Lang: Ila Mae Lang passed away peacefully at the Souris Personal Care Home at the age of 94 on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 with family by her side.
Mom was born on May 21, 1925 at the family farm in Elm Creek, to Adine and Charles Clark. She had five siblings Max, Louis, Norma, Evan (Corky) and Al. Mom grew up during the difficult dirty thirties, and after attending “Normal” School in Winnipeg, she taught in small rural schools near Carman and in Fairfax. In 1947 she moved to teach in Souris where she met Andy Lang, a young mechanic from Coulter who was working at his Uncle Andy’s garage – Murrays Garage. They were married in 1951, followed by the birth of Clark in 1953, Ruth in 1956 and Frank in 1958. The family have many fond memories of summers and family time at their cabin at Oak Lake, trips to Minneapolis to watch the Twins, watching Clark and Frank’s hockey games with the Wheat Kings, and many holiday and family celebrations with the Lang and Clark families.
Mom led a very active life in Souris, where she was a charter member of the local Beta Sigma Phi, the choir director at St. Paul’s United Church for many years, and the first Director of the Souris Day Care. Mom sang in the church choir and in several other singing groups over the years and she was also a prolific painter, a hobby that she took up after we three kids had left home. She was proud to belong to the Souris Art club and her paintings now hang in the homes of many relatives and friends. Mom also started a small business selling makeup, from which she retired at the age of 91! Mom’s business included doing people’s “colours” where she provided advice on the right colours to wear for your particular skin and eye colouring.
Mom had some amazing friends that continued to support her and visit her, even up until her last few days. She also had a knack for cultivating friendships, and kept in touch over many years with old friends and with many relatives through the lost art of letter writing. Since her passing, so many people have let us know how much those letters meant to them over the years.
Mom and Dad were blessed with six grandchildren who they enjoyed babysitting when they were little and as they grew, they enjoyed spending many hours travelling to their various activities around southwest Manitoba (and beyond!) to watch hockey games, Christmas concerts, sporting events and recitals. In the past 6 years, Mom was also blessed with the birth of 8 great grandchildren – which she cherished.
In the past year, as Mom’s memory was fading, we posted large pictures of all the family on the bulletin board in her room. One of our favorite pastimes was to look at each picture and review the names and faces of the grandchildren and the great grandchildren. Every time after she would look at the pictures, she would also say “Aren’t we lucky?”
Ila is lovingly remembered by her children Clark (Judy), Ruth (Trevor) Mealy and Frank (Karen), as well as her grandchildren Cassidy (Steven) Matchim, Jill (Matt) Jenkins, Jared (Kendra) Lang, Riley (Carly) Lang, Taylor Mealy and Hudson Mealy. She also leaves great grandchildren, Grady and Charlie Matchim, Clark and Hayes Jenkins, Everly and Griffin Lang, and Dierks and Karter Lang. Ila also leaves to mourn her brother Evan (Corky) and his wife Donna Clark, brother Al Clark, her brother in law Reg Lang, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Ila was predeceased by her loving husband Andy, her brothers and sisters in law Max (Hettie) Clark; Louis (Jean) Clark; her sister and brother in law Norma (Art) Reid; sisters in law and brothers in law Jean (Lewis) Downey, Dorothy (Leighton) Downey, Margaret (Jerry) Greaves, and sister in law Jean Lang.
The family is very thankful for the wonderful care that Mom received in the past few years from the staff and doctors at the Souris Personal Care Home. This is truly a wonderful place, where she was so well cared for in a cheerful, clean, inviting environment by amazing staff.
The service to celebrate Mom’s life was held on Saturday, October 5th at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris, Manitoba. Thank you to Val and Dexter Kowalchuk for your wonderful support and help during this difficult time. Thanks also to Minister Harvey Hurren for officiating. Organist Glenda McConnell, choir director Bill Lawson and the St Paul’s United Church Choir (and friends) outdid themselves with the beautiful music for Mom’s service. In memory of Mom, if you wish you can donate to a charity of your choice or to the Souris Personal Care Home c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.
So very sorry to hear about your Mom. She was the epitome of a lady always and all ways. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Diane and Claude Martin
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was such a classy lady! Know we’re thinking of you at this sad time.
Pat Smith/Muriel Turner
Lang and Mealy Family. Sorry of the loss of a lovely lady Ila. She will be dearly missed by your family and many friends. I enjoyed our chats!! Many memories made with the Lang family!!
Glen and Gail Williamson
My sympathies Clark, Ruth, Frank and families
Clark, Ruth, Frank and families:
We are sorry for your loss. Ila was a great lady with a big smile. She raised good kids.
Sympathy to you all Clark, Ruth, Frank and families.
Ruth and family, so sorry to hear about your Mom. My deepest sympathy
Liz Roberts
Frank, Clark, Ruth and families
So very sorry for your loss, Evie and I have always thought your parents were two of the most genuine and nicest people we have ever met.
Your Mom will be greatly missed.
Alex and Evie Fraser
Clark, Ruth, Frank and families.
Our condolences on the loss of your Mom. I have good memories of such an elegant woman who always welcomed me into your home when we were growing up.
Howard
To the entire Lang family, very sorry to hear of your loss.
My thoughts are with you all. This is such a sad loss of a very caring and lovely person. She will be missed by so many . Lots of good memories! I am sorry not to be able to attend the service.
Lorna Cowan
Clark, Ruth, Frank and families: Our condolences on the loss of your Mum. She was such a wonderful lady. We (Wanda and Beverley) have many fond memories of the fun we had together as families in Souris and at Oak Lake Beach.
Bev and Larry Gompf
Wanda and Michael Harrington
So very sorry to hear of your lovely Mom’s passing – to all of your families – Sincerely Dianne Agnew
Clark, Ruth, Frank and families, thinking of you all at this difficult time. Your Mom truly is a gem, always with that beautiful smile. She will be fondly remembered. Hugs to all of you. Mom and I are unable to be with you as you celebrate Ila’s life but we hold you in our hearts. Hugs Hattie & Kim Lewarne
Our sincere sympathy to the Lang and Mealy families on the passing of your dear mom, Ila. She was a lovely lady and have fond choir memories of ILA when we lived in Souris. Thinking of you all at this time.
Wayne and Gwen Jacobsen
Clark, Frank, Ruth and Families,
Ila was a true lady in every sense of the word. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Connie and Grant
Clark Ruth Frank and families. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Your mom was a amazing women.May your many happy memories help you through this difficult time.
Ruth, Trevor and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Lorrie, Randy, Jenna and Devin
Bauman/Murray
Sincere sympathy to the Lang family on the passing of Ila. Sending Hugs to you all.
Clark , Frank, Ruth and family;
Thinking of everyone in the loss of you Mom.
The Towler and Taggart family.
Clark, Ruth, Frank and Families.
So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. She was a great lady and will be missed. Enjoy your memories.
Hi friends. Sorry for your loss. She will be missed eh. Thinking of you all Bob Deleau
Clark, Ruth, Frank and families.
Thinking of you during this time. Your mom was such a fine lady, I know she will be deeply missed.
Lovely Lady she will be sadly missed by your family and the whole Souris area,RIP ,
Dear Ruth,Frank,Clark and your families,
Having just read in the Brandon Sun that your Mum has passed away ,we want to send our special thoughts to you.Both your Mum and Dad were such nice people, making a difference in this world of ours.
Had a smile as I read your Mum’s obituary- it was so Ila- her smile, her classiness and her interest in so many things.
A life well lived! Hugs!