Isabella Annie (Love) Strain passed away peacefully at Lake of the Woods District Hospital on December 26, 2002 after a lengthy illness, which she bore with dignity and without complaint.
Isabella (Belle) was born in 1922 and lived her entire life in Kenora. After graduation from high school, she was employed in the CPR office until her marriage to Edgar W. Strain in 1946. She and Edgar raised three children. Those who knew her, will remember her as a full time homemaker whose special interests and talents included baking, sewing and knitting. In later years when arthritis limited her activities, she enjoyed following sports events on television. She was a member of Knox United Church.
She was predeceased by her parents Victor and Elsie (Campbell) Love. She is survived by her husband Edgar; children Lindsay (Dorothy), Megan, and Gregg (Mary); grandchildren Larisa, Siobhan and Luke. She was devoted to her family, and we will miss her dearly.
She was a fine, reserved person who touched many people in a positive way.
Immediate cremation has taken place and a family memorial service will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Picture of Health Campaign, the local arthritis society or a medical charity of choice would be appreciated.
The family is content that she is finally at peace.
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre entrusted with arrangements.
Shirley Ella Trodd (nee Edwards)
Peacefully and surrounded by her family, Shirley passed away, Monday evening, December 23, 2002.
Shirley was born in Orillia, Ontario, August 5, 1923, the only child of Mae and Lee Edwards. On April 19, 1952 Shirley married Bill Trodd and they lived happily together for 50 years.
Shirley loved her family, sewing, crafts, painting and crocheting and travelling to Mesa, Arizona for the winters from 1990 - 2001.
Shirley was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother whose determination and love of life never gave up until her body failed her.
Shirley leaves to cherish her memory her husband Bill, daughter Lynda (Bernie) Murdick, her two sons Lee (Lenora), and Gerry (Dona), and 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
In complaisance with Shirley's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a private family memorial service at a later date.
The family would like to thank the Doctors, technicians, nurses and all the hospital staff for the super care and compassion at this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation, Intensive Care Unit., 21 Sylvan Street, Kenora, Ontario P9N 3W7.
Kenora Community Funeral Home
Agnes Brett
On November 29th, 2002, Agnes Geraldine Brett passed away at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital, her family by her side.
Born Agnes Mulcahy on August 8th, 1916, in Orillia, Ontario she received her education in Orillia and Pembroke, and graduated from the University of Toronto. After the death of her husband, Tom, she attended Ottawa Teachers' College and went on to become a beloved teacher and principal with the Kenora Catholic Separate School System.
She was predeceased by her husband John Thomas Brett in 1960, and her dear parents John Thomas and Mary Ellen Taylor Mulcahy; also her siblings Tom, Mary, Margaret and John and grandson "little Patrick".
Agnes leaves to grieve her son John Thomas and wife Mary (Oakville, ON), children Mary Ellen, tom and Michael; daughter Mary Anne (Austin,TX); son Paul and wife Margaret (Winnipeg, MB), children Chris, Mathew and Megan; son David and wife Jan (Winnipeg, MB), daughter Molly; son Patrick and wife Pamela (Kenora). She also leaves her dear sisters-in-law, Janet Mulcahy (Pembroke, ON) and Minnie Brett (Kenora); nieces and nephews Maureen Teevens, Aileen Lundy, Margaret Lloyd, richard Brett, and Michael Green; and close friend Betty Hicks.
Agnes was a devoted member of Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church. An active member of her community, she previously served on the Boards of the Lake of the Woods District Hospital and its Auxiliary, the Pinecrest Home for the Aged, the Catholic Women's League, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association, and the Retired Teachers' Association of Ontario.
Prayers will be held on Monday, December 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 3rd with Father Al Campeau officiating. Pallbearers will be Tom, Michael, Chris and Matthew Brett, Bill Limerick and Bob Clark.
Friends who so desire may make a memorial contribution to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital "Picture of Health" Campaign.
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre entrusted with arrangements.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m., Tues., Dec. 3, 2002
Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church
Hildegarde Allen (von Matt)
Just before midnight on December 27, 2002, our Mom, Grandma, and best friend was released from this life to go to a place of peace. Born in Lucerne, Switzerland 93 years ago, she immigrated to Calgary, Alberta as a young child along with her parents and three brothers. There she met and married her husband, Benjamin with whom she spent 53 years until his death in 1979.
From Calgary, Mom and Dad moved to Georgetown, Ontario, and then to the Rainy River District where they homesteaded during the Depression Years. It was tough trying to make a living farming and logging in the wilderness, but they persevered through bad weather, black flies, and forest fire. Six of their seven children were either raised or born there. The three that were born on the homestead, where brought into the world by Dad, because it was impossible to get to the nearest doctor. In the early 1940's they moved to what was then Fort William, so that their children could benefit from the amenities of a large community.
Mom's life revolved around her family and soon her children started growing up and moving on to their own lives. So in the late 50's, she added another role to that of wife, mother and grandmother. She became a foster mother, and continued for more that 25 years until she retired at 74 years old. Mom had a magic touch with babies and young children, and even the sickliest and most damaged thrived under her care. More than 100 foster children benefited from her love and gentleness.
She leaves to remember her remarkable life; daughter, Laura Klages (George), son, Daniel, son, Tim (Dot) all of Thunder Bay, and daughter Pat Pearson (Jack) of Kenora, 26 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.
Along with her husband, Gram was predeceased by her son Robert in 1999, his wife Carol in 2000, son Lorne and daughter Mary Jones in 2001, as well as two grandsons, Ted and Steve.
Mom spent her last three years at Pinecrest Home for the Aged in Kenora, where she was well cared for, especially in her final days, by a very exceptional and compassionate nursing staff.
As she instructed, immediate cremation has taken place, and her family will gather for celebration of her life at a later date. Gram believed flowers should be enjoyed in life, so if you wish to honor her spirit, please make a donation to a charity of your choice or perform an act of kindness for someone in need.
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me but let me go.
Kenora Community Funeral Home
Fred Wilhelm Swanson
November 5, 1907 - December 28th, 2002
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Fred Swanson, a lifetime pioneer resident of Kenora, who died on December 28th, 2002 after 95 active years.
He was predeceased by his parents Carl and Frida Swanson, brothers Herb, Carl, Arthur, Harry, Gustave, Edwin and sisters Bertha and Irene and survived by his loving wife Grace and sister Verna Smith of Dryden and daughters Beth (Ernie Brose), Diane (Edwards), and son Harry Swanson, plus numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Fred started working at the Miner and News, then taking a position at the Kenora town office at the young age of 17. Among his many responsibilities was the local phone directory and telephone accounts. He retired in 1965, after 48 years of service as the town's chief clerk, holding the respect of all of the staff.
Fred had many interests and retired to a fulfilled life. He was primarily known for his fine artistry in working with diamond willow and driftwood. He loved gardening and shared his produce with the neighbourhood. Other lifelong pleasures included hunting, fishing, hiking, curling, boating, music and a love of dancing which he shared with his wife Grace. They celebrated their 71st anniversary on November 7th, 2002. The family understood his love for his family and after retirement he took a special interest in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was the centre of many family parties, taking special interest when his favourite Swedish dumplings, "Palt", was on the menu.
Fred was a longtime active member of Bethesda Lutheran Church, serving on building committees, visiting for Evangelism, singing in the male choir, and participating as a contributing member of the chuchmen's organization. For many years he audited and looked after Bethesda's financial records.
On Longbow Lake, he and his wife Grace built a cottage that has become the centre for family gatherings. He loved playing cards with his grandchildren, with whom he shared his beloved "tall tales". He took a keen interest in everything they did. He also loved to tease. One of his nieces remembers the time he scratched (like a bear) on the tent in which she was sleeping. She shared this memory with him before he died, causing them both to enjoy a good laugh.
Beth (the oldest of his children) remembers the skiis he made for her, the sled complete with metal runners and painted red, her being taught to skate on Cameron Bay, and the boat rides on the Lake of the Woods in the fall to look for diamond willow. Later he fashioned a rocking chair with wood from her childhood toboggan. As a father, he was always there for us all.
Fred died peacefully surrounded by his close and loving family at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.
Celebration Services will be held at Bethesda Lutheran Church on Friday, January 3rd, 2003 at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor don Sjoberg and Bishop richard Smith (nephew) officiating.
Fred wished to thank "from the bottom of his heart" the 2nd and 3rd floor nurses who so kindly looked after his hospital welfare, as well as all who attended his hospital stay.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Lake of the Woods District Hospital, CT Scan Fund, 21 Sylvan St. W., Kenora, ON P9N 3W7.
You are welcome to join his extended family at Bethesda Lutheran Church for a celebration of his life. Following the service, you are cordially invited to share with his family and friends
remembrances and refreshments in the church social hall.
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre entrusted with arrangements.
Celebration Services
2:00 p.m., Friday, January 3, 2003
Bethesda Lutheran Church
Donald Kenneth Dale
With saddened hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Donald on December 26, 2002.
He is also survived by Aunt Mary and Aunt Thelma of Clinton, Aunt Lorraine of Kilworth, and Uncle Claire of London. Many cousins and friends will also miss him.
Donald was born in Dryden on July 21, 1959. He was raised in Kenora. He has resided in southern Ontario for the last 17 years. He was a skilled tradesman in heating and sheet metal work and was a meticulous worker who took great pride in his work.
Cremation has taken place, and a Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Louis Roman Catholic Church, Keewatin, Ontario. Reverend Thomas Mullamangalam officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.
