MURIEL JENNIE

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MURIEL JENNIE McCONNELL October 7, 1916 - August 10, 2004 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear and precious mother Muriel ("Lou") Jennie McConnell (nee McLaughlin). After years of ill health that she faced with courage and an indomitable spirit, Mom passed away peacefully on August 10, 2004 at the Deer Lodge Centre. She was held in the prayers of many both near and far and was surrounded by her familys love. She was born in Winnipeg on October 7, 1916 and at the age of one, moved with her parents, Norval ("Mac") and Jennie McLaughlin to the United States. Her early years were spent in the towns of Akron, Canton and Sandusky, Ohio, then, York and Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. While in the U.S., Mom experienced with excitement the joy of becoming a big sister to her brother John ("Bud") Earl and sister Beverly Jean. When Mom was 12 years old, the family returned to live in Winnipeg. Moms amazing memory and her gift as a story-teller meant that we often heard tales of the neighbours, friends and experiences of those early years both in the U.S. and in Winnipeg. We loved to hear the stories Mom told about growing up in the community of St. Vital. She conveyed to us also her vivid memories of her familys experiences during the 1950 Winnipeg Flood. She shared with us many fond memories of neighbours, friends, classmates and teachers at Norberry and Glenwood Schools and of the special Aunts, Uncles and cousins whom she loved so much. As a child, Moms memory was honed by the many poems she memorized for her award winning recitations in competitions. Mom never forgot these poems and her memory continued to amaze us all. The church was a very important part of Moms life. As a girl and young woman she was active at Regents Park United Church as a member and leader in CGIT, Young Peoples and their Dramatic Society. As a young woman, following the death of her father, Mom worked at the Canadian Wheat Board in the Coding and Checking Department. She made good friends there and spoke fondly of those years. On a summer holiday at Clear Lake, in 1950, Mom met our Dad, William Hugh McConnell and they were married on September 8, 1951. In their early years of married life as their children came along, they made several moves within Winnipeg to homes on Downey, Minto and Clifton, before moving to the house they built at 44 Garnet Bay. There they stayed, and raised their daughter Kathleen; son Ron and daughter Lorna. We remember how Mom and Dad together faced the joys and sorrows, challenges and celebrations of those years with courage, commitment, enthusiasm and love. We were blessed to always know without doubt Moms love for us, demonstrated in many creative and compassionate ways. Being a loving wife and mother was Moms first calling in life and her greatest joy. Many other children have also been touched by her motherly affection and care. Most especially, she always said she had "two other children", Jay and Courtney Ross, whom she had cared for when they were small and for whom she remained their special "Aunty". Moms ever-expanding circle of love grew to include her daughter-in-law, Michele Kines and son-in-law Larry Robinson and she was thrilled to become "Nana" to Larrys daughters, Allison and Shannon. It gave her great joy to do whatever large or small thing she could for them, and each of them in their own way brought much comfort and joy into her life. The church and her faith remained an important part of Moms life. At Fort Garry United she taught Sunday School, was a member of the UCW and was often asked to lead the devotionals and to share in leading services for residents in the care homes. Following the death of her husband Hugh on December 31, 1998, Mom remained in the family home on Garnet Bay for over two years before moving to the Westhaven in St. James. Although her health was declining, Mom took part in many activities at the Westhaven with her typical enthusiasm, playfulness and spunk. She made some good friends among both residents and staff. Mom especially appreciated, as do we, the particularly caring nurses who visited her through Home Care while she was at the Westhaven. Her final months and weeks were spent at the Grace Hospital and Deer Lodge Centre. The aids, nurses, doctors and other staff there who were especially kind and caring to Mom have our gratitude and thanks. Predeceased by her beloved husband Hugh; her father Norval; mother Jennie and brother Bud, Muriel is survived by her daughter Kathleen; son Ron and daughter-in-law Michele Kines; daughter Lorna and son-in-law Larry Robinson, Allison, Shannon; her sister Bev and brother-in-law Bert Butcher; sister-in-law Pat McLaughlin and nieces and nephews. As Mom so loved and cared for us all, we know that God loves and cares for her now and that together with Dad she is at peace in Gods tender and eternal care. Friends and family are invited to the services in memory of Muriel McConnell and celebration of her life. These will begin with a procession from Fort Garry United Church, 800 Point Rd. at 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 13. Immediately following interment, a memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in Fort Garry United Church. Donations in memory of Muriel McConnell may be made to Fort Garry United Church or to the Manitoba Lung Association. THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2004