Obituary of Jean Forsyth

FORSYTH: Muriel Jean. After a long life well lived, Muriel Jean Forsyth passed away July 26, 2014 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre at 87 years of age. Jean was born August 10, 1926 in Hamiota, the eldest daughter of Henry and Mary Davidson. She grew up on a farm in the Decker area and started her education at Ethel School and then finished her high school in Hamiota. Jean went on to Normal School in Winnipeg and upon completion taught at Buckleville and then Ewart (Cromer District). There she met James Forsyth and they were wed in January of 1947. They moved to Brandon and had a full life together for over 62 years. Mom's life was devoted to nurturing, caring for and loving others. She toiled countless hours in the gardens, then canning and preserving the bounty, baking, mending, and all the other jobs that needed to be done to raise a large family. Mom enjoyed her later years working on her beautiful quilts, reading, doing crosswords and playing Scrabble/UpWords, especially with her good friend and life long neighbor Joyce Mellin. Mom always liked to keep busy and be productive and these last few years Mom's spare time was filled with her knitting hundreds of pairs of mittens that she donated annually to the Christmas Cheer Board. She didn't like to think of anyone heading out on a winter day with cold hands. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends over a cup of tea, a cookie and nice visit, catching up on all the happenings. Mom will be profoundly missed and loving remembered by her daughters Irene (Grant) Willis, Marg Forsyth, and Linda (Glen) Bailey and sons Bob (Donna), Brian (Helen) and Brad (Elaine) Forsyth. She is also survived by her sister Shirley Strachan of Miniota and brother-in-law Jim Clavelle of Calgary and sisters-in-law Luella (Jim) Outhwaite and Mary Forsyth and numerous nieces and nephews. Jean was Grandma to Sherry Antonation, Karen (Jason) Ballingall, Braden (Iliana) Forsyth, Brandi (Chris) Brown, Brett Forsyth, Ashley (Devin) Forsyth, Andrew Bailey Robert (Laranda) Bailey, Marlee (Corey) Beaupre and Erica Forsyth. Jean was Great-Grandma to Hannah and Marc, Shane and Ryan, Jaylen and Alexa, and Caleb and Emery. She spent many, many wonderful hours with them-teaching them to play cards and board games, going to their sporting/musical/school events, then onto graduations and weddings. She never missed an occasion if she could help it and her absence at these family gatherings will be deeply felt. Mom was predeceased by Dad in 2009, her parents Henry and Mary, her two brothers Jack and Clark Davidson and sister Noreen (Rene) Clavelle. A graveside service and interment took place July 31st, 2014 at the Veteran Section of the Brandon Cemetery with Kurt Ardron officiating. The Forsyth family would like to thank everyone who helped and showed Mom kindness over these past few years. We all truly appreciated the fellowship and support at the time of her passing, along with the flowers, food gifts and donations given on behalf of our Mom.