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MAUREEN (MO) TIPPLES (MANNALL) Obituary pic

MAUREEN (MO) TIPPLES (MANNALL)

Born: May 25, 1938

Date of Passing: Feb 02, 2022

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MAUREEN (MO) TIPPLES
(nee MANNALL)

May 25, 1938 - February 2, 2022


Mo passed away peacefully, with her family at her side, at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home, after a lengthy encounter with Alzheimer's Disease.
Mo is survived by Keith, her husband of 59 years; children, Neil (Suzanne), Megan Carter (Jason) and Graham (Heather); her beloved grandchildren, Sean (Jamie), Aaron, Sarah, Nathan, Conan, Owen and Grace; and siblings, Christopher, Bernadine and Meg in the U.K.
Prior to her admission to Donwood in September 2021, Mo had been lovingly cared for by her husband Keith who ensured that she remained comfortable and as active as possible in her own home. She was indeed active! She enjoyed daily walks, bike riding, kayaking and even rowing the family sailboat right up to age 81! In her last summer at home she was still managing a fierce game of table tennis, often accompanied by great laughter.
The task of putting a life into words is no easy one, especially one so fully lived. Mo's life passions were her family, the outdoors and many variations of physical activity.
Mo was born in Weymouth England. She grew up in a family with two sisters and a brother. During the war years, her dad served in the Royal Navy and was away in Australia for seven years. Her grandmother was an important figure in the home during this time. Mo had longstanding memories of her time living in coast guard cottages on the south coast of England when her dad later served as a coast guard officer. This was the beginning of her love of the sea and interest in travel.
From the start, Mo's school days were filled with an interest in sports (netball and tennis), and a love of geography. She went on to complete a BA degree at the University of Birmingham in Phys Ed and Geography. She made many lifelong friends, got introduced to camping, continued to be active in tennis, and captained the netball team to a British inter-varsity championship. Mo and Keith met during their first year at university and were married five years later, on April 23, 1962.
Mo's life was filled with many interests. She played tennis well into her 70s and her friends from the Winnipeg Canoe Club and later at the Winnipeg Lawn tennis club were important to her. Her pursuits also included badminton, yoga, bike riding, cross country skiing, ballroom and folk dancing (with Manitoba International Folk Dance Association). At the Donwood, staff often commented that Mo's feet were never still as she tapped her toes to music. Mo also developed excellent skills in stained glass artistry. She loved organizing treasure hunts, games parties and other fun activities.
Mo and Keith embarked on a great adventure at the end of December 1962 when they left England and travelled to Canada. Keith had a one-year post-doctoral fellowship position in Winnipeg at the Grain Research Laboratory. Mo's recollection of the voyage from UK to New York on the Queen Mary - while six months pregnant with their first child - was a longstanding memory. When Keith accepted a permanent position as a research scientist, Winnipeg became their permanent home.
Mo's early years in Canada passed in a blur, raising her three children. She took care to ensure there were always lots of good books in the house, and supported the children's many sport and musical interests. Her sewing machine was often busy in those days, and many Christmas decorations (still used) were made by her hand. She hosted some amazing kids' birthday parties full of games, paper hats and "meringues with faces".
Mo taught recreational gymnastics and produced some wonderful gym shows which involved small children having a great time dressed up as rabbits and other such animals. Mo was never interested in coaching competitive gymnastics but rather wanted to teach basic movement skills while having fun doing it. She subsequently put her Phys Ed training to good use as a Sport Administrator and Board member with the Manitoba Sports Federation. She worked with a variety of sport associations including women's field hockey, wheelchair sports, gymnastics, paddling, and broomball. She was also a member of the Manitoba team staff at a number of Canada Games.
Camping and enjoying nature were an important part of Mo's life. Early family life included many happy camping trips to places like Grand Beach and an all-time favourite spot at Sioux Narrows Provincial Park. As the kids got a bit older, a beloved family sailboat "Skipper 14" became a huge part of the camping adventures. Summer days were filled with swimming, sailing, wind surfing, fishing for rock bass and other fun activities. Many days ended singing around the campfire. Mo and Keith eventually bought a cottage at Grindstone Provincial Park on Lake Winnipeg. The Grindstone cottage was a slice of heaven for Mo and Keith, and they shared 26 lovely summers there.
Mo's love of the outdoors led her to advocate in many ways, and her Grindstone years were filled with volunteer work including with the Cottage Owners' Association, and the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium. She co-founded S.O.U.L (Save Our Lake) and was passionate about educating cottage owners about the health of the lake and other environmental issues.
The start of cottage life coincided with the arrival of grandchildren - eventually seven - and "GranMo" was delighted to share in all aspects of their lives. As she reflected in an early journal, "I cannot express in words how much joy and happiness I have found in being part of your lives. Each additional baby born just expands the horizons of my love and pride in all of you". GranMo was a fan at every musical or sporting event and had boundless energy to share activities like reading books, working puppets, playing games, doing puzzles, or scouring the beach for fossils and igneous rocks and teaching an appreciation of nature.
Mo's passion for geography flourished after Keith retired, and together they embarked on some incredible trips to places like Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Norway, and within Canada to Newfoundland and to the Great Bear rainforest in BC. Mo was thirsty for information about all aspects of the places she visited and was willing to be slightly uncomfortable (for example on camping safaris) if it meant that she could get close to the land, animals, or people of the area.
Family would like to thank the staff of Donwood Manor for their compassionate care in the last months of Mo's life.
In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a walk, watch the birds, look after the earth, and hug your family.
Mo's words from a journal, penned before her memory slipped away: "To each and everyone that I have ever known, thank you for the happiness you have given me. Remember to live every day to the full and laugh a lot - it keeps you young and makes life a fun-filled experience! May the Good Spirit bless you all".
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life is planned for a future date.



www.voyagefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 05, 2022

Condolences & Memories (18 entries)

  • Ken and I just learned of Mo's passing, Keith. We are so sorry.We have so many great memories of spending time with her at your home.She was so welcoming to young scientists, like Ken, holding parties with games.....I learned how not to throw darts and learned how to play tidley winks. She always had a smile on her face and was ready for a laugh. Hugs Shirley and Ken - Posted by: Shirley and Ken Preston (Friends a nd work mates) on: Apr 07, 2022

  • Dear Keith and Graham and families Our sincere condolences to you all on the passing of Maureen. Martin, Maureen, Liam, Jesse & Ciaran - Posted by: Martin Scanlon (Friend, ex-work colleague of Keith and Graham) on: Feb 14, 2022

  • Keith, sorry to hear about Mo. A great life she had. Judith and I still remember the games/fund-raisers you and Mo organized during the St. Georges years. Good memories. Keep well old lad. - Posted by: David Turner (Friend) on: Feb 09, 2022

  • Condolences on the loss of an amazing woman. I met Mo in the early days of formation of what is now the MPPCOA; the Manitoba Provincial Park Cabin Owner’s Association. Mo was years ahead of us in recognizing the need to organize all Cottager’s organizations into one coherent group. Her vision, determination, and sense of fun and good humour were critical to our ultimate success. She will not be forgotten. May she rest in peace. Daniel Klass. Past President, Whiteshell Cottagers Association. - Posted by: Daniel Klass (Colleague) on: Feb 09, 2022

  • So sad to hear of Mo's passing and my deepest condolences to Keith and family on their loss. Mo Tipples was already a veteran of amateur sport administration when I started at the Manitoba Sports Federation in the early 1980s. She always spoke her mind and defended what she thought was fair and just. She could be intimidating but she was also very kind, with a quick wit and wry sense of humour that was punctuated with her accent. I learned a lot from her in those early MSF days. RIP Mo. - Posted by: Rick Brownlee (MB Sports Hall of Fame) on: Feb 08, 2022

  • Extending our deepest sympathy to Keith Tipples & family on Maureen's passing. Reading through this wonderful tribute of a life full of care and compassion, it's evident that she touched alot of lives along the way. So sorry to see she passed away. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Lynda Ruban staff and friends at the HSC Foundation - Posted by: Lynda Ruban (staff at Health Sciences Centre Foundation) on: Feb 07, 2022

  • Keith, I send my heartfelt condolences to you, Neil, Megan, Graham and their families. Mo was the most honest, funny, intelligent, passionate and active women, whom I am honoured to call my good friend. Tennis brought us together, along with those wonderful people from the Winnipeg Canoe Club, then at The Winnipeg Tennis Club, but we first met through field hockey. Both of us had familiar experiences growing up in England, playing Tennis and Netball. Our paths have been similar; love of music, the outdoors and so many sports, but the difference between us was that Mo was closer to 6ft.in height and I was closer to 5ft! Keith, I moved to Ottawa over 5 years ago and have missed all my friends in Winnipeg; I will never forget Mo. She poured her heart into everything she did. A life well lived! - Posted by: Jeannie McDonald (Friend) on: Feb 07, 2022

  • Dear Keith, Sincerely saddened for you and your family at Mo's passing. So many wonderful memories of GRL and CGC get togethers, lunches with you and Mo, Mo cycling by our house, and a great Christmas Party...complete with games... at the Parkville house. Once we were neighbours too when I lived at 59 River Road. And I remember Mo's comments about the infamous house on Kingston Row near Jim and I on the Crescent. Memorable always will be Mo's love of nature and fun no matter what the weather. They just don't make 'em like her anymore. You have my deepest sympathy, Louise 'Cookie' Townsend - Posted by: Louise Townsend (Colleague of Keith) on: Feb 06, 2022

  • My condolences to Megan and family. I remember her at X-country ski events. What a beautiful memorial!! What wonderful memories she left you all. She sure was an amazing woman. My prayers go out to you all 🙏 - Posted by: Michelle Poirier (Friend of Megan her daughter ) on: Feb 06, 2022

  • I played badminton and tennis with Mo for many years at the Canoe Club. I also enjoyed our Sunday morning breakfasts with her and the rest of our badminton group. Last time I saw her she could not remember my first name but remembered me as the little Scottish girl and then remembered my maiden name. She would arrange the party games for our badminton group at Christmas. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Our condolences to Keith and his family. - Posted by: Renee & Brian Falco (friend) on: Feb 06, 2022

  • Keith (my captain), so sorry for your loss. I remember how close you two were. Take care and give me a call sometime. - Posted by: Michael Fuller (friend) on: Feb 06, 2022

  • My sincere condolences on Mo’s passing. I met Mo through badminton at the Greendell Community Club and she was a joy to play with. There were always smiles and laughs when we played together. Mo will be fondly remembered. - Posted by: Michael Nayler (Badminton partner) on: Feb 06, 2022

  • Keith I am very saddened for you in the loss of your dear wife and companion, Mo. You and I had in common that we both spent a year at the GRL and joined the staff for the rest of our working careers. One other thing that we had in common, was that we sang well together, and you were a memorable musician. I well remember those golden days, and may I extend to you my warmest wishes, to add to my most heartfelt condolences. Sincerely. Phil. - Posted by: Phil Williams (Colleague for many years) on: Feb 05, 2022

  • Our sincerest condolences to Keith, and all the Family, in the loss of Mo. We have very fond memories of Mo, and the Family, when we cross country skied at events in and around Manitoba, especially at Windsor Park. Our thoughts are with Keith and the Family at this very sad time. Paul and Jean Krepps, and Family Ian (Krepps) and Paula (Paterson) - Posted by: Paul and Jean Krepps (Cross country ski friends) on: Feb 05, 2022

  • My deepest condolences to the loss of your Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend. Losing a loved one is never easy, I pray you find comfort knowing she is at peace and now living in your hearts and memories. Hugs, With Love, Jeanette and Shawn - Posted by: Jeanette Fillion (Cousin ) on: Feb 05, 2022

  • I knew Mo and Keith from Grindstone. She was a force of nature, and I enjoyed working with her on the Save Our Lake (SOUL) committee. Our work was always accompanied by laughter. I liked being in her company. My condolences to Keith and all the family. - Posted by: Amanda Le Rougetel (friend) on: Feb 05, 2022

  • I knew Mo and Keith from Grindstone. She was a force of nature, and I enjoyed working with her on the Save Our Lake (SOUL) committee. Our work was always accompanied by laughter. I liked being in her company. My condolences to Keith and all the family. - Posted by: Amanda Le Rougetel (friend) on: Feb 05, 2022

  • Mo and Keith were wonderful neighbours in Grindstone. We shared a love of sailing and would often watch for each other if the wind was right, Mo and Keith in their beautiful boat and me in my Sunfish. I loved watching Mo teach her grandkids to sail, passing on that great joy. Mo’s energy was infectious and I was always glad to see her. Loving thoughts to her family. My love to you all, such a wonderful family. One day Mo was coming up on my porch to deliver something about the music gathering in Grindstone and I was just getting out of the bath and padding across my living room in my underwear. Mo appeared at the door and in the interests of modesty I tried to run across the hard wood floor to get my robe. With a bang…I tore the Achilles’ tendon in my right leg. Of course I howled and poor Mo was traumatized! I’ve laughed about this over the years many times. My gosh I say… it was Mo Tipples who would not have cared one bit to catch me partially clad! Mo continues to be an inspiration to me…an active, interested, bright powerful woman who loved her family. - Posted by: Judy Hill and Deborah Romeyn (Friends) on: Feb 05, 2022

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