FRANCES ELIZABETH STURTEVANT (PHIPPS)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

FRANCES ELIZABETH STURTEVANT (nee PHIPPS) Our dear Mom's heart surrendered to complete stillness the morning of September 19th, 2014, peacefully at the Dr. Evelyn Memorial Hospital in Stonewall, Manitoba. Frances was predeceased by her parents Mathew Wise Phipps and Lillian Phipps, her sister Audrey Phipps and husband Howard Ralph Sturtevant. She leaves behind her daughter Laverne (Greg), son Darryl, grandchildren Jess, Kasen and Ashley (Dave), great grandchildren Arionne, Calvin, Anisha and Aneira, and brother Myron (Emily). She also leaves behind one brother-in-law, Leo Flood, as well as sisters-in-law Lois Mollard, Dorothy Sturtevant, Eileen Ginter, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family Brian Hogg (Geri) and Robert Bostwick. Frances (Toey) was born on October 27, 1929 and in her younger years lived on a farm in Lilyfield, Manitoba. At the age of 11 Mom tragically lost her father. These were difficult and formative years for Mom. At this young and tender age, Grandma, Mom and our uncle took on the responsibilities of working the farm. These were tough times. From this Mom learned the value of hard work and how "pennies make the dollar" leading to a lifetime of ingenious frugality and the ability to find coupons or savings that no one else could find. These years in Lilyfield provided the roots for Mom's strong sense of family, hard work and community of which she was very proud. Stonewall became her home where she attended school and later met Dad whom she married on June 17, 1949. They purchased a farm just outside of Stonewall where they built a successful dairy and grain farm. Mom was an equal partner, worked hard and toiled many long hours in addition to being a homemaker, mom, friend and active member of the community. She was a long-standing member of the Stonewall United Church, Stonewall Rebekah Lodge and the Stonewall Legion. Mom always had time for her large extended family that often visited or spent summer vacations on the farm milking cows, feeding chickens, riding horses, baling hay, laughing, playing cards and enjoying her home cooked meals. At Mom's house, the kitchen was where everything happened. No matter what time of day the coffee pot was always on, there was always an extra plate, a deck of cards, a kind word and a few laughs for whoever would drop by. Mom never forgot to acknowledge a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion with a call or a card. Mom's proudest roles in life were that of a wife, mother and grandmother. She never missed an event and was always there to encourage and support us whether it was us at a horse show, Jess and Kasen at speedskating, Kasen at Irish dance or showing Ashley the experience of farm life. Mom's deep love and strong sense of family and tradition has been instilled in all of us and is her legacy to the family. In retirement, Mom and Dad sold the farm and eventually moved to Stonewall. She enjoyed travelling, curling, fishing, playing cribbage, hockey, a good baseball game live at the Skydome in Toronto or on TV. She continued to be active in the community of Stonewall. This included breakfast at the Rockwood Hotel, senior bus trips, fall suppers, Legion events to name a few. She especially enjoyed the Stonewall Adult Day Program where she developed her creative self through crafts and artwork. We are so thankful that you were our Mom and for all that you have done and taught us. You have planted in us the seed of love, compassion, devotion and family and this seed will continue to grow in us, your children, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren keeping you alive in our hearts and in our minds forever. We promise to carry forward your legacy of love, friendship, community and especially family. We love you and will miss you dearly. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday September 23, 2014 at 2:00PM at MacKenzie Funeral Chapel Stonewall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Lilyfield United Church, the Stonewall United Church or a charity of your choice. MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall, MB 204-487-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 23, 2014