LEONE CAROL RETTIE (LAW)

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LEONE CAROL RETTIE (LAW) May 24, 1925 - July 23, 2012 It is with great sadness that the family announces that Carol passed away peacefully at the Victoria General Hospital on July 23, 2012. She is survived by her daughter Claire (Richard), son James (Jo-Anne), grandchildren Erica, Morgan, Simon, Neville and Fiona; brother Gerry Law (Mardie), sister-in-law Joan Rettie, many nieces and nephews, and her close cousin Pat Krutzen. Carol was predeceased by her husband Bill in 1995, her parents Jim and Anne Law, and her youngest brother Bill Law (Elaine). Carol was a Winnipeg girl with a passion for swimming, tennis, bike-riding and canoeing and a strong and enduring focus on family. She told stories about her life growing up during the war and post-war years: playing tennis at Sargent Park, going to Daniel McIntyre and local dances in an age when all the young men had gone to war, visiting Assiniboine Park in her father's car, teaching Sunday School at Knox United, riding her bike to work, taking the train to Minaki, and spending time at her uncle's cottage at Falcon Lake. Carol was trained as a secretary and worked for Insurance and General Agency and Dominion Tanners Ltd. Carol met Bill at Minaki, married him in 1951, and moved to Montreal in 1957. She loved her time in Montreal - the food, the fashion, learning to speak French and learning to drive! As in Winnipeg, she became very involved in her community with Roxboro United Church and Meals-on-Wheels. Neighbours and young people remember her for her energy, her cooking and her ability to create an environment that provided people with a sense of security and calm. In 1968, when the family returned to Winnipeg, Carol continued to work in the community with volunteer positions at Knox United Church, the YWCA Hargrave House, the White Cross Guild at the Health Sciences Centre, and as a Teacher's Aide with the Learning Disabilities Program for vulnerable children in schools across Winnipeg. Following Bill's death Carol moved to Victoria to be closer to her grandchildren. She spent nine years there making new friends, learning how to play Mahjong, and teaching her people' how to make pickles, bake bread and coordinate great parties. She returned to Winnipeg in 2006 to spend time with her other grandchildren. In spite of declining health, Carol's priorities remained her family. She took great delight in guitar serenades from her Winnipeg grandchildren and had a special place in her heart for Petra the dog who grew old with her. During the last few years, it became more difficult for Carol to live independently. In spite of the challenges that she faced, Carol's sense of humour and her inner strength, her love of good food and her desire to look good' never left her. Carol's nieces Sandy and Nancy Rettie supported Carol and her family through this last month with unflagging attention and love. Carol's family would like to thank the caring staff at the Rosewood and at Golden Links Lodge, and the wonderful 4-North team of the Victoria General Hospital for the compassion they showed Carol in her last days. Cremation has taken place. A private family interment will occur with a Celebration of Life held at a later date. Donations in memory of Carol Rettie may be made to: YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, Camps for Kids, 3550 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Z8 or YMCA-YWCA of Greater Victoria, Strong Kids Campaign, Camp Thunderbird, 851 Broughton St., Victoria, BC V8W 1E5. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 www.nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 28, 2012