Bill, 90 years, beloved husband of Janice McBrien, father of Don, Garry and Sandra Hart. Bill passed away at the Evergreen Place Personal Care Home, Boissevain on October 17, 2024. In keeping with Bill’s wishes a private service was held at the Riverside Cemetery, Hartney, Manitoba. In memory of Bill, donations may be made to the Evergreen Place Personal Care Home or to the Hartney Pool c/o Municipality of Grassland Box 399 Hartney, Manitoba R0M 0X0.
Category: M
McMurray, Reg Alan
Reg McMurray: Reg, 60 years, beloved partner of Della Compton, father of Travis, Taylor and Brendan, son of Cecile and the late Ron McMurray, brother of Noreen and Marvin. Reg passed away accidently near Dunrea, Manitoba on September 19, 2024. In keeping with Reg’s wishes there will be no service. In memory of Reg, donations may be made to the Brandon Humane Society.
Morrisseau, Alfred
Alfred Morrisseau: 78 years, Alfred, beloved father of Warren, Ryan, Maurice, Twila, Felina and Joral. Alfred passed away at the Souris Personal Care Home on September 16, 2024. A private graveside service was held at the San Clara Parish Cemetery. In memory of Alfred, donations may be made to the Souris Personal Care Home Courtyard Fund c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to a charity of your choice.
Mahy, Marie Therese
Marie Mahy September 17, 1937 – August 16, 2024
Marie was the middle child of 11 born to Henriette and Frank Dooley. They lived in the Grande Clairiere area and she went to Grand Clairiere school. She married Maurice one week after her 18th birthday and Edward was born 10 months later. Marion, David and Joseph would follow. Four children by age 26! They farmed south of Maple Hill. They had no telephone or running water at the time. She provided a wonderful home for her family.
Matiowsky, Arnold Andrew
Arnold, 64 years, beloved husband of Diana Paddock, stepdad of Nazaire and Mikyle. Arnold passed away at the Souris Health Centre on August 16, 2024. A funeral service was held at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris, on Friday, August 23, 2024. Interment in the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery. In memory of Arnold, donations may be made to the Souris Hospital Palliative Care Fund c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10, Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.
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Maguire, Carole Alma
Carole Alma Maguire (Fraser) was born to William Thomas and Mary Irene Fraser in Binscarth, Manitoba December 4, 1934. The family moved to Waskada, Manitoba where she would reside with her two older brothers Bill and Gordon. She was very musical and excelled at the piano so was soon asked to play in her brother Bill’s band. After high school she went to Normal school in Winnipeg where she earned her teachers certificate. Her first job posting was in the Elgin School teaching Grades
McDowell, Norman Gary

Gary was born on January 5, 1950, in Killarney MB to Franklin and Olive McDowell. Gary’s primary years of education were in Killarney. The family owned a dairy farm but in 1962 sold the farm in Killarney and bought a dairy farm in Deleau. Gary then attended Deleau and Hartney school. Gary moved with his family for a short time to Carenport SK but would move back to Souris and marry his soul mate Karen Denbow May 23, 1970. In 1973 Karen and Gary would welcome a son, Darrell and in 1975 a daughter, Shelly.
Gary had many occupations throughout his years, baker, cheese maker, water plant operator, farmer, landscaper, life insurance agent, real-estate salesman and appraiser, developer, auctioneer. He was a man of many talents!
In 1997 Gary and Karen moved off the farm to Souris MB and his son Darrell and wife Mina took over the farming operation.
In retirement Gary enjoyed going south for the winter. He started a karaoke club at the good life park in Mesa Az and enjoyed sharing his talent of singing Elvis tunes.
Gary was called home to his heavenly father on July 31, 2024. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Franklin and Olive, brothers, Ron and Alvin and a still born daughter, Julie. He is survived by his loving wife Karen of 54 years, son Darrell (Mina) McDowell, daughter Shelly (Jeremy) Hoerer. Six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Funeral service was held at the Centennial Centre, Hartney, Manitoba on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Private interment in the Deleau Cemetery. In memory of Gary, donations may be made to the Gideon Bible or to the Turtle Mountain Bible Camp.
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McBurney, Margaret Shirley

With heartfelt sadness, we announce the passing of Margaret Shirley (Chalmers) McBurney. Margaret was born in Brandon General Hospital 90 years ago. She had just celebrated her 90th Birthday party at the Bayside Room in Killarney. She passed from this life, May 25, 2024, with her family by her side.
She was the oldest child of Herbert and Daisy Chalmers and older sister to Bill. She received her early schooling and started piano lessons, in the Harrow School District. By Grade 9, she attended Earl Haige School where she took more advanced piano and voice lessons from Aleta Grant, a well known musician in Brandon at that time. Through Aleta Grant, Margaret also was inducted into the “Schubert Choir” instructed by Dr. Schultz of B.M.H.C. They sang and dramatized the Gilbert & Sullivan operas like “H.M.S. Pinafore”, “The Pirates of Penzance”, “The Mikado”, “The Yoemen of the Guard” to name a few. She was also involved in musical performances in the Collegiate Choir in grade 12.
Margaret graduated High School and went into nurses training in September of 1952. She & her class of 12 earned their caps at a “Capping Ceremony” for these new Registered Nurses, at the Anglican Church at the corner of 1st and Louise. They were very proud of those “caps” which enabled them to start working as full-fledged nurses for $7.00 a month, $8.00 the second year, and $9.00 the third year.
She met Bill McBurney and they were united in marriage, June 14, 1956, and from that union were born 5 children: Shirley, Leona, Spencer, Garnet and Barbara.
She was also involved with the Women’s Institute, in the Westhall District, where the farm was located. She continued her nursing career, working in Souris and at Hartney.
Margaret kept up her musical career, being asked to sing at many weddings. She also became the church organist at the Elgin Baptist Church, the Evangelical Free Church at Deloraine and played for services at Bayside and Cartwright PCH facilities.
Her husband Bill passed away July 30, 2000 and one son, Spencer, in 2019. She was retired from nursing and lived alone on the farm for a few years until moving to Killarney in 2005 where she was closer to some of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, all who were so very dear to her, whether they lived near or farther away.
She was very deep in her faith, attending Calvary Baptist Church regularly. There were always family gatherings and outings with her kids’ families, and her crosswords, books and kryptograms to keep her busy. Among them all, was her Bible. She studied regularly and learned and memorized many Psalms and bible verses, which brought such comfort to her in her final years.
Margaret is survived by her brother William, Adult children: Shirley, Leona (Grant Gillies), Garnet and Barbara (Karl Cameron), grandchildren Brad (Laura Gillies), Kevin Gillies (Grace Boyd), Braeden (Julie), Madison (Shawn Ahmad) Benjamin and Brooklyn Cameron and two great grandchildren: Regan and Karra Gillies; also one Sister-in-law Moyra McBurney. She was predeceased by her parents, husband William and son Spencer.
Funeral service was held at the Calvary Baptist Church, Killarney on Monday, June 3, 2024. Private interment in the Elgin Cemetery.
Her deep faith in Christ is what she hopes to pass on to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. As Matthew 25: 23 states: “‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
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Matheson-Hall, Valerie Lynn

It is with deep sadness and much love we announce the passing of Valerie Lynn Matheson-Hall on May 5, 2024 at Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg at the age of 63 after a courageous battle with cancer.
She leaves to cherish her memory her two children Breanna Hall (Tomas Kulczycki) of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Brayden Hall of Ste. Rita, Manitoba, sisters Bev (Jay) Hitchen and Cindy Matheson of Medicine Hat, Alberta, as well as nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents David and Elsie Matheson of Souris, Manitoba, and former husband Dale Hall of Winnipeg.
Val was born in Souris, Manitoba, the second and “middle” daughter of Elsie and David. After completing her school years in Souris, she pursued a degree in Education, attending both the University of Winnipeg and Brandon University to complete her bachelor degree. Val enjoyed learning, she was an excellent student and during her time in university she excelled in academics. Immediately following graduation, she worked in insurance, at Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation and Reed Stenhouse Ltd.
Val married Dale Hall, whom she met working at the North Hill Inn while they were both attending Brandon University. They married in 1987 and bought a home in Winnipeg, welcoming their daughter, Breanna, and son, Brayden, over the next several years.
After becoming a mom, Val started to work for a home party plan business, which eventually led to her starting her own gift boutique, which she owned and operated for ten years. After leaving retail, Val went back to her roots and started to make use of her Bachelor of Education degree, first working as an Educational Assistant and then a teacher.
Throughout her life, Val loved nothing more than to spend time with her family and friends. She held the people she loved very close to her heart. She made many great friends throughout her life, whether it be those that started off as colleagues like her close friend June, or soccer parents that she became close to while watching their sons play soccer with Brayden.
Val was a loving mother, a passionate business owner, a devoted teacher, and a kind soul who dedicated her life to her children, who she was always so proud of. Her pure and generous nature will leave a lasting impression on those that love her. When we think of Val, we remember a woman who was brave, independent and loyal, with a gentle and caring personality, and a strong mind and heart. In her life Val taught us how to live with integrity, to love with a steadfast and generous heart, and to stand strong when adversity tried to defeat her. She was a beautiful person who will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their support and kindness during Val’s illness. A special thanks to all the doctors, nurses, aides, Home Care and Palliative Care staff.
A funeral service was held at Kowalchuk’s Funeral Home, 99 2nd St. S, Souris, MB, on May 18, 2024 with Tanis Podobni officiating. A time of fellowship and light refreshments followed at St. Paul’s United Church auditorium. A private interment took place at the Souris-Glenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Riverview Health Centre Foundation or CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
Milne, Edward Lorne
