Obituary of Hope Elaine Shotbolt

SHOTBOLT: After a courageous battle with cancer, Hope Elaine Shotbolt (née Bilowus), loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, March 9th, 2013 in Brandon, MB. Hope was born on December 24, 1955 in Swan River, MB to Ruth and the late John Bilowus. During her school years, Hope was very fond of participating in school choirs and plays and she enjoyed sports - gymnastics, figure skating, volleyball, curling and softball. Bowling was one of her favourite sports, taking many memorable trips to tournaments with the "Youth" & "Pepsi" bowlers, coached by her late Dad, John Bilowus. She carried on her bowling into her later years. She was an avid fan for her favourite football team - the Saskatchewan Roughriders. In her youth, she joined St. Andrew's United Church in Swan River and later transferred to Trinity United Church in Brandon. She took part in the youth groups of the church and also a 4-H sewing club. Hope worked after school and summers in her dad's stationary shop. Hope received her education in Swan River-Class of '75 and continued at Red River Community College. Upon completion there, she worked for Cartwright Stationers in Winnipeg. Later on, settling in Brandon, she worked at Eaton's Department store in Ladies' Wear until the store closed. The most important things in Hope's life were her family and her home. Hope is survived by her husband Gary, her son Nicholas, her son and daughter-in-law Chris and Samantha Wiebe and two granddaughters, Emma and Rylee Wiebe, her step-son Ray (Ange) Shotbolt and step-granddaughters Anessa, Rianna and Jenaya Shotbolt, all of Brandon. Step-daughter Jacqueline Shotbolt of Fort McMurray. Her sister Debra (Doug) Swanson and niece Brittany of Thunder Bay. Her mother, Ruth Bilowus (Belton) of Brandon. Her mother-in-law, Frankie Shotbolt of Winnipeg. Sisters-in-law Leslie Owens and Linda (Al) Jorgenson and families of Winnipeg. Also many cousins and treasured friends. Hope was predeceased by her maternal grandparents Charlie and Ella Belton, her father John Bilowus and father-in-law Ray Shotbolt. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date. If one wishes, memorial donations may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, "Brandon RHA Cancer Services," 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B3. MISS ME - BUT LET ME GO 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 too long, And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared. Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take And each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan, A step on the road to Home. So when you are lonely and sick at heart, Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, Miss me, but let me go.