FLORENCE MAE HAY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

FLORENCE MAE HAY Peacefully, after a short illness, on Saturday, August 23, 2003 at the Portage District General Hospital, Florence Mae Hay of MacGregor, MB, beloved wife and friend of the late Sidney T. Hay, passed away at the age of 85 years. She was predeceased by her husband Sid in 1999, and her brother Walter who was killed in the Second World War. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten by her family: Linda (Lawrence) Heselwood of MacGregor, Shirley (Jim) Lowe of Ottawa, Donna Hay (Jim Chow) of Victoria, Bryan (Stephanie) Hay of Winnipeg and Bruce (Michell) Hay of Waterloo; her nine grandchildren and her nine great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sisters, Betty (Roy) Harkness of Brandon and Joyce (Jack) Clark of MacGregor. Born at Portage la Prairie on October 7, 1917, Florence was the eldest daughter of William and Elizabeth MacWilliam. She was raised in the MacAuley district and attended school in MacGregor. She married Sid on May 27, 1939, and they celebrated 59 years together. They farmed in the MacGregor area at three locations: originally at the Hay farm, and finally at the MacWilliam farm for 21 years. In 1967, they retired to live in MacGregor, where the house they built became the family home for 36 years. One of her greatest pleasures was sharing their home with others including Ross Harkness and George McGhee, and various student teachers, some of whom stayed on to become teachers in MacGregor. For many years, her attention was centred on raising her family and helping with the farm work and garden. In her later years, her focus expanded to include her growing family, and their varied interests. Whether watching baseball, hockey, or curling, or attending a band, piano or dance recital, or hearing of their academic accomplishments, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gave her much pleasure. She always remembered special dates and events, and kept family in touch with what everyone was doing. Her interests included curling, playing cards, baking, crafts, gardening and outings such as trips to Rainbow Stage. She and Sid played whist in the MSOS games, and won the urban home and grounds award several times. She won prizes at the local fair for her baking for many years. She loved her garden, especially the gladioli and lilies, and she shared the bounty of her garden with family, friends, the MacGregor Care Home and the Communities in Bloom. She made and treasured lifelong friendships with neighbours, touching the hearts of all who knew her with kindness and generosity. Florence was a life member of the Southern Schemers Hospital Aid, receiving her 50-year pin in 2002. She was also a member of the United Church, and a board member of the MacGregor Seniors Drop In Centre, scheduling events for many years. Funeral service will be held in the MacGregor United Church on Tuesday, August 26 at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. Quentin Robinson officiating. Private interment will follow at MacGregor Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the MacGregor District Hospital Foundation or the MacGregor Drop In Centre. SHE HAS ACHIEVED SUCCESS Who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; Who has gained respect of intelligent men and women, and the love of little children; Who has filled her niche and accomplished her task; Who has left the world better than she found it; Who has never lacked appreciation of Earths beauty or failed to express it; Who has looked for the best in others and given the best she had; Whose life was an inspiration. The Omega Funeral Home in care of arrangements. Friends may leave a message and sign the register at our web site www.omegafuneralhome.com "Where life stories live on."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 26, 2003