MARY IRENE RAE (HARRIS) (WESTMACOTT)

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MARY IRENE RAE (nee HARRIS) (WESTMACOTT) June 22, 1922 - January 11, 2012 With great sadness we announce the passing of the family's matriarch, Mary Rae (Westmacott) after an unexpected fall and brief stay at Concordia Hospital. She was 89. She is survived by son Rod (Carolyn) Westmacott; her dearly loved grandsons (and granddaughters), Garrett (Laurie) and Jason (Heather), and great-grandchildren, Gavin, Branden, Aiden, and Rilyn. Mary was predeceased by her first husband Robert (Bob) Oliver Westmacott; her second husband John Porteous Rae, and her youngest son Robert Allan Westmacott, who died just three months ago, and to whom she was a devoted and unwavering caregiver to his challenged life's journey on earth. Also, her brother Jeff Harris (Dode), and sister Margaret (Jones). Mary was born in Winnipeg and lived with her siblings and parents, Fred and Eva Harris, in West Kildonan. In her early years she worked for Eaton's in the bindery department. After her marriage on January 24, 1942 to Robert (Bob), she worked as the bookkeeper in the family business Westmacott Paint and Glass. Mary and Bob travelled often and extensively. Her second marriage to John Rae was filled with more travel and memorable culinary times both at their house and at John and his partners' restaurant, Rae and Jerry's in Winnipeg. Mary was a long-time, avid 5-pin bowler, golfer, and Blue Bombers fan. One of her greatest joys in life was the over 70 years she spent at the family cottage at Lac Lu, Ontario. In the early years she could fillet fish, boneless, as fast as they were caught. Mary had many close and wonderful friends from both work and play. She was the life of the party , and a feisty go-getter with a sharp sense of humour and character. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. The family would like to thank the nurses and aides at Bethania Personal Care Home for their kindness and care over the past 16 months. In keeping with Mary's wishes a private family gathering will celebrate her life and interment at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, January 17, 2012. You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she's left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see her, or you can be full of the love she shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live for yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her and only that she's gone, or you can cherish the memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes and go on. If so inclined, in lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory may be made to the Children's Hospital Foundation, 840 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2012