Obituary of Winifred Greaves

GREAVES: Our beloved sister and aunt, Winifred Greaves, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2015 at Dinsdale Personal Care Home in her 109th year. Born at Elva, Manitoba of parents Harry and Lilian Greaves, she is survived by her youngest sister Ruth and by many much loved nieces, nephews and grand-nieces/nephews. For many of the nieces and nephews (and their children), she was not just Aunt, but second mother as well. She was predeceased by her parents; by brothers and sisters Chris, Dorothy, Frances, Dick, Charlie, Herb, Mary and Margaret; by all of her brothers & sisters-in-law; and by several nieces and nephews. In her early years, she attended school to Grade 11 in Elva. During those years, with her oldest sister Chris, she was one of the earliest members of the Boys & Girls Club – forerunner to the present 4-H. During that time she actively participated in early provincial demonstrations competitions. After school and some time helping her parents on the farm, she attended Normal School in Dauphin in preparation for her life's work. A teacher for 44 years, Winifred loved all of her students and treasured their life accomplishments. She taught at Browns (Melita area), Pinkerton (Treherne area), Treherne, and in Brandon finishing her teaching career at Fleming School. She retired in 1971. In her early retirement years, in addition to the joy which her family brought her, Winifred loved to travel, especially with her sisters. She visited exotic locations from the British Isles to Scandinavia, Europe, Hawaii and New Zealand. At home, she found great pleasure and peace in looking after her garden. She loved playing cards, especially bridge, with her friends. She knit mountains of mitts and acres of afghans. She also made sure that every niece and nephew received a unique hand-knit 'billy bruin' – a tradition started by her mother. Winifred was one of the first residents of Hobbs Manor and enjoyed her life and friends there for over 25 years. In her later years, one of her great pleasures was to have friends and family visit. She loved to read, and was as equally pleased to have someone read to her, the latest correspondence from family and treasured friends who included among their number many former students and teacher colleagues. Although she was never one to seek the spotlight, Winifred did enjoy the special attention that came her way surrounding the remarkable milestones of her 100th and later birthdays. She was honoured to be recognized by the Manitoba Retired Teachers Association on her 107th birthday acknowledging her status as the eldest living retired teacher at the time. She kept close to her a particularly treasured certificate of congratulations received from the Queen on her 108th birthday. The family thanks all who have loved and supported 'Our Aunt Win' through their visits and their correspondence. Memorial donations may be made to CNIB or to any charitable cause which is significant to you. A memorial service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Friday, February 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Craig Miller of Knox United Church officiating.