AVIS GERALDINE VINIE

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AVIS GERALDINE VINIE September 23, 1901- September 9, 2003 Avis Geraldine Vinie passed away peacefully at Third Crossing Manor, Gladstone on Tuesday, September 9, 2003 at the age of 101 years, 11 months, and 17 days. Avis is survived by her grandson Kerry (Brenda) MacLennan of Winnipeg; great-grand stepchildren, Megan Muir, Johnathon MacLennan and great-granddaughter Kerilynn MacLennan; nieces, Frances Rowe, Ruth Morgan, and June Scott (Ken). Avis is predecessed by her parents, William and Dora Bozer; husband William (Billy) daughter Grace and son-in-law Art MacLennan; sisters, Clarice Cox (Fred) and Ruth Finlay (Henry). Daughter of Dora and William Bozer, Avis was born in Johnville, Quebec on September 23, 1901. William worked for the CPR as a section man and in 1912 his job brought his family to Gladstone. Avis married a railway man, William Vinie, in 1918 and in 1921 her daughter Grace Lillian was born. In her younger years Avis was a mischievous person. She loved to play tricks on her sisters and her parents guests. As she grew older she developed a passion for dancing and loved to listen to music. She spent her working years cleaning homes and acquired a reputation for being very good at what she did. In the mid 50s, along with her husband, she moved into the MacLennan homestead with her daughter Grace, son-in-law Art, and grandson Kerry. Avis kept house and helped raise her grandson Kerry while Art and Grace worked at the Age Press. Avis had a real skill in being able to bake bread and buns. Many a person tried to copy her recipe to no avail. You see Avis didnt use a recipe, everything was by looks and feel and Avis was always adding a touch of this or a touch of that. The aroma of fresh bread was always in the air when people came over for a visit. Her husband Billy passed away in 1962 and Avis continued to live at the MacLennan homestead. Avis loved to play cards. She enjoyed playing Canasta, Gin Rummy, 500, or just a plain game of solitaire if there was no one to play with. Her son-in-law Art passed away in 1985 and Avis continued to live with her daughter. She had many friends and many of them used to drop over for a piece of fresh home made bread and a cup of tea. Avis had a special gift for making visitors feel very comfortable and welcome any time they would drop in. Her daughter Grace passed away in 1991 and Avis continued to live in the MacLennan house by herself. In August of 1997, due to failing eye sight, Avis took up residence at Third Crossing Manor in Gladstone, MB, later which she finally had to call home. This took time and she accepted it. Up until February 2002, Avis was still up and around with her walker, making it to her favourite chair and to the dining room for meals. In September of 2002 Avis celebrated her 101 Birthday at Third Crossing Manor. To the nurses and aids at Third Crossing Manor thank-you for the professional care. You all had a special place in Grandmas heart. To all the friends thank-you for the visits and special times you have had with Grandma. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gladstone United Church with Rev. Bob Hunter officiating. Interment will follow in the Gladstone Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Seven Regions Palliative Care Program, c/0 Box 374, Gladstone, MB R0J 0T0. Clarkes Funeral Home, Gladstone in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2003