SELMA MAY CARRUTHERS

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SELMA MAY CARRUTHERS May 29, 1922 - May 22, 2004 Peacefully, at Oakview Place Personal Care Home, with family at her side, Selma May Carruthers passed away at the age of 81 years. Selma was predeceased by her parents, Selma and George Johnson and by an older sister Norma, who died in infancy. She leaves to mourn husband Bob; daughter Selma; two grandsons Blake and Adam; a sister Lois (Ed) Schmok and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Selma was born and raised in Winnipeg but accompanied her family as a young adult when they moved to Vancouver. While living in Vancouver, she attended Normal School, graduating in 1945. Missing the prairie sun, Selma moved back to Winnipeg to begin a teaching career which would take her all over Manitoba. Her teaching career encompassed everything from a one-room schoolhouse to a modern city school, although she made it well-known that the little ones were her favourite. During the summer of 1958, while both were working as counsellors at the Manitoba Federation of Agriculture Youth Camp, Selma met Bob Carruthers. They were married on February 6, 1960. Selma and Bob took over the Carruthers family farm near Dauphin, MB. An unfortunate farm accident resulted in a move to Winnipeg (St. James) where they resided until Moms illness forced a move to Oakview Place. One of Selmas greatest loves was music. She was a talented pianist who provided music for many a church service, wedding or other occasion. Whether organizing and directing a school concert, singing in the alto section for the church choir or accompanying and directing her own choir, music filled her life. Whether she was listening to a childrens choir in the mall, The Vienna Boys Choir on TV or opera at the Concert Hall, shed immerse herself in the moment. "It gives me goose bumps" shed often say. What began as playing a few hymns at a local seniors residence to help out the minister conducting the service, evolved into a choir of more than 20 who entertained in a wide variety of venues, including an appearance on a local TV show. The Heritage Gospel Choir, of which she was accompanist and director, certainly was her pride and joy. Selma was very devoted to those she cared about. She loved to gather with friends and family whether it was the annual family picnic or one of Auntie Verns famous turkey dinners. It would be remiss not to mention two of Moms most loved pastimes - a "fast" walk and a good cup of coffee. Mom loved nothing more than to call up a friend and "go for coffee". Many decisions were made and stories shared over a good cup of coffee. We wish to extend our deepest and most sincere gratitude to the staff of Oakview Place - Unit One North and Unit One East. Your professionalism, support and care throughout the past nine years are unequaled. As you accompanied our family on a long and difficult journey, you became "family". A service of celebration and remembrance will be held on Friday, May 28 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Unit 10-120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2. The earthly journey has come to an end. Mom has found peace! Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.chapellawn.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 27, 2004