Obituary of Adeline Williamson

WILLIAMSON: Adeline Violet Williamson (née Burdeniuk) of Brandon, Manitoba passed away at the Assiniboine Centre on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at the age of 82 years. A Celebration of Adeline’s Life was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel on Wednesday, September 22, 2021. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery.  Left to cherish her memory are her beloved children: daughter Lisa (Doug Burch) and granddaughters: Amanda, Christina and Breanna, of Brandon; son Darin and grandchildren: Bethany, Benjamin, Brooklyn and Baleigh, of Maple Ridge, British Columbia; granddaughter Kristy (Travis Clews); great-grandchildren: Troy, Carla and Kayley, of Edmonton, Alberta; grandson Michael Gardner (Tiffany) of Edmonton, Alberta; sister Ruth (Glen) Sawyer of Brandon; nieces: Erin (Laurie) Wishira and family, of Regina, Saskatchewan; Tracey and son Charles of Calgary, Alberta; Aunt Iris and Uncle Louis of Lorette, Manitoba; and many cousins. Adeline was predeceased her infant son, Dean Williamson, in 1963; her father, Michael Burdeniuk, in 1994; daughter, Carla Gardner, in 2002 and mother, Helen Burdeniuk (née Mandryk), in 2003. Adeline was born in Ethelbert, Manitoba on March 25, 1939 to Helen and Mike Burdeniuk. She was the first born of two daughters (sister Ruth). They made a move from the family farm so that the girls could attend school in Dauphin, Manitoba; where she grew up and finished her schooling. After graduating Grade 12, Adeline moved to Regina, Saskatchewan to begin her career with the Government of Saskatchewan as a Stenographer II with the Department of Mineral Resources at the Regina Legislature Buildings. While working there, Adeline had the honour of doing some work for Tommy Douglas. A few years later, Adeline made the decision to get married, and moved back to Dauphin. Adeline had three children: Lisa Elaine (May 29, 1965), Carla Gae (April 27, 1966) and Darin Mark (June 23, 1967). Her children were her everything. Mom always stressed the importance of family closeness and love and to support each other through life. Her love for her family was apparent in everything she did. Mom supported us in all activities we participated in; whether school related, sports or piano recitals. In 1976, Adeline moved the family to Brandon, Manitoba. A single mom, Adeline did everything she could to be there, and provide for us all. Never a complaint, come what may, Mom would push forward and always give credit in that strength through her strong faith. As children, we’d often see Mom coming home, after a long day at work, getting off the bus, carrying large milk jugs and other groceries. She always had a smile and wanted to know about our day. Mom was very much a people person. She enjoyed any situation to meet and chat with people, with genuine interest in what they shared with her. Mom worked at Zellers, where she was given many awards and accolades for her top notch customer service. She was also employed at the Information Booth at the Brandon Gallery at the height of its success, way back when. Mom became manager of Christie’s Office School Supplies when it first opened in the Brandon Shoppers Mall. A job she very much enjoyed until her retirement. Mom loved to write, pens and books and was known for her beautiful handwriting. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. Mom’s chocolate and coconut dipped and covered bread dessert were a favourite when Lisa, Carla and Darin were little. Her special jellied salads were a staple at all family gatherings. Mom loved gardening and grew almost commercial sized gardens while in Dauphin, especially corn and potatoes. She later won awards in Brandon for her flowers. Mom enjoyed bowling and was a member of a league when we were little. She loved animals of all kinds and taught us the responsibility that comes with owning a pet. We almost had a cat as a pet. Mom enjoyed reading, Christian music, dancing and was very proud of the 50’s- her era! She’d keep scrapbooks of the top movie stars and music of the day. She’d often share stories of her youth with us, such as times spent at the local dances at Jerry’s Night Spot, a popular social gathering facility in Dauphin, with special friends, Dance Land days in Clear Lake, etc. Sunday School was something Mom looked back on as a very special time. Mom was proud to be a Girl Guide and was asked to be a leader. She was chosen to appear in a National Film Board film promoting parks and recreation in Wasagaming. Mom had a great sense of humour and was always up for some fun! We’ve shared so many laughs over the years! Mom loved to travel. Some of her fond memories were of trips made with her son Darin and family to Disney World, Oregon, Washington and visits to British Columbia.  Mom had two very special pen pals that she kept in touch with. One for over 69 years, the other for over 70 years! These pen pals, Helen Neil from Nova Scotia and Christine Altridge from England, became lifelong friends. They started writing to each other in grade school. Mom had one special visit in person with Helen and her family, but never had the opportunity to meet Christine. They kept in touch through every stage of life, which included every birthday and Christmas, right to the very end. As a proud grandmother, Mom would always attend school activities or dance recitals and competitions; quite often sitting for hours and hundreds of dances to be able to watch the girls perform. Grandma would have special one on one days with them which included special outings and sleepovers; so many memories from those times that the girls have to treasure.  Mom always made Christmas very special. Memories her grand-daughters in Brandon will always remember were the special boxes Grandma made up for each one that were filled with special wrapped little gifts like a larger version of an advent calendar – one gift to open each day of December until Christmas Eve. Each package or little box wrapped with ribbons, bows and stickers. The last gift in the box was always sugar cookies mixes and icing for the girls to make special cookies on Christmas Eve and Christmas pajamas. Christmas Eve always meant a special candle light Church service with Mom, putting the true meaning of Christmas into perspective for all of us.  A special Christmas tradition Mom had for Lisa, Carla and Darin was to place one special tree ornament on our main gift. Each one in turn, would be added to our tree each year. We still have each one, now hanging on our own trees, and they are treasured. A tradition we have continued with our children. Mom’s legacy lives on in Lisa, Darin and her nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mom will remembered by all who knew her as “a wonderful, loving and kind lady who always had a smile, gentle advice, a hug and most of all, gave anyone fortune enough to know her, a passion for family and life.” Our hearts are shattered. Free finally from the pain and the indignities dementia forced upon her over the last few years. A huge piece of our hearts has gone. A best friend, a constant ear and a soft place to land through the trials and tribulations of life. Rest easy now, in God’s loving care, our sweetest Mom. This is not goodbye and we will carry you in our hearts forever, until we are together again. A Celebration of Adeline's Life was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel on Wednesday, September 22, 2021.Donations in memory of Adeline may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 457 9th St, Brandon, MB R7A 1K2.