March 10 at 2:00 p.m. Beth Clark will lead this service of worship and celebration. Interment will follow in Mather Cemetery. Friends if they desire may donate in her memory to the Mather or Cartwright United Church. Grahams Funeral Service of Pilot Mound in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 09, 2003