AUDREY DOUGLAS (BOSCH)

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AUDREY ANITA MARIE DOUGLAS (BOSCH) Audrey Douglas, 77, passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side, at St. Boniface Hospital, December 17, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the only child of Pietrie (Pete) and Aafje (Eva) Bosch in Oakbank, MB, born on January 5, 1934. Mom attended Lord Kitchener Elementary, Prince Edward School for Junior High and East Kildonan Collegiate which was located on the top floor of what is now Lord Wolseley School. After completing Grade 11, Mom got her first job as a billing clerk for Manitoba Hydro for a year before entering nurses training at the Children's Hospital. Wonderful friendships were formed and the class of 55B celebrated their 55th reunion in 2010. Mom's love of children was evident when she left her position as a Head Nurse at Children's when she met Donald, with his all inclusive package of two small children (Peter and Patti), a house in the suburbs, and a rustic cabin at Red Rock Lake. They were married September 6, 1963 at John Black Church and the reception was held at the Royal Alexandra Hotel. Two years later, Donna arrived, and the family was complete. She was a lifelong member of John Black Church, working with the volunteers in the banner group for nearly 20 years and leading quilt workshops in support of M.C.C. Her commitment to the Children's Hospital continued on through her weekly Wednesdays with the Book Market up until her illness, being recognized for 50 years of service. It gave her great pleasure earlier this spring when her granddaughter Katlyn received the Vince Leah Community Service Award at her high school convocation. Mom's love of quilting, reading, and theatre were evident in her volunteer activities. One of the great pleasures in Audrey's life was time spent with family and friends at the cottage at Red Rock Lake. It was our parent's heaven on earth and home to many celebrations, such as the legendary bagpipe parade on the September long weekend for their anniversary which brought the neighbourhood together. Christmases were spent there, with both a skating and curling rink on the lake, complete Christmas dinner with all the fixings with running water from a hole chopped in the ice! Her greatest joy was being Nana to Katlyn, Michael and Keely; they were the light of her life. Through gifts of books and magazines Mom encouraged them to read and learn about the world, watched their progress in swimming, soccer and band as well as introduced them to the symphony and theatre. Keely is presently learning to skate and highland dance, which would have also made Mom proud and thrilled Dad. Audrey is survived by her three children: Peter (Barbara), Katlyn and Michael; Patti (Tim Wieler), and Donna (Miguel LaVallee), Keely, of Kelowna, BC. She was predeceased by her husband Donald in 1991, Donald's sister Helen in 2004 and brother-in-law Lundy Pearson in 1994. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Beverly Ayers (Bill) of Pinawa; niece Joanne (Ed) and nephew Eric (Heather) and their families, in addition to cousins both here and in Holland. The family would like to thank the staff at Seine River Residences for their help in Mom's transition from her home, albeit her stay was cut short. We are also grateful to the staff at CancerCare: Dr. Butler, his nurse, Rob Richardson and Mom's ophthalmologist, Dr. Brodovsky for their care and support they gave her on this difficult journey. We were blessed by the compassion and care given by Dr. Wong and the staff of the Palliative Team at St. Boniface Hospital. Last, but not least, we appreciate the long and rich friendships of Donna Handford and Donna-Mae Burgener, two special ladies who walked beside her and are a source of support for our family. According to Audrey's wishes cremation has taken place. Interment at Sunnyside Cemetery in the RM of Springfield will take place at a later date. A Celebration of Audrey's life will be held at John Black Memorial United Church on Friday, December 23 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to CancerCare; the Children's Hospital Research Foundation; or, bring along a book or two to donate to the annual Children's Hospital Book Sale.
Run Date: Dec 21, 2011

AUDREY DOUGLAS (nee BOSCH) Peacefully on Saturday, December 17, 2011 Audrey Douglas (Bosch) passed away at St. Boniface Hospital. Longer obituary to follow in Wednesday's paper. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 BROADWAY, WINNIPEG, MB R3C OX4 783-7211 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com
Run Date: Dec 19, 2011

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 21, 2011