SARAH DENHAM

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SARAH DENHAM March 1, 1906 - November 19, 2004 On Friday, November 19, 2004, in her 99th year, after a recent stoke, Sarah Denham passed into eternal life at Beacon Hill lodge, Winnipeg, MB. Sarah was born on a farm near Strathclair, MB March 1, 1906, the youngest child of John and Hannah McGregor. When she was five, her mother died and also a few years later her only brother Clarence died in the flu epidemic. After her daughters death, Sarahs grandmother, Margaret McLean, who lived with the family, left to live on Fox Island, WA, USA. These sudden changes within the family had a profound impact on Sarahs life. Her growing up years were spent in Shoal Lake, MB, with one year on Fox Island. From her years on the farm, Sarah would recall reading to her blind grandmother from the Gaelic Bible. In her 90s, when greeted in Gaelic, Sarah could still respond in that language. Sarah always kept fond memories of her childhood in Shoal Lake. She often talked about sailing on the lake, her many friends, and the social activities that occupied young people in the early 1900s. She excelled in school and at the age of 16 began a teaching career at such rural schools as Raven Lake and Bonnie Doon, as well as schools in Minnedosa, Russell and Winnipeg. In later years she substituted in Fort Garry School Division and enjoyed several years teaching part time at Herzlia Academy in Winnipeg. On October 8, 1937 at Clanwilliam, MB Sarah married Sidney Denham. After their marriage they lived in Dauphin, Russell, Yellowknife, Hamiota, McCreary and Winnipeg, as Sid was a school principal and later Inspector of Schools. Throughout their married life they enjoyed travelling throughout Canada, the United States, Great Britain and Europe. Some years after Sids death on March 18, 1989, Sarah moved into assisted living at the Quest Inn, Winnipeg. Here she formed a wonderful friendship with Roland (Rollie) Belliveau, who also resided at the Quest Inn. She received from him support that made her time there happy and secure. In 2001 Sarah moved to Beacon Hill Lodge. Sarah was a longtime member of Broadway Disciples United Church (formerly St. Stephens Broadway) and a member of the United Church Women. Sarah was predeceased by her parents, John and Hannah McGregor; her brother Clarence; her sisters, Gertie Miller, Margaret Fairbairn and Crissie McGillivray; her nephew Clarence Fairbairn; and her great-niece Michelle Jackson. She is survived by her son Brent and wife Ruth; her nephew Sid Fairbairn and wife Shirley; her niece Donna Travis; by her several great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews; and by a great-great-great-nephew. The family expresses their thanks to caregivers at Beacon Hill lodge, who during Sarahs time there gave her much love and care. Special thanks to Peggy Thrush, Sarahs longtime friend and caregiver. We are grateful to Travis and Cody Gillis for the joy they brought to their Great Aunt Sadie. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 23 at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, at 1291 McGillivray Blvd. at 10:30 a.m. Presiding will be the Rev. Dr. Ray Cuthbert. Those wishing to remember Sarah in a special way are invited to make donations to Broadway Disciples United Church, 396 Broadway, Winnipeg, R3C 0V6, or the St. Boniface General Hospital Foundation, D1003-409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 McGillivray Blvd -925-1120

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 22, 2004