HILDA ANNA SPEIRS

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HILDA ANNA SPEIRS On April 12, 2003 Hilda Anna Speirs passed away with her family at her side. She was predeceased by her brother Sargent Orville Frances Compton, RCAF in 1944; father and mother, Frank and Honor Compton; sister-in-law Helen Electa Carruthers; husband John Wilbur "Wib" Speirs in 1998. Hilda is survived by son Murray (Maria) of Brighton, England and Marias son Stephen (Dianne) of Winnipeg, and granddaughter Shelley Doucette (Guy) and great-granddaughter Jolie of Delta, BC; daughter Brenda Fryatt (Jack), grandchildren, Robbie and Honor of Selkirk, MB; son Orville (Terry), grandchildren, Ian and Neil of Winnipeg; brother-in-law Lloyd Speirs of Hope, BC; niece Carol Carruthers Clearsky (Lorne) and family of Surrey, BC. Hilda was born in 1919 in Darlingford, MB and moved to Winnipeg where she graduated from Gordon Bell High School. During the war years she worked in Ottawa and married her high school sweetheart Wib in Moncton, NB. In 1953, Wib and Hilda were pioneers in building their cottage on the south shore at Falcon Lake. They hauled building materials and supplies by boat across the lake. Many memorable vacations were spent boating, skiing, berry picking and snowmobiling with the Gross and Murphy families as well as many family and friends. Mom and dad loved to travel and with friends Marion and Bill, Lloyd and Ilene, Isabel and Harold formed the Safari Club. They had many wonderful trips with the gang. More recently they travelled to Australia, also to Japan and Hong Kong to visit son Orville and a trip to France and England to visit son Murry. One of Moms last trips was to visit her longtime friend Beryl Mudie and nephew Carl Berg (Kathy) in California. Mom was community spirited. She volunteered at the Melrose Community Club and was a willing worker for any neighbourhood event. In 1964, Hilda was made an Honorary member of the Winnipeg Kinettes. This was only the second time such an honour had been bestowed on a member in the 21 year history of the club. Once the children were older, Hilda began a career at Eatons, working in the mens shoes, main floor. She just loved that job. Mom called herself "The Little Red Hen". She was constantly working and knew how to stretch a dollar. Mom enjoyed family outings and planning parties. From the Grey Cup to family days at the cottage, the more the merrier. There was always room for one more at the dinner table. She put up with all Dads club affiliations and hobbies and welcomed his many buddies who dropped by. Mom made sure the kids had an active and full life. Even when mom underwent two major battles with cancer. she put her family first. We see that now. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 15, between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. in the Leatherdale Gardiner Funeral Chapel, 1858 Portage Ave. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, April 16, at 10:00 a.m. also in the chapel. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Special thank you to the Middlechurch Nursing Home staff for their loving attention to Moms needs. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Hildas memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7 or the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, 200-6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. ALL THE BEST TO YOU HILDA ALL THE BEST LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1858 Portage Avenue 949-4872

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 15, 2003