VIOLA RUTH LAIDLAW (BOWMAN)

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VIOLA RUTH LAIDLAW (nee BOWMAN) Peacefully, with her family at her side, it is with deep sadness, that we announce the passing of Viola Laidlaw on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at the Grace General Hospital. Mom was born in Burris, ON on April 3, 1923, the daughter of Archie and Tressia Bowman. From there, the family moved to Dauphin where Mom began her schooling, and then they settled in Portage la Prairie where she completed her Grade XI. At 17, Mom moved to Winnipeg and attended the University of Manitoba on scholarship in Home Economics. It was while at University that Mom met Alan, her devoted husband of 60 years. Viola is survived by her beloved husband Alan; their three children, Ted and his wife Eleanor (Tofield, AB), Douglas and his wife Ruth (Kenora, ON) and Mary-Ann Dickson and her husband Kevin (Winnipeg) grandchildren, Clinton Laidlaw and his wife Shelly (Halifax, NS), Rebecca Schier and her husband Verne and their sons, Nelson and Hudson (Vernon, BC), David Laidlaw and his wife Tracy and their son Ashton (Edmonton, AB), Tess Laidlaw (London, ON), Cam Laidlaw and his fiancee Andrea (Thunder Bay, ON), Anne Alexa (Thunder Bay, ON), Aryn Dickson (Winnipeg) and Ryan Dickson (Winnipeg) sisters, Bernice (Winnipeg), Norma (Red Deer, AB), Phyllis (Portage la Prairie, MB) brothers, Cecil (Hammond, BC), Frank (Donaldson, PEI), Kenneth (Portage la Prairie) and Raymond (Portage la Prairie) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Ralph Bowman and her sister Marjorie Roach. Mom led a very full life, her greatest joy being her family. She was very proud of all their endeavours and accomplishments. For many years, after Dads retirement, they would pack up their trailer and travel, seeing all of Canada and many spots throughout the United States. Wherever they went mom marvelled at the scenery and enjoyed the company of people they would meet along the way. Mom also enjoyed the simple pleasures that life offered, whether it be drives with dad to Birds Hill Park, watching the geese arrive in spring and autumn, picking strawberries, or taking delight in her own back yard. Summers were spent at her beloved summer place at Minaki, ON enjoying all the family gatherings and adventures, of which there were many, or just simply admiring a glorious sunset. Mom, was also for many years a very devoted and active member of Deer Lodge United Church and the UCW, and will be missed by all her friends. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 22, at 2:30 p.m. in Deer Lodge United Church, 2093 Portage Ave. at Belvidere Street, with Rev. Peter Douglas officiating. A private family interment will take place at the family plot in Brookside Cemetery. Our family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary compassion shown to mom by all the staff of 3N of the Grace General Hospital. They displayed great respect to Mom, making her final weeks ones of comfort. In lieu of flowers, our family requests that donations may be made in Moms honour to a charity of ones choice. WOJCIKS ALL BELIEFS & FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 19, 2003