Category: M

Evelyn Gail Miller (Baird), aged 67, passed away peacefully with family by her side on November 5, 2023, at Souris Hospital after a short battle with Cancer.

Born in Souris, MB on January 14, 1956, to James (Jim) and May Baird, Evelyn lived in Elgin, MB with her older brother Donald (Don). They both attended school in Elgin before moving onto Hartney Collegiate for high school.

On April 13, 1974, Evelyn married Robert (Bob) Miller. They resided on a farm near Fairfax, MB and had their daughters,

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It is with broken hearts, our family announces the passing of Bernadette (Bernie) Martin at the Souris Personal Care Home on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at the age of 98.

Bernie was born on the Lobreau Farm in the RM of Cameron on August 20, 1924.  Bernie attended Bede School and told many stories of riding horse and buggy with her 7 sibling to school.  On November 12, 1952, Bernie married John and had a productive farming life together for 59 years, thus celebrating their 100 years farm designation in 1998.  Bernie found great pleasure in preparing home cooked meals while farming was being done.  Rural farm life for Bernie was special, which meant hard work and countless happy memories, raising children, milking cows, raising chickens, having an impressive garden, canning, sewing, picking cactus in the Lauder sandhills and special overnight visits from family.  Bernie’s pastimes included the odd bingo game, word searches, lottery tickets, casino trips, her love of game shows, hummingbirds and bird watching, and card games with friends and neighbors.  She was an avid sports enthusiast and regularly watched her children’s sports, and most recently fell head over heels for Bo Bichette.  Go Jays Go!  She was an avid member of the Catholic Women’s Auxiliary and a pillar in the surrounding community.  More importantly she was a great mother and grandmother.

In 2011, Bernie and John made their home in Souris, where they made many new friends.  Bernie spent the last 9 years in the Souris Personal Care Home, continually following her French traditions of giving out “Beks”.

Bernie was predeceased by her beloved husband John in 2015.  Remaining to forever cherish her memory are her children: Claude (Diane) Martin, Lionel (Bernie) Martin, Val (Darcy) Dunbar and Gail (Travis) Martin.  Grandchildren: Bryce (Megan) Martin, Andrea (Derek) Rothnie, Dillon (Erin) Dunbar, Mylen Dunbar, Riley (Bailey) Feser, Kalli (Tyler) Campbell and Shea Martin; Great-Grandchildren: Asher and Aria Rothnie, Jaxon and Jett Dunbar.  Sisters: Leona Usunier and Rita (Louie) Robert.

The family would like to extend many thanks for the care and compassion given to Bernie by the doctors, staff, and palliative care staff at the Souris Personal Care Home.

Bernie was laid to rest next to her husband in a private graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider the Grande Clairiere Cemetery Fund, Box 149, Hartney, MB, R0M 0X0, or to the Souris Hospital Palliative Care Fund, c/o Prairie Mountain Health, Box 10, Souris MB, R0K 2C0.

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George Wilson Morrison passed peacefully on November 26, 2022 at the PCH in Souris Manitoba.

George was the son of Sarah and Bill Morrison, having only one brother Jim who passed recently on October 20, 2022 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

George was born on October 31, 1935 and grew up on the farm.  Before his marriage to Jean (Bertholet) in 1957 he worked in Brandon at Pioneer Electric for 3 years.  The 2 of them then moved back to the farm where they had their family – Bev, Lynn, Doug and Lisa.  During their time on the farm George was a grain farmer but was not afraid to try different things.  George was a fur buyer who also skinned furs.  He raised chinchilla’s and also raised sheep…….selling lambs for meat and also did some custom shearing.  In later years he had chickens with a quota to sell eggs.  Upon moving into Hartney he started custom welding constructing bale feeders and corral panels, eventually becoming a scrap metal buyer and seller.  George enjoyed travelling to auction sales where he spent some time purchasing items but enjoyed the people he would meet and visit with even more!!!!

George represented Manitoba at the Elk’s curling championships twice with Keith Forbes, Geordie Gibson and Ian McPherson.  George also played many years of baseball with the team from Grande – Clairiere.  George was also an assistant coach for the Souris Blues Ladies softball team for a number of years which participated in Provincials, Western Canadian championships and also National Championships, on which his wife and daughters were members of the team.

Later George joined the Coyotes Slo pitch team which participated in the Senior World Series in Tucson, Arizona.

George was a loyal fan to not only the Hartney Blues Sr. Hockey team, Westman Wildcats AAA girls hockey team, Hartney Hoppers baseball team but also a fan at all of his grandchildren’s teams and sports travelling to all parts of the province, country and U.S.A.

George will be greatly missed by his family, friends, teammates and all who knew him.  A private graveside service was held at the Hartney Cemetery on Tuesday November 29, 2022.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Ashley Neufeld softball Complex in memory of George. click to read more

More: Doreen, 98 years, beloved wife of the late Gordon More, mother of Rod, Kathy and Laurie, passed away in the Hartney Community Health Centre on Thursday, November 17, 2022. Funeral service was held at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris, on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Private interment in the Rosewood Memorial Gardens Cemetery at a later date. In memory of Doreen, donations may be made the Hartney Community Health Centre c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 280 Hartney, Manitoba R0M 0X0 or to a charity of your choice. click to read more

MORDEN: It is with great sadness that the family of Amelia-Anne Morden (nee Janz) announce her passing on Sept 7, 2022, at the age of 80, at the Souris Personal Care Home. Amelia was born on December 11, 1941. She was raised as the oldest child of 11 to Turney and Myrtle Janz. After her parents passed away, they found out that their Uncle Clyde was their older brother that had been adopted by their maternal grandparents.  Amelia married Les Morden on November 24, 1959.  They raised their 6 children together on their farm in the Botany District, south of Souris.  Throughout her life, many claimed Amelia as their second mom, her home was open to anyone.  Amelia and Les loved farming, which they did for many years while the kids were growing up, however life had other plans.  Amelia had a love for learning but never got the chance to graduate, so in 1982 she decided to ger her GED.  She did not stop there; she would later go on to complete her chef course to get her Red Seal and worked in various kitchens in Souris and Brandon.  In 1991 they moved to Alberta for a few years to work with various farmers.  Upon her return to Manitoba, Amelia started to work for the hog barns in the area and again returned to school to get her swine technician certificate. Amelia worked in this industry until her retirement.  A few years after the passing of her beloved husband, Amelia moved into Souris, to the Crescent Manor.  Amelia became very involved at this time with the Souris Legion and began volunteering to help with their events and of course playing crib regularly at their crib nights and tournaments.  In March of 2020 Amelia moved into the Souris PCH, where she continued to make life better for those around her by encouraging the residents and staff alike.  Amelia found great pleasure throughout her life in farming, reading, gardening, curling, volunteering, watching Jeopardy, playing card games, but most of all in visiting with friends and family. Amelia is known for her grit, determination, and great laugh.

Amelia will be lovingly remembered by her children Allen (Kim), Garry (Sharon), Darcy (Marcie), Roger (Karen), Leslie Anne, and Mina (Darrell) McDowell. Grandchildren Jason (Jessica) Harper & Blake Farough, Ryan (Taylor) Peyton & Lucas Farough, Rebecca (Stew) Chalmers, Korie (Teresa) Kaden Morden, Katherine (Josh) Wynder, Matthew (Alexandria) Theodora Morden, Maria McDowell (Laine) Adler Lockhart, Melissa (Justin) Kylynn Adams, Halie Morden, Laura (Jeremy) Siemens, Gina Lone (Colby) Hazleigh Cowan, Kelly Lone, Mark McDowell, Jessica Lone (Brendon), Jacob Morden, Daniel Briggs, and Christopher Briggs.  Along with her many siblings, in laws and their families.

Amelia was predeceased by her husband Les and granddaughter Angela Morden, brothers Clyde Williamson, Fred Janz, Sisters Hettie Middleton, Linda Alston, In-Laws Eileen Partaker, Harry & Hazel Hickson and Allan Brumm.

A graveside funeral service was held at the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery, Souris, Manitoba. In memory of Amelia, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or “paying it forward by volunteering”.

Please click here to view the service. click to read more

Maguire: Harold, 89 years, beloved husband of Dianne Maguire, father of Mick, Linda, Echo and the late Moya, passed away in the Souris Personal Care Home on Saturday, September 3, 2022. Funeral service was held at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris, Manitoba, on Thursday, September 22, 2022. Private interment in the Elgin Cemetery. In memory of Harold, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or  a charity of your choice. click to read more

Mealy: With family by her side, Grace Elizabeth Mealy passed away peacefully on July 16, 2022 at the Souris Personal Care home.

Grace Elizabeth Paterson was born at Neepawa on September 8, 1931.  She lived at Gladstone and Portage la Prairie, receiving her education at the Portage schools.  She attended the Tuxedo Normal School in 1948 to 1949 to receive her teacher training.  After leaving Normal School, her first teaching position was at Richview School south of Boissevain, and then at Elgin two years later.  Grace then taught at Boissevain School for 32 years which included Grades 7 & 8 English.  Grace’s passion was her teaching career which included teaching English, Art and Drama classes and Square Dancing for festival competitions.

Grace met Ivan Hudson Mealy of Fairfax and married on March 5, 1955 in Portage la Prairie.  Grace and Ivan resided on the Mealy homestead founded by Ivan’s great grandfather William Mealy, who immigrated from the Isle of Man.  This same farm was declared a Centennial farm by the Manitoba Historical Society in 1998.  Grace was a Past Noble Grand at Countess Rebekah Lodge No. 32, Elgin, a member of Trinity United Church, Portage la Prairie, a member of Fairfax and Elgin community clubs, a long-time member of the Canadian Order of Foresters, and a member of both Elgin and Minto Curling Clubs.

Grace had a special fondness for her handiwork, gardening and her flowers.  She worked along side Ivan on the farm where she was dedicated to the fruits of her labours.  Grace was a loving mother to her daughter Marvie, and her son Trevor, a loving grandmother to her grandsons Stirling, Taylor and Hudson, who spent many days on the farm with Grandma and Grandpa.  In the summer, Grace and Ivan camped at nearby lakes and travelled in the winter to warmer climates, such as Palm Springs, Phoenix, Hawaii and Vancouver Island, BC.  An exciting time for Grace was an Alaskan cruise for all of her family to be together for her 80th birthday.  Mum and Dad were honoured as King and Queen of the Cruise for being the oldest couple on the dance floor.

Grace is survived by her daughter Marvie of Nanaimo, BC and her son Stirling of Victoria, BC; her son Trevor (Ruth) of Minto, MB, and their sons Taylor and Hudson.  She is survived by sister-in-law Yvonne Patterson of Brandon, MB and several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Grace was predeceased by her husband Ivan Hudson Mealy in 2016, parents Bertha Anne and William Paterson of Portage la Prairie; In-laws Fern and Welland Mealy of Fairfax, sisters Jean Maguire and Margaret Olson, brother Guthrie and sister-in-law Gladys Paterson;  sister-in-law Doreen Halladay and brothers-in-law Paul Olson, George Maguire, Murray Patterson, Lorne Halladay, nephews Kenneth Olson, Robert Olson, Bill Paterson and niece Lauren Tate.

Grace’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Sopel and the wonderful Souris Personal Care staff, where she received superior care and kindness during her stay there since May 2019.  The thoughtfulness, generosity and cheery attitude of the Souris Personal Care Home staff will always be appreciated and remembered.

The celebration of life was held at Souris United Church, Souris, MB on July 22, 2022.  Reverend Milo Spooner-Craig officiated.  A private interment was held at Rosewood Memorial Gardens on July 22, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Grace may be made to the Minto Community Fund, c/o Municipality of Grassland, Box 53, Minto, MB  ROK 1M0 or the Souris Health District Foundation, Box 311, Souris, MB  R0K 2C0. click to read more

McGean: Marlene, beloved wife of the late Bill McGean, mother of Toby, Kathy, Bonnie, Ted, Don and the late Billy Joe, passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Monday, April 11, 2022 at the age of 81 years. A private family graveside service will be held at the Souris-Glenwood Cemetery at a later date. In memory of Marlene, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. click to read more

McKenzie: Edith Williamene (Willie) McKenzie (nee Cooper) age 81 of Souris, Manitoba, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, March 7, 2022.  Willie will be lovingly remembered by her children, Dan (Tammy) McKenzie, Kim Beilby, Josie (Ken) Pashulka and Monty (Tanis) McKenzie; her grandchildren, Brittany (Kyle) Lyons, Justin (Kirsten) McKenzie, Colton (Mikaela) McKenzie, Evan Beilby, Tyson, Riley and Taylor Pashulka, and Wyatt McKenzie; her great-grandchildren, Rowan, Everly and Isabel Lyons, Jaxson, Bentley and Madilyn McKenzie.  She also leaves to mourn her sister Catherine Eisthen.  Willie was predeceased by her Grandma Burrill, parents Edith and William Cooper, husband Donald McKenzie and sisters Irene McFarland and Annabelle Allnut.

Willie was born on February 9, 1941 in Melita, Manitoba to Edith and William Cooper.  She was raised by her Grandma Burrill in Tilston, MB.  She married Donald McKenzie on October 3, 1959.  After a short time in Alida and Oak Lake, they purchased Uncle John McKenzie’s farm in the Berbank district along the Souris River. She worked hard along side her husband on their family’s mixed farm.  She loved horses and enjoyed riding. She was an active community volunteer and contributed to the Berbank, Nesbitt and Souris UCWs, 4H, Nesbitt Community Club, Souris Fellowship Club, and numerous community functions.  She played ball and curled with family and friends.  When her husband was killed in 1989, her and her son Monty continued running the family farm.  She retired (as much as any farmer ever does) in 2007 to Souris.  She enjoyed the Fellowship Club activities, travel, musical performances, scrapbooking, and going out to lunch.  But her biggest joy was keeping up with and participating in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives.  She adored and was adored by all her grandchildren across the prairie provinces.  She was known as a feisty Scotswoman with a cheery smile and a quick laugh.  She lived a life full of love and service to others.

A service was held at St Paul’s United Church in Souris, Manitoba on Monday, March 14, 2022. Officiant was Rev. Harvey Hurren with eulogy given by daughters Kim and Josie and a reading by granddaughter Brittany.   Her grandsons, Justin, Evan, Colton, Tyson, Riley, and Taylor were her pallbearers with youngest grandson Wyatt being an Honorary Pallbearer.  There was a time of fellowship with lunch provided by Souris UCW followed by a private interment at Minnewawa Cemetery.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks from the bottom of our hearts to the team that provided palliative care for Mom so that she could remain at home as she wished.  Thank you to Reverend Harvey Hurren, Kowalchuk’s Funeral Home and the Souris St Paul’s UCW for their support and assistance for Mom’s funeral.  The friendship and caring shown by all Mom’s friends from the community, Souris Fellowship Club, UCW and the neighbors at Heritage Place was heart warming and so appreciated.
If you so choose donations in memory of Willie may be made to Souris Fellowship Club, St. Paul’s United Church Souris or Cancer Care Manitoba.

“I like to walk with grandma. Her steps are short like mine.

She never says now hurry up.  She always takes her time.”

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