Obituary of Jessie Mansfield

MANSFIELD; Jessie Dickinson: Jessie passed away peacefully at her residence in Fairview Personal Care Home on Saturday March 10, 2012 with family by her side. Jessie was born September 2, 1917 to Mabel and Bill Ewing. Her father died when she was three years old and her sister, Lillian, was one year old. Left with two small children to take care of, her mother began housekeeping in the area and met the man who was to be the girls' stepfather, Jim Stamford. Over the years, the family grew to two boys and four more girls and Jessie was very proud to be the oldest of eight all her life. She attended Two Creeks School and then moved to Brandon to finish High School. She then went in training to be a nurse, but due to a back injury she did not graduate, however, while training she did meet her future husband, Edward Mansfield of the Moore Park area in the R.M. of Odanah. Ed and Jessie were married on August 2nd 1941 and moved to the family farm along with Ed's mother and father. As all farm wives, Jessie canned fruit and vegetables, baked bread and buns and many pies. During their time on the farm they raised their family of two boys and one girl. Jessie was always able to add a couple of plates at dinnertime for anyone who came to their home at mealtime. Jessie also quilted with the local ladies and learned how to knit and crochet making a number of Afghans for different organizations and her family. They made many lasting friends in those years, even to travelling to points west and to the east coast, camping along the way. Camping was something she enjoyed very much and after they would pull into a campground, Jessie would soon be out visiting with her new neighbors. In 1963, they sold their farm and moved to Brandon. Jessie decided to take three young working men from the Moore Park district and board them, spoiling them with hearty meals and motherly advice. Jessie then began a new career when they bought the Western Shop on 6th Street in Brandon. She became the bookkeeper, a profession she performed until her retirement when she passed on her pen to Les. When Ed retired, he gave the order book to Lyle. They then enjoyed many trips, some by bus to Florida and California and the camping trips, meeting many new people and seeing our beautiful country. Mom will be sadly missed by her husband Ed, daughter Donna (Clare) Coxe, sons Lyle (Connie) Mansfield and Les (Donalee) Mansfield, all of Brandon, MB. Grandchildren Sara (Jeremy) Kerr, of Winnipeg, MB and Dustin (Danielle) Mansfield of Bedford, NS. Also a very special great granddaughter Hailey-Jade Kerr who brought her much enjoyment in recent months. Also surviving are sisters Lillian Bowles of Miniota, Mabel Boyce of Carievail, SK and Enid Lawrence of Brandon. Brothers Fred (Eileen) Stamford of Miniota, MB and Ted (Pat) Stamford of Regina, SK as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, sisters Ann Cameron and Irene Wood, brothers-in-law Fred Bowles, Bob Boyce, Ken Wood and Ross Lawrence. A celebration of Jessie's life will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Barb Jardine officiating. Interment will take place at the Brandon Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Douglas United Church, Box 24, Douglas, MB, R0K 0R0. The most beautiful eyes she did possess Sparkling with love and cheerfulness Her smile conveyed her own sunshine And now its brightness is in mine - Author Unknown